Identity Theft

[Dave T]

Would a return be accepted if the taxpayer's SSN had already been submitted?

Client notified me that he and his wife recently became aware that they were victims of identity theft and are in process of getting that rectified. He is obviously concerned that someone could use his SSN to submit a false tax return. His return was submitted and accepted but am just wondering if there would be an immediate rejection if SSN had already been used.

Thank you.

 

[BTS]

If its been accepted your good to go.  If their socials had been used on a previously filed return, it would have been rejected on your end.  

[Terry D EA]

Yes, your would have rejected. Your client can take an extra step by going to his/her online IRS account and requesting an ID theft Pin. That would seem to stop anything in the future happening if the thieves would try again next year.

 

[TexTaxToo]

I agree that the return would be rejected if a return had already been filed for that SSN.

However, there is something new this year for dependents.  If the primary taxpayer has an IPPIN and claims a dependent that has already been claimed on another return, the return will be accepted. The dependency will still have to be resolved and the taxpayer should expect a notice, but they do not have to paper file.  

If the primary taxpayer does not have an IPPIN, the return will be rejected as in prior years. (If they want to e-file, they can obtain an IPPIN and re-submit.)