What taxpayers should do if they get an identity theft letter from the IRS

IRS Tax Tip 2022-56

When a thief steals someone’s Social Security number, they can use it to file a fraudulent tax return. This is tax-related identity theft. The IRS scans tax returns for possible fraud. If a tax return is flagged as suspicious, the agency will pull it for more review. Then the IRS will send the taxpayer a letter notifying them of potential ID theft. The suspicious tax return won’t be processed until the taxpayer responds to the letter.

Here are the identity fraud letters the IRS may send to taxpayers:

Taxpayers should follow the steps in the letter exactly.

If the IRS sends a taxpayer an identity theft letter, the taxpayer should follow the steps in the letter. That letter will provide all the information that the IRS needs. There is no need for the taxpayer to file a Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit.