It is common for taxpayers to spend time preparing their returns, and then when it is time for them to file them they are informed that someone has already filed under their names. Alternatively, taxpayers file their taxes and the check never shows up to their home. This can cause even more stress during an already stressful time. Therefore, today we are discussing what you need to do when your tax refund has been stolen.
Check Your Refund Status
If you filed your tax return and you have been waiting on the refund check for an abnormal amount of time you need to go to the IRS refund tool called, “Where’s My Refund?” This tool will allow you to see your refund status to make sure that the check has already gone in the mail. To use the tool you will need to have your social security number and your estimated tax refund amount among other things.
Read our Seattle CPA blog post, “3 Awesome Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund.”
Be 100% Sure Your Refund Has Been Stolen
Huddleston Tax CPAs can help you navigate a stolen tax refund with the IRS. If you check the IRS refund tool and see that your refund has been issued and received, you need to contact the IRS immediately. However, keep in mind the IRS recommends customers waiting 28 days from the mailing date to insure the refund has been stolen. In the event that you try to file your return and see, someone has already filed in your name you need to contact the IRS immediately. Remember we are a Seattle CPA firm!