IRS Blocked My E-Filing: Fraudulent Return Already Filed Using My Identity - Must Mail Paper Return by April 15, 2025

I tried to file my taxes but got completely blocked because IRS records indicate that a return has already been filed using my identity. I just got this alert saying "Fraudulent Tax Filing Identified" with a message that "IRS records indicate that a return has been filed using your identity. Criminals attempt to file a fraudulent return and claim a tax refund under a stolen identity. By letting us know you're a victim of identity theft, the refund will not be issued." The system is telling me I won't be able to file electronically at all and will need to mail a paper return by April 15, 2025. The message specifically states: "If you were planning to file a tax return this tax season, you will not be able to file electronically and will need to mail your paper return by April 15, 2025." They provided a link about "Where To File Paper Tax Returns" but I'm honestly freaking out about this whole situation. They mentioned something about an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), which apparently is a six-digit number that can help protect against tax-related identity theft. The message says: "If you don't already have an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) you may get an IP PIN as a proactive step to protect yourself from tax-related identity theft." It also explains that "An (IP PIN) is a six-digit number..." Has anyone dealt with this before? I'm especially worried because this means someone has my personal information and is trying to steal my refund. The IRS says they won't issue the refund to the fraudulent filing since I'm reporting I'm a victim of identity theft ("By letting us know you're a victim of identity theft, the refund will not be issued"), but what should I do next? This whole situation is really stressing me out. I got this message when I was trying to verify my return, and it appeared as a "Fraudulent Tax Filing Identified" alert. I'm trying to figure out what immediate steps I need to take beyond mailing in a paper return. Should I report this to other agencies? Will this affect my credit? How long will it take to resolve?

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14 comments

Maya Patel

The IRS alert confirms unauthorized tax filing activity under your identity, which is a serious red flag for identity theft. The system has blocked electronic filing to prevent further fraud, requiring you to submit a paper return by April 15, 2025. This protective measure, while inconvenient, helps ensure your legitimate return gets proper review. Critically, the alert mentions an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) - this six-digit security code is essential as it will prevent anyone else from filing returns under your Social Security number in the future. The IRS's proactive suggestion to obtain an IP PIN indicates they've confirmed the fraudulent activity. The notification's language about "refund will not be issued" is actually positive - it means the IRS has frozen any potential refund to the identity thief. However, this situation requires immediate action: 1. Obtain an IP PIN through IRS.gov 2. Complete Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) 3. Submit your paper return with Form 14039 attached 4. File an identity theft report at identitytheft.gov 5. Place freezes on your credit reports with all major bureaus The deadline mentioned (April 15, 2025) gives you time to properly document and submit everything, but addressing this promptly will help expedite resolution and protect your tax identity going forward.

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