If You Are a Victim of Fraudulent Tax Returns

​​​​​​​​​​​​Bureau Home​​   /   Consumer Tips and Information   ​/   Identity Theft​​​   /   Fraudulent Tax Returns​

This content is also available as a download​​​​able fact sheet PDF.​

​​Acceda a ​esta página e​n español​.​


The Bureau of Consumer Protection wants to assist victims of taxpayer identity theft by providing resources, tools and education to recover from this crime. We suggest victims of fraudulent tax returns do the following:

  • 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 attached 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 back of 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: http://www.irs.gov/individuals/. Mail your tax paperwork to the address listed on the forms.

    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 at: https://www​.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/FAQS/ise-idtheft.aspx.

  • File a police report

    Let your local police department know you are the victim 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.

  • Place 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.

    ​Equifax Info. Services LLC

    PO Box 105069

    Atlanta, GA 30348-5069

    888-766-0008

    www.equifax.com

    ​Experian

    PO Box 4500

    Allen, TX 75013

    888-397-3742

    www.experian.com

    ​TransUnion

    PO Box 2000

    Chester, PA 19016

    800-680-7289

    www.transunion.com


  • Check and monitor your credit report

    Obtain your credit report free from each of the three major credit reporting agencies 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 at www.annualcreditreport.com. 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 Bureau of Consumer Protection.

  • Contact your financial institution

    Call your financial institutions and tell them that your personal information has been compromised and that you are 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 Bureau of Consumer Protection

    If you should discover additional fraud, such as fraudulent charges on your financial accounts or fraudulent information on your credit report, our office can assist you. Complete the following forms:

    1. Bureau of Consumer Protection – Identity Theft Complaint Form

    2. Non-Consent Form (must be notarized)

    3. Release of Information Authorization Form

    4. Copy of your identity theft police report

​​Take ​A​ction


​