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Identity Theft and Tax Refund Fraud
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The Minnesota Department of Revenue takes identity theft and tax refund fraud very seriously. We verify the information on every return to make sure the right refund goes to the right person.
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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 you received a suspicious return letter, see our Suspicious Return Letter FAQs.
If your identity theft is not tax-related, such as a stolen wallet, purse, or bag:
If your identity theft is tax-related:
To request a copy of a tax return:
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 returns 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.