Has Someone Stolen Your Identity? Our Attorney Can Help You Address Tax Identity Theft.
Every year, the horror stories come again – people stealing others’ identities during tax season. Victims are dealing with more than a financial loss; they are left navigating a new, complicated challenge that will require them to prove their identity, recover their financial standing and restore their tax status.
This is not a task to take on by yourself, especially not if you have substantial assets that are now at risk. At The Gartzman Law Firm, P.C., Jeffrey Gartzman brings together the financial acumen of a CPA and the legal skill of a tax fraud lawyer in one dedicated advocate. He can help you address IRS tax identity theft and protect your well-being.
How Taxes Are Used For Identity Theft
There are many ways identity thieves can use your or your loved one’s tax filing to take your personal information, many of which do not require technological skill at all. They may steal your W-2s or other information from the mail, purchase your Social Security number online or hack into your tax programs. Once they have this information, some will steal your identity quickly by filing your taxes before you do, gaining access to your tax return. Others may wait until the risk is lower and steal your identity later.
Tax identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information, such as your Social Security number, to file a fraudulent tax return and claim a refund. Common types include refund fraud, where identity thieves file early to claim your refund, and employment tax fraud, where someone uses your identity to gain employment, leading to complications with your IRS records. Business identity theft is another variant where criminals file business tax returns to claim refunds or create fraudulent businesses using your business’s identity.
What Issues Could Be Signs Of Tax Identity Theft?
The first sign that someone has used your tax information to steal your identity is often a rejected tax filing. You may also receive a tax transcript or tax forms without requesting them. In some cases, you may even receive a notice from the IRS indicating that multiple tax returns have been filed under your Social Security number or a notification of additional income reported that you did not earn, or the IRS may begin an audit of your finances.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Tax Identity Fraud?
Once you realize what has happened, you need to act fast, especially if you are a small-business owner or have high-value property. You will need to do more than call your credit card company or report the theft to the police to fix tax identity theft.
If you suspect tax identity theft, act immediately by contacting the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit. You should complete and submit IRS Form 14039, the Identity Theft Affidavit, to alert the IRS to your situation. Additionally, check your credit reports for any unauthorized activity, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission, and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your accounts to prevent further misuse of your identity.
Calling an attorney can also be a vital step for anyone in this difficult situation. They can help you communicate effectively with the IRS, ensuring that you properly submit all necessary documentation for correcting your tax return and meet any deadlines. An attorney can also advise you on protecting your identity in the future and represent you in any legal proceedings or disputes that may arise. Their skill can not only help you protect your finances but also lift the burden of this challenging situation.
Talk To An Attorney You Trust
With over three decades of tax law experience and hundreds of prior successful cases, The Gartzman Law Firm, P.C., in Atlanta, is here to offer you guidance and advocacy during complicated legal issues involving the tax code. We are prepared to help you regain stability and your identity. Send us an email today, or call our office at 770-695-7337 to speak with our tax attorney.