The Internal Revenue Service recognizes the severity of the damages of identity theft. According to the IRS, your identity may have been stolen if you receive a letter from the IRS stating:

1. You filed more than one tax return or someone has already filed using your information.

2. You have a balance due, refund offset or have had collection actions taken against you for a year you did not file.

3. You received wages from an employer you have not worked for.

If you receive such a letter from the IRS and you suspect your identity has been stolen, respond immediately to the name, address, phone number or fax listed on the IRS letter or contact the IRS to determine if the letter is a legitimate IRS letter.

You will need to fill out the IRS Identity Theft Affidavit, Form 14039.

You are encouraged to contact the IRS at the Identity Protection Specialized Unit, toll-free at 1-800-908-4490 if you become the victim of identity theft outside of the tax system or believe you may be at risk due to a lost/stolen purse or wallet, questionable credit card activity or credit report, etc., so they can take steps to further secure your account.

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