How does tax identity theft happen?

Usually a compromised SSN from a data breach. Someone files early using your info to claim a fraudulent refund.

Tax Help

Responding to Tax Identity Theft

Tax identity theft delays your refund and creates paperwork. The fix is Form 14039 plus an IP PIN for future years.

Written by

Herman Viglione, EA

Updated April 22, 2026

30-day response window

IRS notices have short response windows. Call the office today if your deadline is close.

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What to do immediately

File Form 14039 Identity Theft Affidavit. Continue filing your return via paper with the affidavit attached. Request an IP PIN for all future years. Report to FTC at IdentityTheft.gov and place a fraud alert with credit bureaus.

The timeline

IRS identity theft resolution takes 180+ days currently. Your legitimate refund arrives when processing completes. Future-year filings with IP PIN usually proceed normally.

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Call the office and a human answers.

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Common questions

How does tax identity theft happen?: Usually a compromised SSN from a data breach. Someone files early using your info to claim a fraudulent refund.

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