Margaret CPA in OH Posted March 2, 2015 Report Share 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack from Ohio Posted March 2, 2015 Report Share 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jklcpa Posted March 2, 2015 Report Share 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margaret CPA in OH Posted March 2, 2015 Author Report Share 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jklcpa Posted March 2, 2015 Report Share 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack from Ohio Posted March 2, 2015 Report Share 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margaret CPA in OH Posted March 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2015 Thanks, Jack. I forwarded that to the clients, too. It will be a mess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catherine Posted March 2, 2015 Report Share 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kcjenkins Posted March 2, 2015 Report Share Posted March 2, 2015 Wow, Cat, that's a great idea. Thanks for sharing. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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