Identity Thieves Could Be Attempting to Get Your Tax Return

Tax season comes as a relief for folks who rely on a return to pay down bills, make a major purchase, or build a savings. But it is also a time when the damage from identity theft becomes very real for some taxpayers as they discover that identity thieves have filed returns in their names using information they stole during the year. Most consumers will not face any issues, but the unlucky few who are tax identity theft victims will have to wait on their money and may have to jump through some hoops to get their returns. There are a number of scenarios that a tax filer could face which might indicate that this crime has occurred including multiple returns were filed under your Social Security number, you receive a letter or refund check regarding a return you did not file, or you owe additional taxes or are facing collection actions for a year you did not file a return. Before you file your 2018 taxes, you can check whether an income tax return has already been filed in your name by visiting the Wisconsin Department of Revenue website