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What this notice is about
We verified your identity theft claim. We placed an indicator on your tax account and will monitor it to help prevent future fraud.
What you need to know
No additional action is needed on your part. Keep filing your tax returns by the deadline as required.
You’ll need to use an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) when you file your future tax returns. It’s a 6-digit number assigned to eligible taxpayers to help prevent the misuse of their taxpayer identification number (TIN) on fraudulent federal income tax returns. The IRS will send you a new IP PIN each year.
If you prefer to receive an IP PIN sooner than early December for the upcoming processing year, you can request an IP PIN online. Once you request it online, you’ll be automatically enrolled in paperless IP PIN assignment. You’ll need to sign into your account annually to retrieve your new IP PIN.
You may want to
- Review the IRS Identity Theft Central page for more information.
- Visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov for guidance.
- Monitor all your personal financial accounts and credit report for suspicious or unauthorized activities.
- Request, or have your authorized third-party request, a redacted copy of the fraudulent tax return that was filed using your name and TIN. See Instructions for requesting copy of fraudulent returns.
- File a complaint with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov or call 877-438-4338, TTY: 866-653-4261, if you think your dependent’s personally identifiable information (PII) was compromised.
Frequently asked questions
The indicator doesn’t affect your ability to file your tax return, make payments or get a refund. Whenever your account has the identity theft indicator, you’ll need to use an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) when you file your tax return.
The indicator will stay on your account until you specifically request that we remove it.
If someone other than you attempts to file a tax return using your taxpayer identification number, it won’t be processed. We’ll detect it and alert you to potential identity theft.
You can call 800-908-4490 for help with identity theft problems related to your account. You can also find the phone number on the notice we sent you.
For all other tax account related questions, visit our Let us help you page or call 800-829-1040.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers support, guidance and resources related to consumer protection, such as:
Tips for next year
- File your tax return on time. If you can’t file on time, e-file Form 4868 to request an automatic extension of time to file. An extension to file a tax return doesn’t extend the time you have to pay.
- Pay any tax you owe by the due date to avoid interest and penalties or explore alternate options like a payment plan if you can’t pay in full.
- Learn more about how to get an identity protection PIN (IP PIN).
Need help?
- You can authorize someone to represent you before the IRS or inspect and/or receive confidential tax information.
- You may be eligible for free help from the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS).
- You may qualify for help from a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic.
- You can request a copy of your notice or letter in Braille or large print.
- If you didn’t receive a letter or notice, use Let us help you.