Tax‐Related Identity Theft Do’s and Don’ts

The privacy and security of your tax information is as important to us as it is to you. Everyone at the West Virginia Tax Division takes these concerns very seriously.

Tax‐related identity theft occurs when someone gains access to your personal information and uses it to file a tax return in your name. You may be unaware that you are even a victim until you file your return and learn that one already has been filed using your Social Security number.

The West Virginia Tax Division and the IRS do not initiate contact with taxpayers via e-mail or by phone requesting personal or financial information.

If You Suspect Your Identity Has Been Compromised

Below is a list of things you should do if you suspect your identity has been used to file a fraudulent tax return.

• DO call your online tax preparation service to report the problem so its representatives can flag your account.
• • DO follow the IRS procedure for reporting a fraudulent return.
  • Go to https://www.irs.gov/uac/Taxpayer-Guide-to-Identity-Theft and follow each step.
• • DO complete IRS Form 14039 Identity Theft Affidavit.
  • Print and mail or fax the form to the IRS.
  • Also, send a copy to:
  • • West Virginia Tax Division
    • 1001 Lee Street East
    • Charleston WV 25301
• • DO be vigilant about monitoring your credit reports.
  • Check for suspicious activity at:
  • www.Equifax.com
  • www.Experian.com
  • www.TransUnion.com
• • DO file a police report with your local law enforcement agency.
  • In West Virginia, contact your local detachment of the West Virginia State Police.
• DON’T post sensitive information related to the fact that you believe that you’ve been a victim of fraud on your social media accounts or on State Police accounts.
• • DO file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at https://www.identitytheft.gov/
  • Or call to report it via the FTC Identity Theft Hotline at 1‐877‐438‐4338 or TTY 1‐866‐653‐4261.
• DO report suspected fraud to the Attorney General’s hotline at 800‐368‐8808.

If Your Personal Information Has Been Stolen

If your purse, wallet or laptop was stolen and you are worried that your Social Security number and other sensitive information have been compromised, please take these additional steps:

• DO respond immediately to any written IRS notice that came via U.S. Postal Service and call the number provided.
• • DON’T fall victim to phone scams with callers claiming to be representatives of the IRS or the West Virginia Tax Division.
  • These agencies will NOT contact you by phone or e-mail.
• DO report phone and e-mail scams to the West Virginia Attorney General’s Fraud Hotline at 800‐368‐8808 and to the IRS at https://www.IRS.gov and, if it involves the West Virginia Tax Division at TaxHelp@WV.Gov.
• • DO complete IRS Form 14039 Identity Theft Affidavit.
  • Print and mail or fax the form to the IRS.
  • Also, send a copy to:
  • West Virginia Tax Division
  • 1001 Lee Street East
  • Charleston WV 25301
• DO continue to pay your taxes and file your tax returns, even if you must do so by paper.
• • DON’T submit a duplicate paper return after you already submitted it electronically.
  • This could further slow the processing of your refund.

Again, the West Virginia Tax Division and the IRS do not initiate contact with taxpayers via e-mail or by phone requesting personal or financial information.