What is tax-related data theft?
Tax related identity theft occurs when someone uses
your client's stolen Social Security number to file a tax return claiming a
fraudulent refund. Identity thieves may also use a stolen PTIN from your
business to file fraudulent returns.
What are the warning signs?
Warning signs of tax-related data theft include:
- more than one tax
return was filed using a client's SSN
- DOR records indicate your client received wages from an unknown employer
- more than one of
your clients received a letter (reference letter IA or ID) stating that his or her identity may have been used to
claim a fraudulent refund
- a tax return has
been filed for a state in which you do not file returns
- the number of
returns filed on your IRS PTIN account is greater than and/or
does not match your
records
Did someone file a tax return using your client’s SSN?
If your client’s SSN has been compromised and there is
reason to believe they are at risk for tax related identity theft, please take
these steps:
- If your client
received a Kentucky Department of Revenue reference letter IA or ID, follow the instructions on the letter or contact us at
identitytheft@ky.gov.
- Visit Identity Theft Victims for information on how to
file your client’s return.
Did someone file a tax return using your PTIN?
- Complete IRS Form 14157.
- Forward it to the address listed on the form.
- Email a copy of IRS
Form 14157 to identitytheft@ky.gov.
- In the body of the email please include the
number of returns that have been filed under your compromised PTIN for Kentucky.
The above steps will allow us to place an alert on your PTIN
account and monitor for
continued misuse.
Monitor your PTIN for suspicious activity
To verify that the number of returns you have filed
matches the number on your PTIN account, follow
these steps:
- Visit https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/ptin and log into your PTIN account.
- From the main menu, select Additional Activities.
- Under Additional Activities, select View Returns
Filed Per PTIN.
- A chart labeled Returns Per PTIN should appear.
- A count of individual income tax returns filed and
processed in the current year will be displayed.
Please request a new PTIN from the IRS if you detect fraudulent activity on your PTIN.