After reporting tax identity theft: what happens next?

Keep a record of what you reported

Save your online confirmation, fax or mailing record, the affected tax years, and copies of IRS correspondence. Record whether you reported through an IRS verification letter, Form 14039, or an IRS representative. These routes are not interchangeable.

The current Form 14039 instructions say not to submit another affidavit for an incident already reported on that form. If a new incident occurs or the IRS requests something specific, review that instruction rather than assuming the earlier filing covers it. See the Form 14039 guide for the qualifying situations.

What the IRS does with an identity-theft case

The IRS Identity Theft Victim Assistance explanation describes review of the affected account, separating the legitimate taxpayer’s information from fraudulent activity, and correcting the account as appropriate. The IRS may ask for additional information and communicates when the account work is completed.

Some cases first require you to verify your identity and confirm whether you filed a return. Follow the actual notice. Use the IRS online verification service only if the notice directs you there; other letters may require a different response.

If the IRS asks you to verify identity or a return during the case, use the verification-letter guide for the route on that notice.

How long does the IRS take?

There is no reliable completion date for an individual case based only on the day it was reported. Consult the IRS processing-status page and find the Form 14039 entry, rather than applying ordinary e-file refund timing to an identity-theft investigation.

Older general descriptions of processing times should not be treated as promises. Special account review, missing information and other return issues can affect a case. RefundIQ cannot set the IRS processing schedule.

What to do with a new notice while waiting

Read the notice even if you already reported identity theft. Keep its deadline and follow its requested response. If it concerns a return you did not file, say so through the IRS process it identifies. If you need case-specific clarification, use the official contact instructions on the notice.

• CP01 indicates the IRS verified the identity-theft claim and placed an identity-theft indicator on the account; the notice itself requires no additional action.
• CP01A provides an annual IP PIN used for filing. Keep the PIN private and use it as directed.

See CP01 versus CP01A for the practical differences. Neither should be confused with a letter asking you to verify a return.

Keep up with filing and payment obligations

The IRS identity-theft guide directs taxpayers to continue filing returns and paying tax during a case. If identity theft prevents e-filing, follow the IRS paper-filing instructions. Reporting the incident does not itself submit the legitimate return or extend a filing deadline.

If you are now filing a different year, review the correct return and the current calendar year’s IP PIN. The IRS IP PIN guidance says to use that current PIN even on prior-year returns. Use the lost IP PIN guide if you cannot find an issued number.

What can RefundIQ help with during the wait?

RefundIQ can review a rejection, help organize the return and identify filing or correction questions. IRS identity verification, account resolution and refund release remain IRS functions. Have the tax year, notice number, deadline and submission history ready; do not send your full SSN or IP PIN in an ordinary message.