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Fraudulent Tax Returns
The Sheriff's Office and the Office of Privacy Protection want to assist victims of taxpayer identity theft by providing resources, tools and education to recover from this crime.
What is tax-related identity theft?
Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your stolen Social Security number to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund.
Generally, an identity thief will use your SSN to file a false return early in the year. You may be unaware you are a victim until you try to file your taxes and learn one already has been filed using your SSN.
Know the warning signs
Be alert to possible identity theft if you receive an IRS notice or letter that states that:
Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your stolen Social Security number to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund.
Generally, an identity thief will use your SSN to file a false return early in the year. You may be unaware you are a victim until you try to file your taxes and learn one already has been filed using your SSN.
Know the warning signs
Be alert to possible identity theft if you receive an IRS notice or letter that states that:
- More than one tax return was filed using your SSN;
- You owe additional tax, refund offset or have had collection actions taken against you for a year you did not file a tax return;
- IRS records indicate you received wages from an employer unknown to you.
Contact the Internal Revenue Service
If your federal income tax return has been denied, call the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) directly. The IRS has established a toll-free hotline specifically for victims of identity theft. You can reach the IRS Identity Protection Unit at 800-908-4490. Complete the IRS Form 14039, "Identity Theft Affidavit". Mail the completed form and a photocopy of at least one form of identification (for example, a passport, driver's license, social security card, or other valid US federal or state government issued identification) to the IRS using the address listed on the form.
You will have to submit your federal tax return by mail. You can print off the forms you need from the IRS website. Mail your paperwork to the address listed on the form.
If you need help resolving a problem with the IRS or believe an IRS system is not working as it should, contact the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service. The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers in resolving issues with the IRS. They can be reached at 877-777-4778.
Contact the Wisconsin Department of Revenue
If your state income tax return has been denied, call the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (WDOR). If you are the victim of federal income tax fraud and are not sure if your state income tax return has been compromised, call the WDOR to make sure that no one has fraudulently filed your state tax return. You can reach the WDOR at 608-266-2772. You will have to submit your state return by mail. You can print off the forms you need from the WDOR website.
File a police report
Let the Sheriff's Office know you are the victim of identity theft. We are required to file a report of identity theft even if the theft might have occurred at some other place. Request a copy of the police report for your own records and keep it in a safe place. Please be aware that while your complaint is available for public review upon request under Wisconsin's Open Records law, the Sheriff's Office will maintain the confidentiality of your personally identifiable information to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Put a Fraud Alert on your credit report
Immediately call one of the three major credit reporting agencies listed below to put a fraud alert on your credit report. It can help prevent identity thieves from getting credit or opening new bank accounts in your name. The alert will be active for 90 days and can be renewed as often as you like.
Check and monitor your credit report
Federal law requires each of the three major credit reporting agencies to provide consumers with a free copy of their credit report each year. Review your report for any inaccuracies (address, employer, accounts, loans, collection notices, etc.). If you find accounts or information on your credit report that you do not recognize, it might mean that an identity thief is at work. You can obtain your free credit report from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion by calling 877-322-8228 or going online here. By ordering one report from one of the reporting agencies every four months, you can get your free credit report three times a year. If you discover fraudulent accounts or information on your credit report, please file a complaint with the Office of Privacy Protection.
Contact your financial institution
Call your financial institutions and tell them that your personal information has been compromised and that you care concerned about identity theft. Ask them to flag your accounts and notify you of any activity that is unusual. Also, ask what other measures they can take to assist you.
If you find fraudulent charges or accounts in your name, contact the Office of Privacy Protection
If you should discover additional fraud, such as fraudulent charges on your financial accounts or fraudulent information on your credit report, the Office of Privacy Protection can assist you. You will need to complete the following forms:
If your federal income tax return has been denied, call the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) directly. The IRS has established a toll-free hotline specifically for victims of identity theft. You can reach the IRS Identity Protection Unit at 800-908-4490. Complete the IRS Form 14039, "Identity Theft Affidavit". Mail the completed form and a photocopy of at least one form of identification (for example, a passport, driver's license, social security card, or other valid US federal or state government issued identification) to the IRS using the address listed on the form.
You will have to submit your federal tax return by mail. You can print off the forms you need from the IRS website. Mail your paperwork to the address listed on the form.
If you need help resolving a problem with the IRS or believe an IRS system is not working as it should, contact the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service. The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers in resolving issues with the IRS. They can be reached at 877-777-4778.
Contact the Wisconsin Department of Revenue
If your state income tax return has been denied, call the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (WDOR). If you are the victim of federal income tax fraud and are not sure if your state income tax return has been compromised, call the WDOR to make sure that no one has fraudulently filed your state tax return. You can reach the WDOR at 608-266-2772. You will have to submit your state return by mail. You can print off the forms you need from the WDOR website.
File a police report
Let the Sheriff's Office know you are the victim of identity theft. We are required to file a report of identity theft even if the theft might have occurred at some other place. Request a copy of the police report for your own records and keep it in a safe place. Please be aware that while your complaint is available for public review upon request under Wisconsin's Open Records law, the Sheriff's Office will maintain the confidentiality of your personally identifiable information to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Put a Fraud Alert on your credit report
Immediately call one of the three major credit reporting agencies listed below to put a fraud alert on your credit report. It can help prevent identity thieves from getting credit or opening new bank accounts in your name. The alert will be active for 90 days and can be renewed as often as you like.
| Experian | Equifax | TransUnion |
| PO Box 9701 | PO Box 105069 | PO Box 2000 |
| Allen, TX 75013 | Atlanta, GA 30348 | Chester, PA 19022 |
| 1-888-397-3742 | 1-800-525-6285 | 1-800-680-7289 |
Check and monitor your credit report
Federal law requires each of the three major credit reporting agencies to provide consumers with a free copy of their credit report each year. Review your report for any inaccuracies (address, employer, accounts, loans, collection notices, etc.). If you find accounts or information on your credit report that you do not recognize, it might mean that an identity thief is at work. You can obtain your free credit report from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion by calling 877-322-8228 or going online here. By ordering one report from one of the reporting agencies every four months, you can get your free credit report three times a year. If you discover fraudulent accounts or information on your credit report, please file a complaint with the Office of Privacy Protection.
Contact your financial institution
Call your financial institutions and tell them that your personal information has been compromised and that you care concerned about identity theft. Ask them to flag your accounts and notify you of any activity that is unusual. Also, ask what other measures they can take to assist you.
If you find fraudulent charges or accounts in your name, contact the Office of Privacy Protection
If you should discover additional fraud, such as fraudulent charges on your financial accounts or fraudulent information on your credit report, the Office of Privacy Protection can assist you. You will need to complete the following forms:
- Office of Privacy Protection Complaint Form
- Non-Consent Form (Must be notarized)
- Release of Information Authorization Form
Send the completed forms along with a copy of the police report to:
Bureau of Consumer Protection
Office of Privacy Protection
2811 Agriculture Drive
PO Box 8911
Madison, WI 53708-8911
Email
Toll-free in Wisconsin: 800-422-7128
Phone: 608-224-5163
Fax: 608-224-4677
TTY: 608-224-5058
The Victim Checklist: Preparing to Report, will assist you in making sure you have what you need to file your report.
Bureau of Consumer Protection
Office of Privacy Protection
2811 Agriculture Drive
PO Box 8911
Madison, WI 53708-8911
Toll-free in Wisconsin: 800-422-7128
Phone: 608-224-5163
Fax: 608-224-4677
TTY: 608-224-5058
The Victim Checklist: Preparing to Report, will assist you in making sure you have what you need to file your report.