Identity Theft

  1. What is "identity theft"?
  2. Identity theft related to tax returns
  3. How to report identity theft?
    3.1. To report identity theft to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue
    3.2. To report identity theft to the IRS
    3.3. To report identity theft to Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
  4. Protect yourself
  5. Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft
  1. What is "identity theft"?

    Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes.

    The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) is dedicated to helping Wisconsin taxpayers who become victims of Identity theft.

    To better protect you against identity theft, DOR partners with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Below you will find helpful information and steps to take if your identity is stolen.

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  2. Identity theft related to tax returns

    An Identity thief uses a taxpayer's identity to file a tax return and claim a refund without the taxpayer's knowledge. During tax filing season, a taxpayer may discover two returns were filed for the same year using their social security number. If this happens to you, see How to report Identity theft.

    If you receive a notice from the IRS or DOR and you suspect your identity has been stolen, respond immediately to the contact listed on the notice. By contacting the agency you can verify the document is legitimate.

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  3. How to report identity theft?

    If you believe you are a victim of Identity theft and someone used your personal information to file a false Wisconsin tax return, follow the steps below:

    Report your ID theft to the following agencies: Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.

    You may also want to contact the IRS, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to file a complaint, and the Credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your account.

    3.1 To report identity theft to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue:

    1. Complete the DATCP Office of Privacy Protection Identity Theft Complaint and Non-Consent form located at:
      datcp.wi.gov/Consumer/Office_of_Privacy_Protection/Tips_for_Law_Enforcement/Identity_Theft_Packet/index.aspx
    2. If you have additional questions you may also contact the DATCP:

      DATCP contact Information:
      Toll-Free: (800) 422-7128
      Phone: (608) 224-5163
      Fax: (608) 224-4677
      Email: datcpwisconsinprivacy@wi.gov
    3. File a police report with your local police department. The DATCP staff can help you with this.
    4. Submit your documentation (Identity Theft Complaint, Non-Consent form, and police report) to DATCP. The DATCP will forward your submitted forms to the DOR or you can mail copies directly to us:

      Wisconsin Department of Revenue
      Central Audit ID Theft: Unit L MS-5-144
      PO Box 8906
      Madison, WI 53708-8906
      Fax: (608) 267-0834
      Phone: (608) 264-4577

      NOTE: If the information you provide is incomplete it will take us longer to process your identity theft claim.
    5. Filing a complaint with the IRS is not required when you are filing a Wisconsin ID theft complaint related to your Wisconsin tax return.
    6. If you need additional information, contact DOR's Identity Theft Unit at (608) 264-4577.

    3.2 To report identity theft to the IRS:

    1. Fill out the IRS Identity Theft Affidavit, Form 14039, or contact the IRS at (800) 908-4490.
      • Do not report identity theft related to filing your Wisconsin tax returns to the IRS. File your Wisconsin Identity theft documents through the DATCP for Identity theft related to your Wisconsin tax return.

        NOTE: The IRS ID theft form 14039 relates to your federal tax return and not your state tax return.
    2. The DOR recommends you apply for an IRS IP PIN. The IP PIN is an identifier the IRS issues to customers who are victims of identity theft.
      • Visit irs.gov and search keyword "identity protection."
      • If you do not have access to the Internet, you may contact the IRS at the locations listed below or call (800) 908-4490.
    Milwaukee IRS Office
    211 W. Wisconsin Avenue
    Milwaukee, WI 53203
    (414) 231-2100    		 Madison IRS Office
    1242 Fourier Drive Suite 200
    Madison, WI 53717-1927
    (608) 829-5827

    3.3 To report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC):

    What is a fraud alert?

    A fraud alert is a consumer statement added to your credit report. This statement alerts creditors of possible fraudulent activity within your report. The statement requests that creditors contact you before establishing any accounts in your name.

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  4. Protect yourself

    The IRS has several tips every taxpayer should know about identity theft. Click here to find out more. irs.gov/uac/Identity-Protection-Tips

    If you receive one of the following documents, your identity may have been stolen:

    • A W-2 statement with wages from an employer you did not work for during the year or were never employed by.
    • A letter from the IRS informing you your social security number was already used on another tax return.
    • A notice from DOR informing you that you have a balance due, a refund offset or that collection action was taken against you for a year you did not file.

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  5. Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft

    Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection

    DATCP contact Information:
    Toll-Free: (800) 422-7128
    Phone: (608) 224-5163
    Fax: (608) 224-4677
    Email: datcpwisconsinprivacy@wi.gov

    Wisconsin Department of Revenue
    Central Audit ID Theft: Unit L MS 5-144
    PO Box 8906
    Madison, WI 53708-8906
    Fax: (608) 267-0834
    Phone: (608) 264-4577

    Internal Revenue Service
    Phone: Toll Free number (800) 908-4490

    Madison IRS Office
    1242 Fourier Drive Suite 200
    Madison, WI 53717-1927
    Phone: (608) 829-5827

    Milwaukee Office
    211 W. Wisconsin Avenue
    Milwaukee, WI 53208
    (414) 231-2100

    Report suspicious behavior to the IRS

     

    Credit Bureaus
    Equifax
    apps.irs.gov/app/scripts/exit.jsp?dest=http://www.equifax.com/
    1-800-525-6285

    Experian
    apps.irs.gov/app/scripts/exit.jsp?dest=http://www.experian.com/
    1-888-397-3742

    TransUnion
    apps.irs.gov/app/scripts/exit.jsp?dest=http://www.transunion.com/
    1-800-680-7289

    Other resources
    Visit the Federal Trade Commission or call the FTC toll-free identity theft helpline: 877-ID-THEFT (877-438-4338)
    Visit the Internet Crime Complaint Center to learn internet crime prevention tips

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FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
Central Audit ID Theft: Unit L MS 5-144
P.O. Box 8906
Madison WI 53708-8906
Phone: (608) 264-4577
Fax: (608) 267-0834

Last updated June 6, 2013