IRS Intensifies National Crackdown on Identity Theft

The latest updates: IRS Intensifies National Crackdown on Identity Theft

Source: (excerpt from) irs.gov / IR-2013-17, 07 Feb 2013

The identity theft enforcement efforts and individual cases are available on  special Identity Theft Schemes page on IRS.gov.

More information on enforcement actions can be found on a DOJ Tax Division page.

Tax preparers should confirm the identity of their clients, and there are several forms of identification that will allow them to do so. Note that at least one should be a photo ID. 
Acceptable forms of ID:

• Driver's license
• Passport or passport card
• Military ID
• State ID
• College ID
• Birth certificate
• Social Security card
• Utility bill with cancelled postage
• Certificate of citizenship or naturalization

Evidence to support name change:

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree
• Adoption record
• Court order

If a taxpayer receives a notice from the IRS indicating identity theft, they should follow the instructions in that notice. A taxpayer who believes they are at risk of identity theft due to lost or stolen personal information should contact the IRS immediately so the agency can take action to secure their tax account. The taxpayer should contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490. The taxpayer will be asked to complete the IRS Identity Theft Affidavit, Form 14039, and follow the instructions on the back of the form based on their situation.

Taxpayers looking for additional information can consult the special identity protection page on IRS.gov. A map of Enforcement Actions Taken in January 2013 can also be found on IRS.gov.

Additional Resources:
FS-2012-8, Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft
FS-2013-2, IRS Combats Identity Theft and Refund Fraud on Many Fronts
FS-2013-3, Tips for Taxpayers, Victims about Identity Theft and Tax Returns