Will the IRS call you if someone is using your Social Security number?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is warning taxpayers about a Social Security number (SSN) scam currently making the rounds. As part of the scam, thieves may call—often as a “robocall”—and try to get you to call back by claiming that your SSN is at risk.

Does the IRS ask for Social Security?

Taxpayers and tax professionals who call the IRS will be asked to verify their identities. Social Security numbers and birth dates for those who were named on the tax return.

How long does it take for the IRS to investigate identity theft?

120 to 180 days
How long does that take? It depends on the complexity of your problem. The IRS says that it resolves tax identity theft cases in 120 to 180 days, depending on your circumstances. But in many instances, victims of complex tax identity theft have experienced resolution times of more than one year.

How do I know if someone used my SSN to file taxes?

If you believe that someone stole your SSN to file the return, you should call the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490 for assistance.

How does the IRS contact you for an audit?

The IRS manages audits either by mail or through an in-person interview to review your records. The interview may be at an IRS office (office audit) or at the taxpayer’s home, place of business, or accountant’s office (field audit). Remember, you will be contacted initially by mail.

How to contact the IRS on the phone?

With that being said, here are the steps you need to take to reach a real person on the phone at the IRS. Before you call, make sure you have all of the information that you need. – Social Security cards and birth dates for those who were on the return you are calling about. – Your prior-year tax return.

Is the number on the caller ID for the Social Security Administration?

Your caller ID might show the SSA’s real phone number (1-800-772-1213), but that’s not the real SSA calling. Computers make it easy to show any number on caller ID. You can’t trust what you see there. Never give your Social Security number to anyone who contacts you.

What to do if you get a phone call from Social Security?

Remember that anyone who tells you to wire money, pay with a gift card, or send cash is a scammer. Always. No matter who they say they are. If you’re worried about a call from someone who claims to be from the Social Security Administration, get off the phone. Then call the real SSA at 1-800-772-1213 ( TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Are there people trying to get your Social Security number?

The FTC is getting reports about people pretending to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA) who are trying to get your Social Security number and even your money.

Do you need a Social Security number to call the IRS?

Our representatives must verify your identity before discussing your personal information. Have the following ready when you call: Individuals. Social Security numbers (SSN) and birth dates. Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for taxpayers without a Social Security number.

How to contact a real person at the IRS?

Choose option 2 for “Personal Income Tax” instead. Next, press 1 for “form, tax history, or payment”. Next, press 3 “for all other questions.” Next, press 2 “for all other questions.” When the system asks you to enter your SSN or EIN to access your account information, do NOT enter anything.

How to contact the Social Security Administration by phone?

If you cannot handle your business through our automated services, you can speak to a Social Security representative by calling toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 8:00 am – 7:00 pm., Monday through Friday. Using Our Automated Telephone Services Services for all beneficiaries Request a benefit verification letter

How to contact the IRS using SSN or Ein?

– When it asks you to enter your SSN or EIN to access your account information, don’t enter anything. – After it asks twice, you will get another menu. Then press 2 for personal or individual tax questions. It should then transfer you to an agent. March 2, 2020 9:29 AM

Can I file a tax return with a fake Social Security number?

There are two ways an undocumented immigrant can file taxes. They can use a fake social security number on their W-2, which they in turn use to file their taxes each year. They can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, which takes about 6-10 weeks to process.

Does IRS verify Social Security numbers?

Taxpayers and tax professionals who call the IRS will be asked to verify their identities. To make sure that taxpayers do not have to call back, the IRS reminds taxpayers to have the following information ready: Social Security numbers and birth dates for those who were named on the tax return.

What happens if you use a fake SSN?

The use of a false Social Security Number or card is a felony,[1] punishable by a fine, and up to five years in prison.

What happens if the IRS doesn’t verify your Social Security number?

Contact the IRS support line at 800-829-1040 to identify the issue and verify what they have on file. According to Efile.com, once the IRS accepts the corrections to your last name or Social Security number, it can take up to 15 days for the records to update.

How can I check if my SSN is being used?

To see if your Social Security number is being used by someone else for employment purposes, review your Social Security Statement at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to look for suspicious activity. Finally, you’ll want to use additional scrutiny by regularly checking your bank and credit card accounts online.

What happens if you use a fake social security number?

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read) The Social Security Administration notes that using a fake Social Security number could result in prosecution for criminal fraud if you obtained the number using false information, or if you used a fake number to get government benefits. The law is murky on what your penalties are in other circumstances.

Who was the person who presented a false Social Security card?

The suspect in the case, Ignacio Flores-Figueroa, presented a Social Security card with his name but a false SSN — the number turned out to belong to a minor — so he could work at steel plant in East Moline, Ill.

What to do if someone has filed a tax return with your Social Security number?

Even if you don’t get a letter from the IRS but suspect a fraudulent return has been filed with your information, you can still take action. When you discover another a tax return has been filed with your Social Security number, you’ll use IRS Form 14039 to alert the IRS.

What does it mean when someone steals your Social Security number?

People who steal Social Security numbers and use them to obtain benefits illegally are committing fraud. Criminal behavior by SSA employees. This could involve using insider access to obtain illegal benefits or to help another person obtain illegal benefits. Impersonation of an SSA employee.

How to recognize a fake social security number?

Here’s how to recognize these fake calls and how to prevent being scammed. The automated call goes something like this: “The reason of this call is to inform you that your Social Security number has been suspended for suspicion of illegal activity. If you do not contact us immediately, your account will be deactivated.

Is there a call from the Social Security Administration?

The number on the caller ID might show a Social Security Administration number, but the call is not from the agency. Here’s what to know. The Social Security Administration has been receiving reports about scammers pretending to be employees of the agency.

When did the IRS start issuing ITINs to illegal aliens?

In 1996, the IRS began issuing a new type of tax identification number, the Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN). ITINs are assigned to U.S. taxpayers, predominately illegal aliens and their dependents, who are not eligible to obtain a Social Security number.

Can a US Social Security number be given to a foreigner ever?

The FBU may perhaps confirm if a SSN has been issued to you; however they are not permitted to transmit this number to you, either over the phone or by letter. The procedure in this case is to apply for a replacement card by postal mail using the approprite form. You can leave the space asking for the SSN blank.