Someone Filed Taxes in My Name — What to Do Immediately

Kathryn Jones — Founder, The Identity Vault

Kathryn built The Identity Vault to stop scams before they happen. Updated April 2026.

If someone filed taxes in your name, you are not alone — and this is fixable. Finding out a fraudulent tax return was filed using your Social Security number You did nothing wrong, and now you’re dealing with a fraud recovery process that can take months if you don’t move quickly. Here’s exactly what to do about it.

How This Usually Gets Discovered

A taxpayer sat down to file their federal return early in February. The return was immediately rejected — the IRS system showed that a return using their SSN had already been processed. After calling the IRS directly, they learned a fraudulent return had been filed weeks earlier and a refund had already been issued. The entire resolution process took seven months.

Most people discover tax identity theft the same way: their return is rejected at filing. Some find out later, when an IRS notice arrives in the mail. Either way, the path forward is the same.

Step 1: File IRS Form 14039 (Required When Someone Filed Taxes in Your Name)

This is the official form for reporting that someone has filed a fraudulent return using your identity. You can submit it online at IRS.gov or mail it in. Filing this form opens a case with the IRS Identity Theft Victim Assistance team and is the formal starting point for resolution.

If your return was rejected due to a duplicate SSN, attach Form 14039 to your paper return and mail both together.

Step 2: File Your Legitimate Tax Return Anyway

Don’t wait for the fraud case to resolve before filing your own return. Paper file it alongside Form 14039 if your electronic filing was rejected. Getting your own return on record is important — it establishes your claim to any refund you’re actually owed.

Step 3: Freeze Your Credit

Tax identity theft often doesn’t stop at one fraudulent return. The same information that was used to file your return can be used to open credit accounts, apply for loans, or commit other financial fraud. Freeze your credit at all three major bureaus now — Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian.

Step 4: Get an IRS Identity Protection PIN for Next Year

Once you’ve been a victim of tax identity theft, the IRS will automatically enroll you in the IP PIN program. You’ll receive a new six-digit PIN each January that must accompany all future returns. This prevents anyone from filing a return in your name going forward.

Step 5: Monitor Your Accounts and Correspondence

Continue checking your credit reports and financial accounts for unusual activity. Also keep an eye on your physical mail — IRS correspondence about your case will arrive by letter, and you don’t want to miss anything time-sensitive.

How Long Does Resolution Take?

Realistically, IRS identity theft cases can take anywhere from three to twelve months to fully resolve. The IRS has a dedicated Identity Theft Victim Assistance unit, but case volume is high. Staying on top of correspondence and responding quickly to any IRS requests will help move things along.

You can check your case status by calling the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490.

Preventing Someone From Filing Taxes in Your Name Again

An IRS Identity Protection PIN, a credit freeze, and a locked Social Security account are the three most effective protections against this type of fraud. Once your current case is resolved, building these protections will make a repeat occurrence significantly less likely.