If you're reading this, something about your tax situation has you worried. That's fair \u2014 the IRS is intimidating until you know how the rules actually work. I'm Darrin Mish, a Tampa tax attorney. I've handled cases like yours for 32 years. Let me walk you through it.<\/p>\n
The recent compromise of more than 100,000 identities<\/a> in the IRS data bank has sent jitters down everyone’s spine. \u00a0People are wondering if it affected them. \u00a0Were you? \u00a0How would you know if you identity was one of the 100,000 stolen? \u00a0Click here to read or watch more IRS Help resources.<\/a> \u00a0Here are some tell-tale signs according to the IRS:<\/p>\n 1. \u00a0Your wallet or purse was stolen or lost<\/p>\n This is obviously the clearest indication that your identity could have been stolen. \u00a0Identity thieves may use your name and Social Security number in\u00a0a variety of ways, one of which is to claim your tax refund.<\/p>\n 2. \u00a0You receive a letter from the IRS<\/p>\n If the IRS receives what it suspects to be a fake tax return or tax refund request, they will write\u00a0you a letter informing you accordingly. \u00a0But you will never receive an email out of the blue especially one that asks for your personal and financial information. \u00a0Do not click on any links in such an email and do not reply. \u00a0Instead, forward\u00a0the email to the IRS.<\/p>\n 3. \u00a0You notice questionable activity in your credit card or credit report<\/p>\n If such a thing happens, you most likely have become a victim of identity theft.<\/a> \u00a0The strange activity in your credit card bill is what the identity thief is doing to steal from you.<\/p>\n Here’s what to do:<\/p>\n 1. \u00a0If you have received a letter from the IRS, respond immediately so that they can take steps to secure your account. \u00a0The IRS will offer you free credit monitoring. \u00a0There will be a form attached with the letter to sign up for such monitoring.<\/p>\n