---
title: All You Need To Know About Tax Identity Theft
description: Often people may not know they’re a victim of identity theft. Find out the signs of tax identity theft and ways you can protect yourself.
---

[Momentum Online ](https://www.arizonafinancial.org/blog)

# [All You Need To Know About Tax Identity Theft](https://www.arizonafinancial.org/blog/coaching/all-you-need-to-know-about-tax-identity-theft)

 Written by [Arizona Financial Staff](https://www.arizonafinancial.org/blog/author/arizona-financial-staff) | Feb 1, 2021 7:00:00 AM

Tax identity theft is when someone uses a stolen Social Security number (SSN) to file a tax return and collects the refund. Often people may not know they’re a victim of identity theft until they’re notified by the IRS of a possible issue with their tax return, or they can’t e-file their tax return because of a duplicate SSN.

**Signs of tax identity theft**

Signs of possible tax identity theft include:

- IRS sends a letter about a suspicious tax return that you did not file.
- IRS notifies you that your online account has been accessed or disabled when you took no action.
- IRS records indicate you received income from an employer you didn’t work for.

**Things the IRS will never do**

- Initiate contact with you by email.
- Request your personal or financial information via text or social media.
- Call taxpayers to wire money, pay with a prepaid debit card or share credit card information over the phone.
- Call, email or text to request taxpayers’ Identity Protection PINs.

**Protecting yourself**

- Never share your SSN over the internet or with unverified callers.
- File your tax returns as early as you can.
- If filing taxes electronically, use a secure internet connection.
- If filing taxes by mail, send your return directly from the post office.
- Before using a tax preparer, thoroughly research their credentials.

Arizona Federal members have access to FREE [identity theft protection services](https://www.arizonafederal.org/benefits/identity-protection?__hstc=236286046.97d9cca1bc93926d51fc536a4d0c78ba.1665067965954.1665067965954.1665067965954.1&__hssc=236286046.13.1665067965954&__hsfp=1561754925) that offers credit monitoring, fraud reimbursement and comprehensive identity theft resources.

**If You’re A Victim**

Visit [IdentityTheft.gov](https://identitytheft.gov/) to report tax identity theft to the IRS and the FTC. The agencies will also give you a personal recovery plan.

**Your Turn:** How have you dealt with tax or identity theft? Tell us about it in the comments.

[View full post](https://www.arizonafinancial.org/blog/coaching/all-you-need-to-know-about-tax-identity-theft)

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