1. What is "identity theft"?

2. Identity theft related to tax returns

3. How to report identity theft?

   1. To report identity theft to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue

   2. To report identity theft to the IRS

   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.

   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/Pages/Programs_Services/IdentityTheftComplaint.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@wisconsin.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
         Office of Criminal Investigation - ID Theft
         PO Box 8933
         Mail Stop 6-40
         Madison, WI 53708-8933
         Fax: (608) 261-6240
         Phone: (608) 266-2772

         NOTE: If the information you provide is incomplete it will take us longer to process your identity theft claim.

      5. If you need additional information, contact DOR at (608) 266-2772 or email DORIDTheft@wisconsin.gov.
         

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

      • To file a complaint or for more information, contact the FTC:
        ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/ or call the Identity Theft Hotline at (877) ID-Theft (438-4338)
        

      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.

      • To place a fraud alert on your credit report, contact each of these three major credit reporting organizations.

        1. Equifax https://www.alerts.equifax.com or call (800) 525-6285

        2. Experian experian.com/fraud or call (888) 397-3742

        3. TransUnion transunion.com or call (800) 680-7289

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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 have never worked for.

   • 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@wisconsin.gov

   Wisconsin Department of Revenue

   Office of Criminal Investigation - ID Theft
   PO Box 8933
   Madison, WI 53708-8933
   Fax: (608) 261-6240
   Phone: (608) 266-2772

   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

   • For suspicious online or email phishing scams, go to: phishing@irs.gov

   • For phishing scams received by phone, fax or mail, contact the IRS at:

     • (800) 366-4484

     • irs.gov/uac/Taxpayer-Guide-to-Identity-Theft

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   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
   Visit the Wisconsin Department of Justice (800) 998-0700

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FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
Office of Criminal Investigation - ID Theft
PO Box 8933
Madison WI 53708-8933
Phone: (608) 266-2772
Fax: (608) 261-6240
Email: DORIDTheft@wisconsin.gov

Updates were made to the code or formatting on this page as of July 29, 2016. This date does not reflect the effective date or any other date relating to the content of this page.

November 6, 2017