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Frequently Asked Tax Questions And Answers

Keyword: Fraud


1.13 IRS Procedures: Reporting Fraud

Who should I call to report someone who is not filing tax returns?

If you believe someone is violating federal tax laws, you should contact the IRS at (800) 829-0433, the Criminal Investigation Hotline. If you prefer, you can provide your information in writing to the Criminal Investigation Branch at the service center where you file your return. Refer to your tax package for the address of your service center. Although you are not required to identify yourself, it is helpful to do so. Your identity will be kept confidential. You may also be entitled to a reward.

If I have knowledge that a business is making cash transactions and is not reporting it, how do I notify the IRS about this?

If you have knowledge of tax fraud being committed, you can make an anonymous report toll free to (800) 829-0433, or write to the Criminal Investigation Branch at your service center.

How can I make sure no one files under my name using my social security number?

The IRS has security measures in place to verify the accuracy of tax returns and validity of social security numbers submitted. If however, you have knowledge of tax fraud being committed, you can make an anonymous report toll free to (800) 829-0433. You can contact the Social Security Administration to verify if there is another taxpayer using your social security number. The telephone number for the Social Security Administration is (800) 772-1213.

14.1 Electronic Filing (e-file) and TeleFile: Age/Name/SSN Rejects, Errors, Correction Procedures

I am concerned that someone else may be using my social security number to file taxes without my knowledge and would like to know what to do?

Your concern may be the result of having had your e-file tax return rejected with an error message that your social security number has already been used on another return, for the same tax year. The cause of this rejection might be that someone is using your social security number to file a return, but also might be the result of a typo on another return. The IRS has security measures in place to verify the accuracy of tax returns and validity of social security numbers submitted. If you received this electronic filing error message and you have verified your social security number and have found no errors, you need to file a correct paper return. Send only your tax return and all required forms and schedules; please do not attach any other documents. If necessary, the IRS will contact you by mail for additional information.

You are entitled to file your return correctly. If, however, you have knowledge of tax fraud being committed, you may make an anonymous report by calling 1-800-829-0433. For general information about e-file, refer to Tax Topic 252, Electronic Filing.

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