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Identity Protection Frequently Asked Questions

Identity Theft

  • How big of a problem is identity theft?

    Identity theft is a significant problem and it grows each year. Since its inception in 2014, the department's Identity Protection Program has stopped more than $110 million in fraudulent refund attempts.

  • What do identity theft criminals do with people’s information once they’ve stolen it?

    Once an identity theft criminal has stolen someone’s personal information, they could submit a fraudulent tax return on the taxpayer’s behalf, take out a loan or credit card in the taxpayer’s name, or drain the taxpayer’s bank account.

  • What happens to a person if his or her identity is stolen?

    Victims of identity theft may lose significant money and time and may find their reputation and credit rating has been damaged, affecting the ability to obtain loans for education or housing, approval for rental agreements, and approval for credit cards or large purchases requiring credit.

  • What should someone do if his or her identity is stolen?

    The first thing to do is freeze your credit. You can do that through the Office of the Indiana Attorney General’s Identity Theft Prevention Toolkit. This website will also give you information about the next steps to take.

    However, Hoosiers should be proactive before their identities are stolen by following simple tips for protecting their information, such as being suspicious of scams, shredding documents they don’t need and filing their taxes electronically.

  • How could identity theft affect someone’s taxes?

    A criminal could submit a fraudulent tax return on behalf of a taxpayer and have the tax refund sent to himself or herself. And when the taxpayer does submit a return, it can be stopped from being processed because our system already shows a return filed for that taxpayer. The taxpayer is then not able to receive the refund he or she is entitled to until taxpayer proves his/her identity has been stolen, which can be a stressful process.

  • Are kids susceptible to ID theft?

    Yes. Unfortunately, many criminals steal children’s identities. Identity thieves steal children’s information and falsely claim them as dependents on their tax returns for larger refunds. It is, therefore, equally important that parents check the credit reports of their children annually as well so that they don’t find out their identities were stolen when the children are grown up trying to get a credit card or loan.

Protecting Yourself

  • How can I protect my identity?

    Some simple, but important tips to protect your information include:

    • Protect your financial documents. They contain your name, address, bank information and Social Security number. Shred documents you don’t need and keep ones you do need locked in a secure place.
    • Do not give a business your Social Security number just because they ask.
    • Do not carry your Social Security card with you.
    • Protect your financial information: shred important papers and do not just throw them away.
    • File your taxes electronically.

    Learn more tips and ways you can protect yourself from becoming an identity theft victim.

  • How do I know if my identity has been stolen?

    There are several clues that your identity has been stolen including when you:

    • notice there are withdrawals from your bank or credit card charges you did not make
    • get bills that are not yours
    • are notified that more than one tax return has been filed in your name

    See a complete list of clues that could indicate that your identity may have been stolen.

    Do you think you might be a victim or are a victim of identity theft?

  • What would you say is the most important thing to remember to protect my identity?

    Limit access to your Social Security number and sensitive personal information. Don’t give it to people just because they ask for it.

  • I know that I should limit the people to whom I give my Social Security number. To whom do I definitely need to give it?

    What is most important to remember is that you should never give your Social Security number (SSN) to a person with whom you do not make initial contact. For example, if someone calls or emails you, do not give them your SSN. It is safe to give your SSN to government agencies including the Indiana Department of Revenue, Internal Revenue Service, or your employer once you have verified the organization.

  • How do I check my credit?

    You should check your credit report if you suspect identity theft, and can check your credit up to three times per year. However, it is recommended that you check it at least every 12 months for free by directly contacting the three credit report agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

    Please note that the Indiana Department of Revenue or IRS will never ask for any financial or personal information via email.

  • Can I trust my accountant, tax preparer, or enrolled agent?

    In general, yes you can. However, be sure to carefully choose who does your taxes for you. See a list of tips on finding a creditable tax preparer.

  • Is filing electronically safe?

    Yes. E-filing is the most secure way to file your taxes. When you e-file, your return is processed automatically and electronically through secure connections. Taxpayers who are eligible can file their individual income taxes online for free using INfreefile.

    E-filing is significantly more secure than paper filing. There are several opportunities for identity theft with a paper return. A paper return is handled by dozens of people: postal processing, mail clerks, letter opening, paper organizing, return scanning, the person who reviews and approves information, and possibly many others.

  • Why is electronically filing safer?

    E-filing is significantly more secure than paper filing because a paper return is handled by dozens of people from the time you place it in a mailbox to the time it is processed by the department. There are a lot opportunities for identity theft with a paper return. When you e-file, your return is processed predominately by computer. This means the fewest possible chances for identity theft.

    However, it is still important that taxpayers who file electronically store the electronic documents safely. Once their tax return has been electronically filed, taxpayers should save the file to a CD, USB drive, or external drive and then delete the file from your computer. Then, store the device in a safe, locked place.

  • Can I remain anonymous if I call to report someone for tax fraud?

    Yes, you may remain anonymous. However, there are situations where we may need more information from you to proceed with an investigation and contacting you would be helpful.

  • Why should I file a tax fraud complaint?

    Tax fraud is a crime that hurts all of us. Tax fraud decreases the revenue available to fund essential state and local services. These services include funds for police and fire departments, highway improvements, libraries, schools, parks, hospitals, courts and more. Plus, fraud hurts the honest business owner or individual who pays and reports their taxes every year.

  • What information do we need?

    Be as specific as possible. Include who, what, how, where and when and as many details as possible in your complaint. Whenever possible please include:

    • Taxpayer’s name/business name
    • Type of business (e.g. restaurant, construction, retail, etc.)
    • Address of individual or business
    • Contact information of individual
    • Alleged violation
    • Type of tax involved
    • Details and facts of the alleged violation
    • Bank/financial institution information
    • Optional contact information

    Note: Confidential and personal information such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth, or bank account numbers should not be transmitted via DOR's form, as privacy cannot be protected or ensured due to the unsecured web form transmission. To include such information in tips about tax fraud, complete the Tax Fraud Referral Form and mail it to P.O. Box 1737, SIU, Indianapolis, IN 46206 or call us at 317-232-2271.

  • Can the person I am reporting find out my identity?

    No, we keep all information strictly confidential as required by law.

  • Where does tax fraud reported go in the department?

    Tax fraud is handled by our Special Investigation Unit (SIU), DOR's primary criminal tax enforcement unit. Its function is to review alleged violations of the tax laws, to investigate those violations, and to recommend criminal prosecutions as warranted. In carrying out its role to identify willful noncompliance with the state's tax laws, the division relies on referrals from other divisions, as well as information from other governmental agencies and, most importantly, the public.

  • Does the State of Indiana pay rewards for supplying information that leads to the successful investigation and/or prosecution of tax fraud?

    No. The Indiana Department of Revenue does not offer a reward for reporting a tax fraud. But remember, the more tax fraud we catch, the more funds are recovered for police and fire departments, highway improvements, libraries, schools, parks, hospitals, courts and more.

  • If I provide you my name and number, can I receive periodic updates on the investigation?

    No, due to our confidentiality statutes, we are prevented from sharing information whether we take action or not.

  • What is identity theft?

    Identity theft occurs when someone obtains your personal information—such as your Social Security number, credit card or bank account numbers, and passwords—to defraud or commit crimes. Victims of identity theft may lose significant money and time and may find their reputation and credit rating has been damaged, affecting the ability to obtain loans for education or housing, approval for rental agreements, and approval for credit cards or large purchases requiring credit.

    Learn how to avoid identity theft.

  • What is tax fraud?

    Tax fraud occurs when an individual or business entity willfully and intentionally falsifies information on a tax return to limit the amount of tax owed. Tax fraud essentially means cheating on a tax return in an attempt to avoid paying the entire tax obligation.

  • What is tax preparation fraud?

    Tax preparation fraud generally involves the orchestrated preparation and filing of false income tax returns (in either paper or electronic form) by unscrupulous preparers.

    Tips on how to choose a tax preparer.

  • What is the Delinquent Business List?

    Indiana law requires the Department of Revenue to list online all retail merchants whose Registered Retail Merchant Certificates (RRMCs) have expired. This can result from nonpayment of delinquent sales tax. If a business continues to conduct retail transactions with an expired RRMC, it is tax fraud.

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