21 Feb How can I protect my tax return from fraud?

Q. I am not required to file state or federal income tax returns based on my earned income, but someone filed fraudulent returns in my name for the 2023 tax year. The IRS somehow detected that something was amiss and held up the return while they had me prove my identity. New Jersey, however, processed the return and issued me a tax refund by way of a check. When I called Treasury, they said the paper check was issued because there was a problem with the direct deposit request on the return. How can I keep the tax authorities from accepting and processing fraudulent tax returns? I have frozen my credit reports and filed reports with the FTC and local police department as well as filing an Identity Theft Declaration with New Jersey.
— Still working

A. We’re sorry to hear this happened.

Tax return fraud is a big problem.

The IRS has a solution that’s been very effective: An Identity Protection PIN, called an IP PIN for short.

An IP PIN is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), the IRS said on its website.

“The IP PIN is known only to you and the IRS,” it said. “It helps us verify your identity when you file your electronic or paper tax return. Even though you may not have a filing requirement, an IP PIN still protects your account.”

You’d get a new IP PIN each year, and if someone files a return in your name without one, it would be rejected.

You can request an IP PIN here.

New Jersey, though, does not offer a similar protection.

“If a taxpayer suspects fraudulent tax filings, they should file Form IDT-100,” The Treasury Department said. “Filing this form will alert the Division of Taxation to the possibility of fraud and will result in increased monitoring of their tax account before refunds or rebates are issued.”

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This story was originally published in February 2025.

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