It’s National Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week.  This is a topic that I, unfortunately, have had personal experience with.  A few years ago, before I had filed my tax return for the year, I received a letter in the mail alerting me that someone had filed a tax return using my social security number.  Since I hadn’t filed, I knew immediately that I had been the victim of Tax Identity Theft.  The IRS had obviously already suspected that something might be a little fishy so that’s why I received a letter.  I had to send in an affidavit and a copy of my ID.  I wasn’t able to e-file and my refund was delayed for months.  It is happening to more and more people every year.

Here are a few tips to help avoid being a victim yourself:

• Submit your tax return as early in the tax season as possible.
• Be very selective about sharing your personal information.
• Shred any documents that contain your social security number or other sensitive information.
• If you use a third party to prepare your taxes, make sure it is someone you trust.

If you know or suspect your identity has been stolen, take these steps immediately:

• Contact the IRS and let them know of your concerns.  They will instruct you on how to proceed.  You may be required to file Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit.
• File a complaint with the FTC at identitytheft.gov.
• Contact one of the three major credit bureaus to place a ‘fraud alert’ on your credit records:
  • Equifax, www.Equifax.com, 1-800-766-0008
  • Experian, www.Experian.com, 1-888-397-3742
  • TransUnion, www.TransUnion.com, 1-800-680-7289
• Contact your financial institutions.