State revenue department warns against income tax thieves

Posted on February 7, 2017
Tax Forms
The Illinois Department of Revenue says thieves are intercepting tax refunds after stealing private information. (Photo by PT Money/flickr)

By Illinois Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD – There’s a new fear this tax season: That someone else has claimed your income tax refund first. 

ID thieves are using stolen social security numbers to file fake tax returns and claim real refunds. 

Terry Horstman with the Illinois Department of Revenue said taxpayers call every year during tax season and say someone already claimed their refund. 

“A lot of times, historically speaking, fraudsters try and file taxes returns early to try and get a jump on people who are waiting to file returns,” Horstman explained. 

Tax theft is growing in both size and scope. 

“Our fraud prevention efforts resulted in saving over $20-million in calendar year 2016,” Horstman said. 

If you find that someone has filed for your tax return, Horstman said call the Department of Revenue. 

You can also check the state’s tax website My Tax Illinois to see if there’s a refund pending.

 

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