What if someone gets your tax ID number?

Once someone gets your EIN number, he can establish corporate credit card accounts, business banking accounts and even establish personal credit without your knowing it. The theft of your EIN can be combined with thieves accessing your mail.

Can someone steal your tax ID number?

Because the IRS has processes in place to confirm that an EIN used is valid (actually issued by the IRS), thieves steal and use a valid EIN of an unsuspecting business.

How do I file taxes if my identity was stolen?

This means that you’re a victim of tax identity theft – or more specifically, stolen identity refund fraud. You follow the instructions to file your return with the IRS by mail – and attach Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, to report your identity theft. You send it off to the IRS.

What do you do if tax return is stolen?

What to Do if You’re a Victim of Tax Identity Theft

1. Complete a paper return.
2. File Form 14039.
3. File a police report.
4. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission.
5. Request a copy of the fraudulent return.
6. Check your credit reports and account statements.
7. Put a credit freeze on your accounts.
8. Get a PIN for tax filing.

Should I protect my tax ID number?

No, EINs are not kept confidential and are a matter of public record. Therefore, it is important that you keep your EIN safe and secure to ensure that no one attempts to commit fraud by using your EIN.

How do you know if someone is using your EIN?

Visit the Internal Revenue Service website (IRS.gov) to obtain the information you need to contact your state’s local IRS office. Call or email your local office to request a case be opened to track activity filed under your EIN.

What happens after you report identity theft?

After filing an FTC identity theft report, you’ll receive a personalized recovery plan with tools like form letters to send to credit bureaus. You’ll also get an identity theft affidavit that you can review and update.

How do I report my identity stolen to Social Security?

Do you suspect someone of committing fraud, waste, or abuse against Social Security? You can contact the Office of the Inspector General’s fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271 or submit a report online at

What happens if someone used my Social Security number to file taxes?

Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your stolen personal information, including your Social Security number, to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund. If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft, continue to pay your taxes and file your tax return, even if you must file a paper return.

What to do if your identity is stolen or lost?

Some states have special laws and agencies to help identity theft victims, and a lawyer can point you in the right direction. If you don’t know a lawyer, then try the state attorney general’s office. Identity theft can happen long after the information was lost or stolen. Sometimes, several years can pass before anything creeps up.

How to report identity theft to the IRS?

Whether you want to report identity theft involving your tax refund, or identity theft involving your stimulus payment, the IRS requires you to complete an IRS Identity Theft Affidavit (IRS Form 14039) to report the fraud. When you fill out IRS Form 14039, you can say whether you’re reporting tax refund fraud or stimulus payment fraud.

What to do if you suspect ID theft?

Taxpayers who suspect they are a victim of ID theft should continue to pay their taxes and file their tax return, even if they must do so on paper. File a complaint with the FTC at identitytheft.gov.

What to do if your tax file number is stolen?

If you can’t find your tax file number (TFN) and have a myGov account linked to the ATO, you can find it online. You should tell us as soon as possible if your TFN is stolen or misused. You will need your TFN when starting a new job, applying for government benefits, lodging a tax return or applying for higher education loans.