I got my state tax refund this morning. That prompted me to check on my federal return, since it usually comes first. To my great surprise, I learned that my refund was changed from $1937 to $537. I thought I must have made an error, but when I checked the details page, it said the SSN of one or more individuals claimed as a qualifying dependent was missing or incomplete, that the last name of one of those individuals did not match their records, that one or more of those individuals exceeds the age limit, and that my adjusted gross income exceeds $75K. (I wish!) FRAUD, FRAUD, FRAUD! I did not claim any dependents at all, and my AGI is $5,377!
I cannot call to complain until 7am Monday morning. I am beyond furious. Any suggestions?
February 26th, 2022 at 05:10 pm 1645895422
While skimming through my latest tax manual, I noted that *all* taxpayers can register for a IP PIN, which is a 6-digit number assigned by the IRS that prevents others from filing fraudulent returns by using your SSN. This used to only be available to those who experienced theft. Got to www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin
Just starting with that, for everyone else. Will be back...
February 26th, 2022 at 05:31 pm 1645896686
**File Form 14039 IRS Identity Theft: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f14039.pdf
**Sign up for the IP PIN, as mentioned in my last comment
I personally never had a client experience this and am not familiar with the process. I don't know how you get your tax return corrected or any logistics on that front.
With the huge IRS backlog, you may find that you need to hire a professional to help you clear this up. Just went through this at my work where I work for a tax attorney who doesn't trust CPAs to touch our 20-ish tax returns. Finally relented this year for a few tax returns. But the timing ended up working well because we are having so many IRS backlog issues. Not that my employer has ever been cheap, but told him the other day "it's like 15 minutes of their time to call the Tax Practitioner IRS hotline" and to get things cleared up in one day. So is really the best value you can get from a tax professional. That said, last I worked in tax it took *one day* for the IRS to process a power of attorney so that we could talk on behalf of clients. These days it is taking 6 weeks to process these POAs. So this still might be "6+ weeks to start to resolve" even if you hire someone Monday.
Not saying this is necessary, but keep in mind if you aren't getting anywhere with things. & you most definitely do not need a CPA. You just need a legit tax professional. An EA is probably more appropriate (and less expensive) for this situation.
February 26th, 2022 at 07:22 pm 1645903372
February 27th, 2022 at 12:30 am 1645921832
February 27th, 2022 at 06:23 pm 1645986182
February 27th, 2022 at 08:38 pm 1645994284
Thanks to all who offered help. Unfortunately, the IP PIN site is not working today, but I did fill out the Form 14039. I was going to fax it today but I think I will wait on that until tomorrow when I can talk to someone -- I hope I can, anyway!
I believe there may be an EA volunteering at our senior center. Again, I have to wait until tomorrow to find out. We'll see what the day brings.
February 27th, 2022 at 09:18 pm 1645996710
February 28th, 2022 at 04:20 am 1646022032