For many, filing taxes can be an incredibly stressful process, as you may need to gather a considerable amount of documents before navigating this process on your own or meeting with your accountant. However, the last thing you expect after you attempt to submit your filing is to receive a notification that you’ve already received your return. If this reflects your circumstances, it’s necessary to understand that this can be the result of tax identity theft. The following blog explores this crime in further detail, as well as the importance of working with a Michigan identity theft lawyer to explore your legal options.
How Does Tax Identity Theft Work?
As the name suggests, tax identity theft occurs when someone accesses your personal information to file a tax return and claim it’s benefits. Unfortunately, there is often no way of knowing that this theft has occurred until the IRS notifies the victim of issues with the return or the inability to process the legitimate return they have filed.
Generally, most people receive their tax forms from their employers by January 31 each year, but many wait until April to file. However, during this time, a scammer may be able to access your personal information, like your full name, social security number, and date of birth, to file a tax return as you, meaning they will have access to the funds you receive as part of your return. As such, when you attempt to file your taxes, you will not receive any returns, as the IRS has already processed them based on your information.
What Can I Do to Recover if I’m a Victim?
If you discover that you are a victim of tax identity theft, it can be devastating. Not only does this impact your ability to recover returns, but knowing someone has your personal information can be unsettling and lead to additional theft. As such, it’s critical to take the necessary steps to navigate these matters to best protect yourself.
Generally, the most important thing you should do if you are a victim is to continue to pay your taxes, as failure to do so, even while navigating tax identity theft, can result in negative consequences. While you continue to pay your taxes, you should also file a report with the FTC to formally document the identity theft you’ve endured. They will provide you with a copy of the report and steps you can take to recover. However, you’ll also need to file an Identity Theft Affidavit with the IRS, so they can begin investigating these matters.
If you discover that someone has stolen your identity to claim your tax return as their own, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced identity theft attorney with Lyngklip & Associates. Our firm understands how difficult these matters can be, which is why we are committed to assisting you through this overwhelming process. Connect with our team today to learn how we can assist you.
