MDA warns of possible tax identity theft

The Michigan Dental Association (MDA) has received several calls from member dentists who say that when they submitted their federal taxes this year, they learned that their taxes had already been filed, most likely by an identity thief.

The MDA is encouraging members to contact the association if they suspect identity theft or tax fraud so the MDA can monitor the number of affected dentists, according to an ADA News story.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is stepping up a national criminal investigation to combat identity theft and refund fraud by pursuing identity thieves, preventing fraudulent refunds from being issued, and helping victims, the ADA said.

The MDA suggests the following steps if Michigan dentists learn that their identity has been used to file a tax return. Dentists should also contact their accountants and attorneys for help and document whatever action is taken.

• Notify the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490. More information on reporting tax fraud to the IRS and additional steps to take are available online. Complete Form 14039 and mail it with any other documentation to the IRS.

• Notify the Michigan Treasury via email, by calling 517-636-4486, or by mail at: Identify Theft Unit, Income Tax Division, P.O. Box 30477, Lansing, MI 48909. Include taxpayer's name, address, last four digits of the Social Security number, and a brief description of the situation.

• Notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online or by calling 877-438-4338.

• Contact the three credit reporting agencies to place a fraud alert on your credit report:

  • Equifax: 800-525-6285
  • Experian: 888-397-3742
  • TransUnion: 800-680-7289

• Notify local law enforcement and file a police report using the Identity Theft Report from the FTC.

The ADA said dentists in several other states also have experienced possible tax identity theft.