Ask Ashley Blog

January 10, 2026

Ashley

What to Do if Someone Files a Fraudulent Tax Return in Your Name

Tax Fraud

Tax return fraud hits hard — especially when you’re counting on your refund. It’s frustrating, stressful, and honestly just unfair. But before you panic, take a breath. Your refund is not gone, and yes, it can be re‑issued once the IRS confirms the fraud and corrects your account.

 

Step 1: Complete a Paper Return

 

Because a tax return has already been submitted under your Social Security number—whether it was mailed or electronically filed—the IRS will not accept another electronic submission, even though you are the legitimate taxpayer. All corrected returns must be filed on paper, as tax software cannot transmit a second electronic return once the IRS system shows a filing already exists. After your mailed in tax return is accepted, this alerts the IRS that the e‑file wasn’t yours and starts the identity theft review process. Write “Identity Theft” at the top of your return.

 

Step 2: File Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit)

 

Form 14039 officially notifies the IRS that your identity was compromised and triggers their special handling process, which places a fraud alert on your tax account and prevents further unauthorized filings. This form must be mailed separately from your paper tax return — they do not go in the same envelope. The IRS allows Form 14039 to be submitted either by mail or by fax, and the instructions include the exact mailing address and the toll‑free fax number you must use. It’s important to follow the instructions carefully and send the form to the address or fax number listed on the instruction sheet, as these may differ from the address used for your tax return. Mailing or faxing Form 14039 exactly as directed helps avoid delays in processing your identity theft case and ensures your account is properly protected.

 

Two options for submitting the form:

 

Fax Number for Form 14039

 

855‑807‑5720

(Include a cover sheet marked “Confidential”)

 

Mailing Address for Form 14039

 

Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Fresno, CA 93725

 

If you need help completing the form, I’ve put together a sample version to guide you.

 

Download Form 14039

 

3. Request a Copy of the Fraudulent Return

You’re allowed to request a redacted copy of the fraudulent return filed under your Social Security number. Seeing what the thief submitted helps you understand what information was stolen and whether other accounts may be at risk. After you review the return, use the information to file a police report or a report with the FTC.

 

4. File a Police Report

 

Identity theft is a crime, and having a police report strengthens your case. Banks, credit bureaus, and even the IRS may request it. It also helps law enforcement track patterns of tax‑related fraud. If it is confirmed you are a victim of identity theft, the IRS will gove you information as to who file, address and any information you may neeed to susscesful file a report. If the inforamtionis not helpful you may need additonal information o r a copy of the return filed.

 

5. File a Report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

 

Go to IdentityTheft.gov and submit an FTC report. They’ll give you a personalized recovery plan, sample dispute letters, and documentation you can use to clean up any fraudulent accounts opened in your name.

 

6. Check Your Credit Reports and Account Statements

Fraud rarely stops at a tax return. Review your credit reports for new accounts or suspicious activity. Check your bank statements, credit cards, and loans for unauthorized transactions. Early detection prevents bigger problems.

 

7. Put a Credit Freeze on Your Accounts

A credit freeze is one of the strongest protections you can put in place. It stops thieves from opening new accounts in your name. Freezing your credit is free, easy, and can be done online with each credit bureau.

 

8. Get an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)

An IP PIN is a six‑digit number the IRS issues to identity theft victims. Once you have it, no one can file a tax return using your Social Security number without that PIN. It’s one of the best long‑term protections you can have. I suggest acquiring an IP Pin for everyone in the household. It's better to be safe than sorry. Get an IP Pin Here

 

 

Ashley's Final Words

 

Tax return fraud is overwhelming, but it’s absolutely fixable. Your refund can be re‑issued, your IRS account can be secured, and your identity can be protected. Follow these steps, stay proactive, and remember — you’re not alone in this.

 

If you need help completing the forms, responding to the IRS, or navigating the recovery process, Fields Accounting Firm can assist you every step of the way. Book a call today and let us help you get your refund back on track.

 

  • 1.  If their e‑file was rejected (your main version):

    I attempted to file my tax return and it was rejected, and I did not authorize anyone to file a return on my behalf. I became aware of the issue while trying to submit my return and after contacting the IRS, so I’m completing Form 14039 to report the identity theft and will mail or fax it separately from my paper tax return as instructed.

  • 2. If they received an IRS notice about a return they didn’t file:

    I received an IRS notice about a tax return I did not file and did not authorize. This is how I became aware of the identity theft, so I’m completing Form 14039 and submitting it according to the instructions to protect my tax account.

  • 3. If they discovered wages or income they didn’t earn:

    Vivamus leo felis, commodo eget accumsan at, cursus at velit. Pellentesque congue vestibulum tempus. Etiam in suscipit neque. Morbi tincidunt malesuada libero

  • 4. If they were told by the IRS their account is flagged for suspicious activity:

    The IRS informed me that my account showed suspicious activity, and I did not authorize any filing or changes. I’m completing Form 14039 to report the identity theft and ensure my tax account is corrected and protected.

  • 5. If they found out through a tax transcript or online IRS account:

    I reviewed my IRS account and saw a tax return or activity I did not authorize. That’s how I learned my identity may have been used fraudulently, so I’m completing Form 14039 and submitting it as instructed.

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