How to Find Out if Someone Filed Taxes in Your Name

Tax fraud involving identity theft is a serious issue, with criminals filing fraudulent tax returns to claim refunds in someone else’s name. If this happens to you, it can delay your legitimate return and create financial complications.

To determine if someone has filed taxes using your information, check official records, monitor financial activity, and contact the IRS if necessary.

Early Indicators of Unauthorized Filings

Unexpected correspondence from the IRS is often the first sign of tax-related identity theft. Notices about a tax return you didn’t file, a transcript request you didn’t make, or multiple returns under your Social Security number indicate fraud. The IRS may send Letter 5071C or Letter 4883C to verify your identity before processing a suspicious return.

Another warning sign is being unable to e-file because the IRS rejects your return, stating one has already been submitted under your Social Security number. Fraudsters often file early to claim refunds before legitimate taxpayers submit their returns. Since the IRS allows only one return per Social Security number annually, any subsequent electronic filing attempt will be blocked.

Receiving a W-2 or 1099 form from an unfamiliar employer is another red flag. This could mean someone is using your identity for employment or tax fraud. The IRS receives copies of these forms, and discrepancies between reported and actual income could trigger an audit or an underreporting notice.

Verifying Tax Records

To confirm unauthorized filings, review IRS records using available tools.

Checking Transcripts

The IRS provides tax transcripts summarizing key details from your returns, including reported income, payments, and refunds. Request a transcript online via the Get Transcript tool or by mailing Form 4506-T. The Account Transcript is particularly useful for detecting fraud, as it shows all tax return filings under your Social Security number.

If you find an unrecognized tax return, it may indicate identity theft. The Record of Account Transcript offers a more detailed view by combining information from both the Account Transcript and the Tax Return Transcript. Any discrepancies should be reported to the IRS immediately.

Monitoring Refund Activity

Checking the status of tax refunds associated with your Social Security number can help detect unauthorized filings. The IRS’s Where’s My Refund? tool allows taxpayers to track refund processing. If the system shows a refund issued that you did not request, fraud may have occurred.

Receiving a CP12 Notice, which informs taxpayers of IRS adjustments to their refund, or a CP05 Notice, which signals a review before issuing a refund, could indicate fraudulent activity. If a refund has been sent to an unknown bank account or address, report it to the IRS to prevent further loss.

Examining Past Filings

Reviewing previous tax returns can help identify inconsistencies. Use the Get Transcript tool or request a full return with Form 4506 to compare past filings with IRS records. Ensure all reported income, deductions, and credits align with what you actually submitted.

Unexpected IRS adjustments to past returns, such as disallowed deductions or credits you never claimed, may signal fraud. Receiving a CP2000 Notice, which alerts taxpayers to discrepancies between their reported income and IRS records, could also indicate unauthorized changes. Report and correct any fraudulent activity to avoid tax liabilities.

Assessing Personal Credit Reports

Tax-related identity theft is often part of broader financial fraud. Reviewing your credit reports can help detect unauthorized activity linked to stolen personal information.

The three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—offer free annual credit reports through [AnnualCreditReport.com](https://www.annualcreditreport.com). Look for unfamiliar accounts, hard inquiries from lenders you haven’t applied with, or sudden changes in credit utilization. If you find accounts or loans you didn’t authorize, your personal data may have been compromised.

Placing a fraud alert or credit freeze can help prevent further misuse. A fraud alert, lasting one year and free to renew, notifies lenders to take extra steps in verifying your identity. A credit freeze restricts access to your credit file, preventing new accounts from being opened in your name. This is especially useful if your Social Security number has been stolen.

Contacting the IRS and Other Agencies

If you suspect tax fraud, contact the IRS immediately. The Identity Protection Specialized Unit (IPSU) at 800-908-4490 handles tax-related identity theft cases and can add security measures to your account. Be prepared to verify your identity with prior tax return details, your Social Security number, and any IRS notices you’ve received.

Submitting Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, notifies the IRS of fraudulent activity and initiates an internal investigation. Attach a copy of an official ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, to help expedite processing. Once received, the IRS may issue an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), a six-digit number required for future filings to prevent unauthorized submissions.

State tax agencies should also be contacted since fraud may extend beyond federal returns. The Federation of Tax Administrators (FTA) provides a directory of state tax agency contacts for reporting identity theft. Some states offer added protections, including state-issued PINs or extra authentication for filing.

Actions if Fraud is Confirmed

If tax fraud is confirmed, act quickly to mitigate financial damage and prevent further misuse. The IRS may issue a Taxpayer Protection Program (TPP) case, requiring additional verification before resolving fraudulent filings. Responding promptly to IRS correspondence can help resolve the issue faster.

Filing a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) via [IdentityTheft.gov](https://www.identitytheft.gov) creates an official record of the fraud, which can be useful when disputing unauthorized accounts or transactions. A police report may be necessary if the identity theft extends beyond tax fraud, such as unauthorized credit activity. Notifying the Social Security Administration (SSA) can also help, as persistent fraud involving your Social Security number could affect future benefits.

If a fraudulent refund has been issued under your name, the IRS may require repayment. If you receive a Letter 4883C requesting identity verification before processing a return, follow the instructions promptly to prevent further complications. Requesting an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) for future filings adds an extra layer of security, ensuring only you can file returns under your Social Security number.