Identity Theft and Tax Refund Fraud

Identity theft occurs when your personal information (such as your name, Social Security Number, or banking information) is taken without your permission and used to commit crimes or fraud, including filing a fraudulent tax return. Criminals can steal your personal information online, by phone, or by email.

If you think someone is using your Social Security Number, create a my Social Security account and review earnings posted on your Social Security Statement. If you see inconsistencies, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.

These may indicate that you are a victim of tax-related identity theft:

• You receive an unexpected notice from us, the IRS, or another state tax agency.
• You are notified that a tax return has already been filed using your Social Security Number.
• You receive a refund or collection notice for a tax year where you did not file a return or have a filing requirement.
• You receive a refund that is much larger than expected.

If your identity theft is not tax-related, such as a stolen wallet, purse, or bag:

• Contact us to put an compromised identity theft flag on your Minnesota tax accounts.
• File a report with your local police or the police in the community where identity theft took place.
• Report and recover from identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov.
• Place an identity theft flag on your driving record. For more information, visit Theft of Driver’s License or ID on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's website.

If your identity theft is tax-related:

• Notify the IRS by calling 1-800-908-4490. For details on protecting yourself, visit the IRS's Identity Protection website.

• Complete and send us Form M1ID, Identity Theft Affidavit, and include a copy of your tax return related to the identity theft. For details, see the form instructions.

To request a copy of a tax return:

• For yourself, complete and send Form REV189, Request for Copy of Return Related to Identity Theft.
• For local law enforcement, complete and send Form REV190, Authorization to Release Return Related to Identity Theft.

Review these resources:

• Identity Theft Central
• Protect Your Financial Information from Minnesota Department of Commerce
• Recovering from Identity Theft from Federal Trade Commission

Tax refund fraud occurs when criminals use your stolen personal information to file a tax return in your name and try to steal your refund. Scammers can use calls, texts, and email to trick you into giving personal information needed to file false tax returns.

We review and verify information on all tax turns to make sure the right refund goes to the right customer.

Although software vendors transmit your return to us, we determine the validity of the return they submit. We may review or adjust your return even if you purchase audit protection from them.

Each tax return is different, so processing times will vary from year to year. With the increase in scams and stolen personal information, we are taking the time needed to make sure the right refund goes to the right person.