It cannot be detected by a fraud alert, credit freeze or by monitoring your other existing accounts. The only way to prevent income tax fraud is by making sure you file your taxes before anyone else can.

If you are already the victim of identity theft or believe your information has been compromised you may also file an affidavit with the IRS. Once filed, the IRS attaches a password to your social security number, which is sent to you prior to tax time and is required to file your taxes.

Unfortunately the Franchise Tax Board does not yet offer the same option.

If someone has filed a tax return using your personal information or you receive a notice of back taxes owed do to someone having worked using your personal information, contact the IRS and the Franchise Tax Board, in addition to the steps already listed above.

Do not assume that it is only your taxes that are affected.

Important Links:

Internal Revenue Services 

• When to file a Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit
• IRS Identity Theft Victim Assistance: How It Works
• Taxes. Security. Together. We all have a role to play in protecting your data

Franchise Tax Board

• Identity theft

Federal Trade Commission

• Report identity theft and get a recovery plan

State of California Office of the Attorney General

• Identity Theft

Credit Agencies

• Request your free annual credit report

Related Documents:

• ID Theft Affidavit
• IRS Tax Return Waiver Form

For more information about crime prevention, contact our District Offices staff:

North District Sergeant Faye Maloney North District Office 22701 Main Street Hayward, CA 94541 (510) 293-8608 Faye.Maloney@hayward-ca.gov	South District Sergeant Julian Cosgriff South District Office 677 W. Tennyson Road Hayward, CA 94544 (510) 293-7096 Julian.Cosgriff@hayward-ca.gov