Identity theft victims may now request a redacted copy of fraudulent returns

The IRS has recently changed its policy on releasing fraudulently filed returns so that taxpayers who have been the victims of identity theft may now request and receive a redacted copy of the fraudulent return filed with the IRS. 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. The IRS cannot disclose return information to any person listed only as a dependent.

To make the request, taxpayers will need to prepare a signed letter with all of the following information:

• Taxpayer’s name and SSN
• Taxpayer’s mailing address
• Tax year(s) of the fraudulent return(s) being requested
• The following statement with the taxpayer’s signature beneath: “I declare that I am the taxpayer.” The letter must be accompanied by a copy of the taxpayer’s government-issued identification (for example, a driver’s license or passport).

The signed letter and additional documentation should be mailed to:

The IRS will acknowledge the request within 30 days of receipt; and within 90 days a taxpayer will receive the return or follow-up correspondence.

The IRS will redact:

1. The entire name except for the first four letters of the last name;
2. The entire address except the street name;
3. The entire name(s) and address(es) of all other persons or entities on the return;
4. The entire SSN/ITIN/FEIN of any persons or entities except the last four digits;
5. The entire designee personal identification number;
6. The entire telephone number except the last four digits;
7. The entire bank routing and account number except the last four digits; and
8. The entire signature.