How can I see if someone filed taxes in my name?

Consult With the IRS IRS officials can review the current status of your tax return to determine whether or not someone has already filed a return using your identity. Contact the IRS at ​1-800-829-0433​ if you think someone has filed your taxes without your permission.

Are tax returns considered public record?

No, tax forms are not public record. They are private information. Tax forms contain confidential information and are not meant to be shared. Information from a tax form can only be revealed to certain persons if there is some legal need to do so—meaning the documents must be necessary to the case.

How does someone steal your tax refund?

Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your stolen personal information, including your Social Security number, to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund. If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft, continue to pay your taxes and file your tax return, even if you must file a paper return.

Is it illegal to file someone else’s taxes?

You can legally file a tax return for someone else The IRS says you can file a tax return for someone else as long you have their permission to do so. As a non-professional, you are not allowed to charge a fee for preparing tax returns.

Can anyone access my tax returns?

By law, the public does not have legal access to any individual’s tax return. Income tax records are both private and privileged information. Likewise, private investigators also cannot obtain this information. The taxing authorities within the state or at the federal level can have access to all income tax records.

Can you look up someone else’s tax return?

It is difficult to obtain all of a person’s tax return information, including tax returns, unless you have a court order or subpoena, or file a request for document production and interrogatories with the court, or obtain written authorization from the person. A person’s Social Security number is private.

Can someone take my tax refund?

Federal law allows only state and federal government agencies (not individual or private creditors) to take your refund as payment toward a debt. However, once you deposit the refund into your bank account, these rules no longer apply.

How do I know if I am a victim of identity theft?

How Do I Know if My Identity Has Been Stolen?

• Statements or bills for accounts you never opened arriving in the mail.
• Statements or bills for legitimate accounts not showing up.
• You’re unexpectedly denied credit.
• Unauthorized bank transactions or withdrawals.

What to do if someone files taxes in Your Name?

Once you’re aware that someone has filed in your name, fill out and send a Form 14039 immediately. This form will alert the IRS of the fraudulent return and begin the process of restoring your identity. It’s not too good to be true.

What do you do if someone files a false tax return?

If you do discover someone has filed a fraudulent tax return in your name, here are eight steps to take: Complete a paper return. File Form 14039. File a police report. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission. Request a copy of the fraudulent return.

How do I find out if someone has filed a tax return?

If you suspect that a tax return has been filed in your name, your best strategy for resolving this issue is to contact the IRS directly. IRS officials can review the current status of your tax return to determine whether or not someone has already filed a return using your identity.

How do I know if someone has filed my taxes without permission?

IRS officials can review the current status of your tax return to determine whether or not someone has already filed a return using your identity. Contact the IRS at ​ 1-800-829-0433 ​ if you think someone has filed your taxes without your permission.