The IRS 14039 form, also known as the Identity Theft Affidavit, is a critical document for taxpayers who believe they have been victims of identity theft. This form serves as a notification to the IRS, allowing the agency to take measures to secure the taxpayer's account and prevent further fraudulent activities. For those impacted, promptly completing and submitting this form is a vital step in protecting their financial integrity. Click the button below to fill out the form and safeguard your financial future.
In the landscape of modern financial security, the IRS 14039 form represents a critical tool for individuals aiming to safeguard their identity in the wake of suspected identity theft. This form acts as a proactive measure for taxpayers who believe their personal information has been compromised and used fraudulently to file tax returns. Given the increasing prevalence of identity theft and its potentially devastating impacts on one's financial health and tax obligations, understanding the significance of this form is paramount. It serves not only as a declaration of identity theft but also triggers a series of protective steps taken by the IRS to verify and secure a taxpayer's account, thereby assisting in the prevention of fraudulent activities under their social security number. The intricacies of completing and submitting this form can influence the speed and effectiveness of the response from the IRS, making it essential for taxpayers to navigate this process with care and precision.
Form 14039
Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service
OMB Number
(September 2021)
Identity Theft Affidavit
1545-2139
This affidavit is for victims of identity theft. Do not use this form if you have already filed a Form 14039.
The IRS process for assisting victims selecting Section B, Box 1 below is explained at irs.gov/victimassistance.
Get an IP PIN: We encourage everyone to opt-in to the Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) program. If you don’t have an IP PIN you can get one by going to irs.gov/ippin. If unable to do so online, you may schedule an appointment at your closest Taxpayer Assistance Center by calling (844-545-5640). Or, if eligible you may use IRS Form 15227 to apply for an IP PIN by mail or FAX.
Section A - Check the following boxes in this section that apply to the specific situation you are reporting (required for all filers)
1. I am submitting this Form 14039 for myself
2. This Form 14039 is submitted in response to a ‘Notice’ or ‘Letter’ received from the IRS
•Provide ‘Notice’ or ‘Letter’ number(s) on the line to the right
•Check box 1 in Section B and see special mailing and faxing instructions on reverse side of this form.
3. I am submitting this Form 14039 on behalf of my ‘dependent child or dependent relative’
• Complete Section E on reverse side of this form.
4. I am submitting this Form 14039 on behalf of another person (other than my dependent child or dependent relative)
•Complete Section E on reverse side of this form. Section B – Reason For Filing This Form (required)
Check only ONE of the following boxes that apply to the person listed in Section C below. If the taxpayer in ‘Section C’ has previously submitted a Form 14039 to the IRS on the same affected tax year(s), there’s no need to submit another Form 14039.
1. Someone used my information to file taxes, including being incorrectly claimed as a dependent
2. I don’t know if someone used my information to file taxes, but I’m a victim of identity theft
Provide an explanation of the identity theft issue, how it is related to your tax account, how you became aware of it and provide relevant dates. If needed, attach additional information and/or pages to this form.
Section C – Name and Contact Information of Identity Theft Victim (required)
Victim’s last name
First name
Middle
Taxpayer Identification Number
initial
(provide 9-digit Social Security Number)
Current mailing address (apartment or suite number and street, or P.O.
Current city
State
ZIP code
Box) If deceased, provide last known address
-
Tax Year(s) you experienced identity theft (if not known, enter ‘Unknown’ in one box below)
What is the last year you filed a
return
Address used on last filed tax return (if different than ‘Current’)
City (on last tax return filed)
Names used on last filed tax return
Telephone number with
area code (optional) If deceased, indicate
Best time(s) to call
(if different than ‘Current’)
‘Deceased’
Home phone number
Cell phone number
Language in which you would like to be contacted
English
Spanish
Section D – Penalty of Perjury Statement and Signature (required)
Under penalty of perjury, I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the information entered on this Form 14039 is true, correct, complete, and made in good faith.
Signature of taxpayer, or representative, conservator, parent or guardian
Date signed
Submit this completed form to either the mailing address or the FAX number provided on the reverse side of this form.
Catalog Number 52525A
www.irs.gov
Form 14039 (Rev. 9-2021)
Section E – Representative, Conservator, Parent or Guardian Information (required if completing Form 14039 on someone else’s behalf)
Check only ONE of the following five boxes next to the reason you are submitting this form
1. The taxpayer is deceased and I am the surviving spouse
• No attachments are required, including death certificate.
2. The taxpayer is deceased and I am the court-appointed or certified personal representative
• Attach a copy of the court certificate showing your appointment.
3. The taxpayer is deceased and a court-appointed or certified personal representative has not been appointed
•
Attach copy of death certificate or formal notification from a government office informing next of kin of the decedent’s death.
Indicate your relationship to decedent:
Child
Parent/Legal Guardian
Other
4. The taxpayer is unable to complete this form and I am the appointed conservator or have Power of Attorney/Declaration of Representative authorization per IRS Form 2848
•Attach a copy of documentation showing your appointment as conservator or POA authorization.
•If you have an IRS issued Centralized Authorization File (CAF) number, enter the nine-digit number:
5. The person is my dependent child or my dependent relative
By checking this box and signing below you are indicating that you are an authorized representative, as parent, guardian or legal guardian, to file a legal document on the dependent’s behalf.
• Indicate your relationship to person:
Fiduciary Relationship per IRS Form 56
Power of Attorney
Representative's name
Last name
Middle initial
Representative’s current mailing address (city, town or post
office, state, and ZIP code)
Representative’s telephone number
Instructions for Submitting this Form
Submit this completed and signed form to the IRS via Mail or FAX to specialized IRS processing areas dedicated to assist you. In Section C of this form, be sure to include the Social Security Number in the ‘Taxpayer Identification Number’ field.
Help us avoid delays:
•Choose one method of submitting this form either by Mail or by FAX, not both.
•Provide clear and readable photocopies of any additional information you may choose to provide.
•Note that ‘tax returns’ may not be submitted to either the mailing address or FAX number.
Submitting by Mail
Submitting by FAX
If you checked Box 1 in Section B in response to a notice or
If you checked Box 1 in Section B of Form 14039 and are
letter received from the IRS, return this form and if possible, a
submitting this form in response to a notice or letter received
copy of the notice or letter to the address contained in the
from the IRS. If it provides a FAX number, you should send
notice or letter.
there.
If you checked Box 1 in Section B of Form 14039, are unable
If no FAX number is shown on the notice or letter, follow the
to file your tax return electronically because the primary and/
mailing instructions on the notice or letter.
or secondary SSN was misused, attach this Form 14039 to the
Include a cover sheet marked ‘Confidential’.
back of your paper tax return and submit to the IRS location
If you checked Box 2 in Section B of Form 14039 (no current
where you normally file your tax return.
If you’ve already filed your paper return, submit this Form
tax-related issue), FAX this form toll-free to:
855-807-5720
14039 to the IRS location where you normally file. Refer to the
‘Where Do You File’ section of your return instructions or visit IRS.
gov and input the search term ‘Where to File’.
•If you checked Box 2 in Section B of Form 14039 (no current tax-related issue), mail this form to:
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Fresno, CA 93888-0025
Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Notice
Our legal authority to request the information is 26 U.S.C. 6001. The primary purpose of the form is to provide a method of reporting identity theft issues to the IRS so that the IRS may document situations where individuals are or may be victims of identity theft. Additional purposes include the use in the determination of proper tax liability and to relieve taxpayer burden. The information may be disclosed only as provided by 26 U.S.C. 6103. Providing the information on this form is voluntary. However, if you do not provide the information it may be more difficult to assist you in resolving your identity theft issue. If you are a potential victim of identity theft and do not provide the required substantiation information, we may not be able to place a marker on your account to assist with future protection. If you are a victim of identity theft and do not provide the required information, it may be difficult for IRS to determine your correct tax liability. If you intentionally provide false information, you may be subject to criminal penalties. You are not required to provide the information requested on a form that is subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act unless the form displays a valid OMB control number. Books or records relating to a form or its instructions must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any Internal Revenue law. Generally, tax returns and return information are confidential, as required by section 6103. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 15 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. If you have comments concerning the accuracy of these time estimates or suggestions for making this form simpler, we would be happy to hear from you. You can write to the Internal Revenue Service, Tax Products Coordinating Committee, SE:W:CAR:MP:T:T:SP, 1111 Constitution Ave. NW, IR-6526, Washington, DC 20224. Do not send this form to this address. Instead, see the form for filing instructions. Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number.
When encountering identity theft, or even just suspecting it, the IRS 14039 form becomes a crucial step in safeguarding one's fiscal integrity. This document, formally known as the Identity Theft Affidavit, serves as a notification to the Internal Revenue Service, setting in motion a series of protective measures designed to secure an individual's tax records. It also aims to ensure that any fraudulent activity does not adversely affect the person's tax accounts or future tax returns. Completing this form accurately is essential for initiating the IRS's investigative process into the matter, and it demands attention to detail to ensure all information provided is current and correct.
To fill out the IRS 14039 form, follow these steps:
Upon submission of the form, the IRS will review the information provided to assess the situation. They may reach out for additional details or documentation. It's imperative to respond promptly to any such requests, as this will facilitate a quicker resolution. Moreover, an acknowledgment letter from the IRS will confirm they have received your form, which typically arrives within 30 days. Following up on this issue, maintaining vigilance over personal financial records, and reporting any new instances of suspected identity theft immediately are key measures in protecting one's financial health and peace of mind.
What is the IRS 14039 form used for?
The IRS 14039 form, officially known as the Identity Theft Affidavit, is used to alert the IRS if someone believes they are or may become a victim of tax-related identity theft. Filling out this form helps the IRS take steps to secure the individual's tax account. It's particularly important to submit this form if you suspect or your personal information has been compromised and could affect your tax records.
How do I know if I need to fill out the IRS 14039 form?
You should fill out the IRS 14039 form if you receive a notice from the IRS indicating that more than one tax return was filed in your name, or if IRS records show wages from an employer you do not recognize. Other indications include experiencing any form of identity theft that could potentially impact your IRS records or being advised to do so by the IRS, law enforcement, or another government agency.
Where can I obtain the IRS 14039 form?
The IRS 14039 form can be downloaded directly from the IRS website. Navigate to the Forms and Instructions section, and search for "14039" to find the current version of the Identity Theft Affidavit that you can print. Alternatively, you can contact the IRS directly to mail you a copy of the form.
Can I submit the IRS 14039 form electronically?
As of the last update, the IRS does not accept the 14039 form through electronic filing. You must mail the completed form to the IRS, following the instructions provided on the form itself. The mailing address can vary, so it's important to read the instructions carefully to ensure you're sending it to the right place.
What information do I need to provide on the IRS 14039 form?
When filling out the IRS 14039 form, you will need to provide personal information including your full name, date of birth, Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and your mailing address. Additionally, the form asks you to describe the identity theft issue, indicate if you've experienced a tax return rejection due to the identity theft, and if you've previously contacted the IRS about the concern. Documentation to support your claim, such as a police report or a Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Report, may also be attached.
What happens after I submit the IRS 14039 form?
After the IRS receives your completed 14039 form, they will review it to validate your identity theft claim. The IRS may contact you for additional information or documentation. Once your affidavit is processed, the IRS will place an identity theft indicator on your tax account to monitor future activities. This process helps protect your account from unauthorized transactions. The IRS also provides a guide on further steps to take to protect yourself after submitting the form.
Is there a deadline to submit the IRS 14039 form after I discover an issue?
While there's no strict deadline to submit the IRS 14039 form, it's crucial to file it as soon as possible after discovering evidence of identity theft or receiving a communication from the IRS that suggests a potential issue. Quick action helps prevent further misuse of your personal information and can speed up the resolution of any fraudulent tax filings or discrepancies in your records.
When it comes to addressing identity theft related to tax returns, the IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, plays a crucial role. Filling this form accurately is vital for a prompt and effective resolution of your case. However, people often make certain mistakes when completing this form, inadvertently delaying the process or causing additional complications. Here are eight common errors to avoid:
Not checking the appropriate box to indicate the reason for filing the form. The IRS needs to know if you're a victim of identity theft or whether you're submitting the form as a precaution because your personal information has been compromised.
Omitting contact information or providing incorrect details. It's essential to include your current address and phone number so the IRS can reach you without delays if further information is needed.
Failing to sign the form. An unsigned form will not be processed, as your signature is necessary to verify your identity and the authenticity of the claims made on the form.
Not attaching the required documentation. For instance, a copy of your Social Security card, driver's license, or other government-issued identification card should be attached to verify your identity.
Leaving out details about the tax year affected. The IRS needs to know which tax year(s) are in question to investigate the issue properly.
Forgetting to describe the circumstances of the identity theft. Providing a clear, concise, and complete account of how you became aware of the identity theft is crucial for the IRS to understand your situation.
Using the form to report incidents not related to identity theft. The IRS Form 14039 is specifically designed for identity theft cases. Reporting unrelated issues on this form can lead to confusion and delays.
Submitting the form when it's not necessary. For example, if you receive a notice from the IRS about a potential issue with your tax return, follow the instructions in the notice before filling out Form 14039.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can help ensure that your case is handled efficiently and effectively. Remember, the sooner the IRS is notified of potential identity theft with the correct information, the quicker you can reach a resolution and safeguard your financial well-being.
When dealing with issues related to identity theft, especially in a tax context, the IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, is often the first step taken. However, this step alone isn't sufficient to navigate through the complexities of identity theft. Several other forms and documents are commonly required to thoroughly address the situation and ensure all aspects of the individual's identity and financial records are secured and corrected. These forms and documents often serve to complement or support the information provided in the IRS 14039 form.
Properly compiling and submitting these forms and documents, along with the IRS Form 14039, can significantly aid in resolving issues stemming from identity theft. They provide a comprehensive account of the incident, help to rectify financial discrepancies, and secure the taxpayer's identity against future threats. Handling identity theft effectively requires attention to detail and prompt action to mitigate its impacts and restore financial health and security.
The IRS Form 1040, or the U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, is akin to the IRS 14039 form in that it's crucial for reporting individual financial information to the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS 14039 form, geared towards identity theft protection, and the 1040, aimed at annual income reporting, both require accurate personal and financial details, highlighting their importance in maintaining taxpayer integrity and compliance.
Form 8822, Change of Address, shares its objective with the IRS 14039 form in ensuring the IRS has the most current information. While Form 8822 updates address details, the IRS 14039 form alerts the IRS about potential identity theft, both serving to protect the taxpayer’s account and ensure smooth communication.
Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, is comparable to the IRS 14039 form as it deals with personal tax matters. However, Form 4868 provides taxpayers extra time to file their taxes, indirectly helping in situations where identity theft might delay tax filing processes. Both forms assist in managing one’s tax-related obligations effectively.
The W-9 Form, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification, is similar to the IRS 14039 form in necessity for correct taxpayer identification. The W-9 is often used in business transactions to ensure accurate tax reporting, akin to how the IRS 14039 form helps verify a taxpayer's identity to prevent fraudulent activities under their name.
When dealing with Identity Theft and filling out the IRS 14039 form, it is crucial to approach the task with diligence and accuracy to ensure that your identity protection measures are set in motion effectively. Below are essential dos and don'ts that should guide you through the process.
Do:
Don't:
Filling out the IRS 14039 form cautiously and accurately is a vital step in protecting your identity and ensuring that your tax records are corrected. Handle the process carefully, and do not hesitate to seek assistance if you encounter difficulties or have questions.
Many taxpayers have misconceptions about the IRS Form 14039, which can lead to confusion and prevent them from taking the necessary steps to protect their tax records. Here are five common misconceptions about the IRS 14039 form, and the facts that dispel these myths:
Only victims of identity theft need to file Form 14039. - While Form 14039 is crucial for victims of identity theft, it's also vital for individuals who suspect or have reason to believe their personal information has been compromised, even if they haven’t yet become victims. This proactive step can prevent potential tax-related fraud.
Filing Form 14039 secures your tax returns against all fraud. - While the form is an essential tool in securing your tax records against identity theft, it doesn’t provide blanket protection against all forms of tax fraud. Taxpayers must remain vigilant and monitor their records and account for any discrepancies.
Once you file Form 14039, you do not need to take any further action. - Submitting Form 14039 is a critical first step in the process of safeguarding your identity and tax records. However, individuals should also contact the credit bureaus to place fraud alerts on their accounts and monitor their financial statements for any unauthorized activity.
You can only submit Form 14039 by mail. - While mailing is a common method of submission, Form 14039 can also be faxed to the IRS. This option can provide a faster way to get your form processed, especially during the peak of tax season or in cases of urgent concern.
The IRS will notify you immediately after they receive Form 14039. - Processing times for Form 14039 can vary, and the IRS may not provide immediate confirmation upon receipt of your form. Taxpayers should allow up to 180 days for the processing of their form and for the IRS to take any necessary actions on their accounts. However, if immediate attention is required, contacting the IRS directly for updates is advisable.
The IRS Form 14039, officially known as the Identity Theft Affidavit, is a crucial document for individuals who suspect or have confirmed that their personal information has been used fraudulently to commit tax-related identity theft. Here are five key takeaways regarding the completion and use of the IRS 14039 form:
It's important to complete Form 14039 as soon as you notice or suspect that your identity has been compromised and used to file fraudulent tax returns. This step is essential for notifying the IRS of the issue, allowing them to take necessary actions to secure your tax account.
Ensure all sections of the form are filled out accurately. Provide as much detail as possible about the situation and your identity to help the IRS properly address and resolve the issue. Misinformation or incomplete sections may delay the process.
Attach a copy of a government-issued identification card, such as a driver’s license or passport, along with the form. This requirement is to help verify your identity and expedite the resolution process.
There are two ways to submit Form 14039: through mail or fax. The IRS provides specific addresses and fax numbers depending on your state of residence, so it’s vital to send it to the correct location to avoid any processing delays.
Following submission, monitor your case and keep track of all communications with the IRS. You may receive a notice or a letter from the IRS seeking additional information, which you should respond to promptly to ensure your case moves forward efficiently.
Remember, encountering identity theft can be distressing, but taking decisive steps like filling out and submitting Form 14039 is a positive move towards resolving any fraudulent tax issues and safeguarding your identity.
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