First-time tax filer seeking help with duplicate SSN error and filing for 2 years - identity theft concerns

Hey everyone, I really need some guidance on filing taxes for the first time. I'm 21 and I need to file for both last year and this year, but I'm running into problems. When I tried using tax software to submit my W-2 last year, I got an error message saying I was using a duplicate SSN. I'm pretty sure my father used my Social Security number without permission (he's done similar things when I was younger). I tried resolving this last year by calling the IRS, but with all the COVID shutdowns nobody was answering phones and I eventually gave up after trying for several weeks. Now I'm worried about penalties for not filing last year - am I going to get in trouble or owe extra money? I've been collecting unemployment since midway through last year. How do I get my tax documents for the unemployment income? Where do I even go to sort this out? Is there a way to file both years at the same time? I didn't receive any stimulus payments either - can I still claim those somehow? Sorry for all the questions. I don't have family I can trust for advice on this stuff, and I'm trying to figure everything out on my own.

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18 comments

James Martinez

•8M

This is actually a more common situation than you might think, and I can help walk you through the process. First, for the duplicate SSN issue - this strongly suggests someone else filed a tax return using your Social Security number. You should request an Identity Theft PIN from the IRS at irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin. This will prevent anyone else from filing electronically using your SSN. For the unfiled tax year, don't panic. If you're owed a refund, there's no penalty for filing late. If you owe taxes, there might be penalties and interest, but filing as soon as possible is still your best move to minimize these. For unemployment tax documents, you should have received (or can access online) a Form 1099-G from your state unemployment office. Log into your state's unemployment portal or call them directly if you can't find it. Yes, you can absolutely file for multiple tax years at the same time. For the stimulus payments you missed, you can claim them as the Recovery Rebate Credit on your tax returns for the appropriate years.

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James Martinez

•8M

Getting the IP PIN is actually the first step in addressing the identity theft. Once you have it, you should also complete Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) if you know your information has been misused. The IRS will then begin an investigation. Yes, your 1099-G should be available on the same portal where you claim weekly benefits. Most states have a specific section for tax documents or correspondence where you can download it. If you can't find it there, there's usually a helpline number specifically for requesting tax documents.

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Olivia Harris

•8M

I went through something similar with my tax situation last year. After trying to call the IRS countless times, I found this service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that analyzed my tax documents and helped identify exactly what was going on with my duplicate SSN issue. They have this AI tool that scans your documents and identifies problems - in my case it spotted signs of identity theft I hadn't even noticed and gave me specific steps to fix it. The best part was they helped me understand what forms I needed to file to claim my missed stimulus payments from previous years. I was totally lost before finding them.

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Olivia Harris

•8M

They don't actually contact the IRS for you - instead, they analyze all your documents and provide a detailed report showing exactly what's wrong and the specific steps you need to take. For identity theft, they pointed out the exact forms I needed to file and the right sequence to resolve everything. It's actually pretty affordable considering how much they help with. I don't think I'm supposed to discuss exact pricing here, but it was way less than what I would have paid an accountant for the same guidance. They have different options depending on how much help you need.

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Alicia Stern

•8M

Just wanted to update after trying taxr.ai from the recommendation above. It was seriously worth it for my situation! Their system immediately flagged the duplicate SSN issue and gave me step-by-step instructions for fixing it. The document they generated for me showed exactly what forms to file and in what order. I was able to claim both years of taxes and got my stimulus payments as a refund through the Recovery Rebate Credit like they suggested. The whole process was way easier than I expected. I'm actually getting a decent refund now instead of being completely confused about what to do.

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Gabriel Graham

•8M

If you're still struggling to get through to the IRS about the identity theft issue (which you definitely need to handle), I used a service called Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) when I was in a similar situation. They somehow get you through to an actual IRS agent on the phone without the ridiculous wait times. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was skeptical at first, but after trying for weeks to get through on my own about my identity theft case, I gave it a shot. They got me connected within about 15 minutes when I had been trying unsuccessfully for weeks.

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Gabriel Graham

•8M

It's not that they have a special "skip the line" button - they use a sophisticated calling system that essentially keeps redialing until it finds an open line. Once it gets through, it calls you back and connects you directly to the IRS agent. You're not paying for someone to wait on hold - you're paying for their technology that navigates the phone system efficiently. No, it's not just a service that waits on hold for you. They have some kind of technology that keeps trying different call routing options until they find an open line. Then they immediately connect you when they get through. I was seriously doubtful too but was desperate after trying for weeks on my own.

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Drake

•8M

I have to admit I was completely wrong about Claimyr. After my skeptical comment, I decided to try it myself since I had my own tax issue that needed IRS attention. I had been trying to call about an audit letter for WEEKS without getting through. Used the service this morning and was connected to an IRS representative in about 20 minutes. The agent helped me clear up my identity theft situation and even walked me through the steps for requesting my IP PIN and filing my past due returns. For anyone dealing with identity theft issues like the original poster, being able to actually speak with the IRS directly makes a HUGE difference. They gave me specific instructions tailored to my situation that I couldn't find anywhere online.

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Sarah Jones

•8M

You'll claim the Recovery Rebate Credit directly on your Form 1040 for each year. There's a specific line for it on each year's tax return. And yes, you'll need to file a separate return for each tax year to claim the stimulus payments from that year. Each stimulus payment is tied to a specific tax year. So for example, the first two payments from 2020 would be claimed on your 2020 tax return, while the third payment from 2021 would be claimed on your 2021 return. Make sure you're using the correct year's tax forms when you file!

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