IRS Identity Theft Risk Letter

We understand you are concerned that you have received an official letter from the IRS regarding Identity Theft.  If you are here, you are wondering what TurboTax can do for you.

We are deeply concerned about any instance of identity theft and in this case, we can assure you that TurboTax does in fact safeguard your information.  Identity thieves steal names and social security numbers outside of the tax filing process and then use tax software like TurboTax to file fraudulent tax returns.  Under these circumstances, both consumers like you and tax software companies, like TurboTax, become victims of these fraudsters.

At Intuit, we value our relationship with you and place the highest importance on respecting and protecting you and your data. We want you to feel comfortable and confident when using our products and services and with entrusting your personal, company and financial information to us. You can learn more here about what Intuit does to protect you and your data.
 

The IRS is also concerned about this subject matter, which is why they reach out to individuals with the letter you received. A recent IRS and GAO (Government Accountability Office) Report recommends these top 10 things every tax payer should know about Identity Theft.

1. The IRS does not initiate contact with a taxpayer by e-mail.
2. If you receive a scam e-mail claiming to be from the IRS, forward it to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov
3. Identity thieves get your personal information by many different means, including:
   • Stealing your wallet or purse
   • Posing as someone who needs information about you through a phone call or e-mail
   • Looking through your trash for personal information
   • Accessing information you provide to an unsecured Internet site.
4. If you discover a website that claims to be the IRS but does not begin with www.irs.gov, forward that link to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov
5. To learn how to identify a secure website, visit the Federal Trade Commission.
6. If your Social Security number is stolen, another individual may use it to get a job. That person’s employer may report income earned by them to the IRS using your Social Security number, thus making it appear that you did not report all of your income on your tax return.
7. Your identity may have been stolen if a letter from the IRS indicates more than one tax return was filed for you or the letter states you received wages from an employer you don’t know. If you receive such a letter from the IRS, leading you to believe your identity has been stolen, respond immediately to the name, address or phone number on the IRS notice.
8. If your tax records are not currently affected by identity theft, but you believe you may be at risk due to a lost wallet, questionable credit card activity, or credit report, you need to provide the IRS with proof of your identity. You should submit a copy of your valid government-issued identification – such as a Social Security card, driver’s license, or passport – along with a copy of a police report and/or a completed Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit. As an option, you can also contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit, toll-free at 800-908-4490. You should also follow FTC guidance for reporting identity theft at www.ftc.gov/idtheft
9. Show your Social Security card to your employer when you start a job or to your financial institution for tax reporting purposes. Do not routinely carry your card or other documents that display your Social Security number.
10. For more information about identity theft – including information about how to report identity theft, phishing and related fraudulent activity – visit the IRS Identity Theft and Your Tax Records Page, which you can find by searching “Identity Theft” on the IRS.gov home page.