Instructions for requesting copy of fraudulent returns

 

We know that identity theft is a frustrating process for victims, and we are taking aggressive steps to stop fraudulent returns before they are processed. We understand victims want to know more about the information used on the fraudulent returns using their Social Security number (SSN).

A victim of identity theft or a person authorized to obtain the identity theft victim’s tax information may request a masked (one with some information blacked out) tax return transcript of the fraudulent return that was filed and accepted by the IRS using the identity theft victim’s name and SSN. Due to federal privacy laws, the victim’s name and SSN must be listed as either the primary or secondary taxpayer on the fraudulent return; otherwise, the IRS cannot disclose the return information. For this reason, the IRS cannot disclose return information to any person listed only as a dependent.

Partial or full masking will protect additional possible victims on the return. However, there will be enough data for you to determine how your personal information was used. You will receive a masked tax return transcript of the fraudulent tax return filed using your SSN.

To make the request, you will need to complete a Form 4506-F, Request for a Copy of a Fraudulent Tax Return PDF, and choose one method (below) of submitting this form, either by mail or fax, not both.

  • Submitting by mail

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Fresno, CA 93725

  • Submitting by fax

Include a cover sheet marked ‘Confidential’
FAX this form toll-free to: 855-807-5720

The IRS may return your request if it is made in a manner other than described in these instructions.

Note: For requests being sent using a Private Delivery Service ship to:

Internal Revenue Service
3211 S Northpointe Drive
Fresno, CA 93725
"Identity Theft - Request for Fraudulent Return"

Required information for a request by the identity theft victim

If you are the person whose name and SSN was used to file a fraudulent tax return, a Form 4506-F must be completed and must contain the following information:

  • Your name and SSN.
  • Your mailing address.
  • Tax year(s) of the fraudulent return(s) you are requesting.
  • Your signature.

Required information for a request by a person authorized to obtain the identity theft victim’s tax information

If you are authorized to obtain the identity theft victim’s tax information, the Form 4506-F must contain the following information:

  • Your name and tax identification number (usually your SSN).
  • Your relationship to the victim of identity theft (for example, parent, legal guardian, or authorized representative)
  • Your mailing address.
  • Centralized authorization file (CAF) number if you were assigned one by the IRS for an authorization that is on file with the IRS covering the requested tax year(s).
  • Tax year(s) of the fraudulent return(s) you are requesting.
  • The taxpayer’s name and SSN.
  • The taxpayer’s mailing address.
  • Your signature.

Your Form 4506-F must be accompanied by a copy of your documents demonstrating your authority to receive the requested tax return information (for example, Form 2848, Form 8821, or a court order) unless:

  • You are requesting return information of your minor child as a parent or legal guardian.
  • Your authority to obtain return information for the requested tax year(s) is on file with the IRS and you are providing your CAF number.

FAQs

How long will it take to get the copy of the fraudulent return?

The time required to fulfill your request will depend on several factors. One factor is whether there are any open, unresolved issues with a tax return for a tax year requested. These are very complex cases, and we will need to resolve the underlying identity theft case before we can provide the return. The IRS will acknowledge your request within 30 days of receipt and most fraudulent return requests are resolved in 120 days or less, but due to extenuating circumstances caused by the pandemic our identity theft inventories have increased dramatically and on average it is taking us 430 days to process these requests. You will receive follow-up correspondence providing status updates. The IRS takes identity theft seriously and is committed to resolving requests as quickly as possible and is taking steps to reduce this timeframe.

Why is some information on the return masked/redacted?

The IRS may disclose return information from a fraudulent return to a person whose name and SSN are listed as the primary or secondary taxpayer when the disclosure does not seriously impair Federal tax administration. Although some information will be masked or partially masked, the remaining information will allow you to determine what information the identity thief may have about you and your family.

What information will be masked/redacted on the copies I receive?

Return Information Masked

Names of all individuals listed on the tax return, forms, or schedules.

This includes the names of the primary taxpayer, secondary taxpayer, any dependents, individuals, or business listed on the tax return.

The first four letters of the first name and the first four letters of the last name will remain visible.

If the first and/or last name is four letters or less, then fewer than four letters will be visible.

All addresses on the tax return, forms, or schedules Entire address except the first six spaces of the street line
Taxpayer identification numbers (SSN/ITIN) and employer identification numbers (EIN) Entire number except the last four digits
Personally identifiable numbers, such as Designee’s Personal Identification Number (DPIN), Preparer’s Tax Identification Number (PTIN), etc. Entire number except the last four digits
IP address and names of software companies ‘IP address’ and / or ‘Software Identification number’, excluding the last four digits of either.
Telephone number(s) Entire number except the last four digits
Bank routing and account number(s) Entire number except the last four digits
Signature Entire signature

Why can’t I request a copy of a fraudulent return that lists me or my child as a dependent?

Due to federal privacy laws, the IRS cannot disclose information to a person who is listed on a fraudulently filed tax return unless that person’s name and SSN is listed as the primary or secondary taxpayer on the return.

I received a letter returning my request because it was for a business. Why is the IRS returning requests for business returns?

At this time, you can only request a copy of a fraudulent tax return filed using Forms 1040, 1040-NR, 1040-NR-EZ, or 1040-SR.

I received a letter returning my request because my address didn’t match IRS records. What do I need to do?

We will reject a request if the address you listed in the request does not match your IRS address of record. If you have recently moved and did not file a Form 8822, Change of Address, with the IRS, you will need to file this to change your address of record. You can resubmit your request for a copy of the fraudulent return after the IRS processes your address change.

How many tax years can I request?

You can request copies of fraudulent returns for the current tax year and previous six tax years.

I attempted to e-file my return and it was rejected because someone already filed using my SSN. Can I request this information now?

You may make a request at any time, but we must resolve the identity theft case before we can share the return. If you have just found you are a victim, please see our Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft for the best steps to take to resolve your case.