Margaret CPA in OH Posted March 2, 2015 Report Posted March 2, 2015 Client just received a letter from IRS. LTR 5071C, requesting additional information before processing the 2014 return. GOOD THING! I haven't prepared it yet. They can go online (I looked at the first couple of screens) or call "a toll-free IRS telephone number" without providing said phone number. I went to IRS website to try to find some more about this and a number to call (NOT 1-800-529-1040) but found nothing. I think it's pretty clear we have identity theft here but a good number to call would be helpful. Got Number? They have a complicated return and an LLC and this will be a fine mess, Ollie! Quote
Jack from Ohio Posted March 2, 2015 Report Posted March 2, 2015 Client just received a letter from IRS. LTR 5071C, requesting additional information before processing the 2014 return. GOOD THING! I haven't prepared it yet. They can go online (I looked at the first couple of screens) or call "a toll-free IRS telephone number" without providing said phone number. I went to IRS website to try to find some more about this and a number to call (NOT 1-800-529-1040) but found nothing. I think it's pretty clear we have identity theft here but a good number to call would be helpful. Got Number? They have a complicated return and an LLC and this will be a fine mess, Ollie! Treat it just the same way you would if their return had been rejected due to someone unauthorized using their SS#. The IRS process is exactly the same. Quote
jklcpa Posted March 2, 2015 Report Posted March 2, 2015 Service options. The IRS is providing information in several ways ranging from a special section on IRS.gov devoted to identity theft to a special phone number available for victims to obtain assistance and resource information for resolving tax issues. The IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit is available at 1-800-908-4490. Margaret, the above came from this page on the IRS site: http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Combats-Identity-Theft-and-Refund-Fraud-on-Many-Fronts-2014 More, this page says that # is for those that have already contacted IRS and have not reached a resolution. I might be inclined to call that # though because I've heard some horror stories about hold times when calling in on the main numbers any more: http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Identity-Theft-Information-for-Tax-Preparers 1 Quote
Margaret CPA in OH Posted March 2, 2015 Author Report Posted March 2, 2015 Thanks, Judy. I tried several search terms, particularly Identity Verification Service, and got squat. I never thought to look in the Newsroom! Anyway, that number is great. I will email them. This is a first for me in over 20 years practice. Guess my (client's) luck finally ran out! 2 Quote
jklcpa Posted March 2, 2015 Report Posted March 2, 2015 I googled out on the web and looked for any that were to the irs site. I have better luck than searching directly on the IRS site itself. 4 Quote
Jack from Ohio Posted March 2, 2015 Report Posted March 2, 2015 http://www.irs.gov/privacy/article/0,,id=249802,00.html This is the best information page for people who have been affected. 2 Quote
Margaret CPA in OH Posted March 2, 2015 Author Report Posted March 2, 2015 Thanks, Jack. I forwarded that to the clients, too. It will be a mess. Quote
Catherine Posted March 2, 2015 Report Posted March 2, 2015 You can pro-actively get an IRS-issued 5-digit PIN to prevent someone from using your ssn to file a fraudulent return. Some folks on another tax board are doing this for their clients; I just did it for my family. If you know the ssn's it takes about 10 seconds including the time to print (or save as pdf). http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Electronic-Filing-PIN-Request 3 Quote
kcjenkins Posted March 2, 2015 Report Posted March 2, 2015 Wow, Cat, that's a great idea. Thanks for sharing. 1 Quote
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