As the Alabama Department of Revenue continues to battle refund fraud related to identity theft, the department develops new and better tools to help taxpayers join in the fight. ADOR has now made it easier for taxpayers who have been victimized by ID theft to file an Identity Theft Affidavit with the department by making it available online.
If a taxpayer has been or thinks they have been a victim of identity theft, they are encouraged to submit this form. Filing an Identity Theft Affidavit with the department initiates a series of system checks and safeguards to ensure fraudulent refunds are not issued, thus protecting taxpayers and taxpayer dollars.
“We have observed a dramatic increase in identity theft over the past five years,” said Revenue Commissioner Julie Magee. “For consumers and taxpayers alike, we know that time is of the essence in successfully combatting identity theft and the ensuing fraud.”
Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses a stolen Social Security number to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund. Helping protect taxpayers’ information is a top priority of ADOR. By submitting this form it will make it easier to monitor accounts, issue alerts of suspicious activity and protect tax dollars.
The process to submit the form is simple and can be found on ADOR’s website. Once all of the information on the form is complete, the taxpayer will be asked to submit a photocopy of either their driver’s license, non-driver ID, Social Security card, or passport to verify their identity.
“You should contact the department if you learn your personal information was compromised,” said Investigations Director Glen Powers. “Identity theft can affect how a tax return is processed.” Remember that ADOR does not start contact with a taxpayer by sending an email, text or social media post that asks for personal or financial information
For more information about the Identity Theft Affidavit contact the Investigations Division by calling (334) 242-3012.