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Last Update: 10/27/2026 at 6:00 AM EST

Tax Identity Theft

Coverage from IRS, Forbes, and others

Tax Identity Theft topic image

Tax identity theft involves using stolen personal information—often a Social Security number or ITIN—to impersonate a taxpayer, file a fraudulent return, or interfere with legitimate tax filings.

Warning signs can include a rejected e-filed return or an unexpected IRS notice. Responses may involve reporting the theft to the IRS, filing an Identity Theft Affidavit, and working through tax-account or return-resolution processes. Identity Protection PINs and safer handling of taxpayer data also help protect individuals and the tax professionals who serve them.

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All Articles7 articles
Important2 articles · CI Score 60 and above
IRS
IRS Guidance For Taxpayers After A Data Breach
The Internal Revenue Service advises U.S. taxpayers after data breaches to identify exposed information, continue filing, and use Form 14039 when Social Security numbers support suspected tax fraud.
8/18/2026 • Data Breaches & Exposure Events • General
Forbes
IRS Warns Scammers Are Targeting Tax Pros For Client Data
The IRS and Security Summit partners issued a five-week summer campaign to help tax professionals recognize credential-theft scams and respond quickly to data compromises.
7/9/2026 • Personal Data & Identity • General
Interesting5 articles · CI Score 45–59
Taxpayer Advocate Service
Identity Theft: IRS Guidance And Steps To Protect Your Tax Account
The IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service describes current procedures U.S. taxpayers should follow when identity thieves misuse Social Security numbers to file fraudulent tax returns.
2/4/2025 • Personal Data & Identity • General
Springfield News-Leader
BBB Tips To Avoid Tax Scams And Identity Theft
Taxpayers in the United States face tax scam and identity theft risks through phone and phishing attempts.
2/24/2024 • Risk, Harm & Societal Impact • General
IRS
IRS Security Summit Campaign Targets Tax-Related Identity Theft
The IRS and Security Summit ran a five-week Protect Your Clients; Protect Yourself campaign for tax professionals, alongside 2026 Nationwide Tax Forums in Chicago and other U.S. cities.
7/7/2026 • Risk, Harm & Societal Impact • General
Federal Trade Commission / Craig Poshva
Report Tax Identity Theft With IdentityTheft.gov
FTC and IRS guide individuals to report tax identity theft through IdentityTheft.gov in 2018 on ftc.gov.
4/3/2018 • Personal Data & Identity • General
Sars Refutes False Claims Of Major Data Breach
South African Revenue Service denied reported taxpayer data compromise in South Africa amid rising digital fraud and warned taxpayers about impersonation phishing through fraudulent emails and SMS messages.
5/25/2026 • Cybersecurity Tech (Privacy-Relevant) • General