When Should You File an Identity Theft Affidavit?
There are two situations when a Form 14039 Identity Theft Affidavit should be filed. 1) If the IRS instructs the taxpayer to file the form. 2) If the taxpayer attempted to file an electronically filed tax return, IRS rejects it due to a duplicate Social Security Number used, and the taxpayer did not file the original return.
When the IRS Asks You To File the Identity Theft Affidavit
The IRS regularly suspicious tax returns using hundreds of processing filters and, if detected, will pull the suspicious return for a review. Once sent for review, the IRS will send one of three letters to the taxpayer. The return will be held in pending review status until the taxpayer has been verified and the correct return confirmed.
In this review status, the taxpayer will receive Letter 5071C, asking the taxpayer to access the IRS’ online tool to verify their identity and confirm they filed the return in question. The IRS might send a variation of Form 5071, Letter 4883C, which will ask the taxpayer to call a specific number at the IRS to verify their identity and confirm the filing. Those taxpayers who have been victims of a data breach will likely receive Letter 5747C and be asked to verify their identity in person at a Taxpayer Assistance Center.
Because Your Electrically Filed Return was Rejected Due Duplicate SSN Use
If your return is rejected due to a prior fraudulent filing using your Social Security Number, you would file Form 14039. You would complete Form 14039, attach it to a paper tax return, and mail it to the IRS to infrom the IRS that you are a victim of identity theft. The IRS will then identify the prior fraudulent return, complete their investigation, clear the account, and process the correct paper tax return. See IRS Identity Theft Victim Assistance: How It Works.
The Key to Resolving Your Identity Theft Issues and Getting Your Return Prompt Processed!
The key to getting the legitimate return processd promptly is early detection of tax-related identity theft. Part of the IRS job in an identity theft situation is to determine which is the correct return. This process become infinitely more complicated is a refund has already been processed. Now the IRS has to be even more suspicious, who received the prior refund and should another refund be issued. You can imaging home much this would delay the processing of your legitimate return.
Form 14039 is available on IRS.gov website. It should be completed, printed, and attached to a paper filed tax return and the complete package mailing to the IRS.
Understanding Your 5071C Letter,
IRS is asking that you go to their secure site to verify your identity so that they can process your return
Understanding Your 5747C Letter or
IRS is asking you to visit a Taxpayer Assistance Center to verify your identity so that they may process your return.
Understanding Your 4883C Letter.
IRS is asking you to call them to verify your identity so that they may process your return.
Once the taxpayer has been verified, the IRS will clear the fraudulent return from the taxpayer’s account and process the correct return. The IRS will generally place a unique marker on the tax account that will generate an Identity Protection PIN each year.
Unless this IP PIN is listed on the tax return a return cannot be filed electronically, once the taxpayer is in the program.
The Key to Resolving Your Identity Theft Issues and Getting Your Return Prompt Processed!
The key to getting the legitimate return processed promptly is early detection of tax-related identity theft. Part of the IRS job in an identity theft situation is to determine which is the correct return. This process become infinitely more complicated is a refund has already been processed. Now the IRS has to be even more suspicious, who received the prior refund and should another.
Same Day Detect of Filed Return
Whether the return filed is you filing a legitimate return or an identity thief filing a fraudulent return, you will be informed the day the return is processed. If it was not you that filed the return, you should IMMEDIATE file the Form 14039 Identity Theft Affidavit. By doing so IMMEDIATELY you will significantly speed up the processing of your own legitimate return.
Identity Thieves File Fraudulent Returns Early!
Most identity thieves file fraudulent return file early, long before your typically file. Without protection like Audit Alarm, your will likely not find out that you are the victim of tax-related identity theft until months later when you file and it is rejected.
Audit Alarm is IRS Tax Account Monitoring and so much more.
Audit Alarm is a modern Tax Account Monitoring and tax-related identity theft protection company. Since 2005, Legacy Tax & Resolution Services has been a leading provider of proactive tax account monitoring and consumer identity theft protection services. We leverage unique data, science, and patented technology and provide tax identity threat detection, proactive tax account alerts†, and comprehensive resolution services.
Complete Credit & Consumer Identity Protection, also available (not included)
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