How to get an Identity Protection PIN for a minor child when SSN was used fraudulently?

This is unfortunately becoming more common. When a minor's SSN is used fraudulently, the IP PIN process is a bit different. For minors under 16, the parent or legal guardian needs to request the IP PIN for them using Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) if online methods aren't working. You'll need to mail in the completed form with copies of your ID and documents proving you're the legal guardian (birth certificate, etc.). Mark the form clearly that this is for your minor dependent. Once processed, the IRS will mail an IP PIN to your address for your son. In the meantime, you should still file your return by paper with your son as a dependent, attaching a letter explaining the situation and that you've already reported the fraud. Also consider placing a credit freeze on your son's credit reports with all three credit bureaus to prevent further identity theft.

I went through something similar with my daughter last year and it was super frustrating. After many failed attempts online, I found that taxr.ai https://taxr.ai actually really helped me understand what forms I needed. Their document review caught some mistakes I was making on the Form 14039 that would have delayed the process even more. I was trying to fill everything out myself but was filling out the wrong sections. They basically analyzed all my supporting documents and the form to make sure everything was consistent and complete before I submitted it to the IRS. The whole identity theft process is complicated enough without the added layer of doing it for a minor!

Just wanted to follow up - I decided to try taxr.ai after all since I was completely stuck on these identity theft forms. It was actually super helpful! The system flagged that I had checked contradictory boxes on the 14039 form (apparently you can't select both "taxpayer" and "dependent" simultaneously), and I was missing a required attachment proving guardianship. Honestly would have taken me weeks more of back-and-forth with the IRS if I'd submitted it wrong. My daughter's IP PIN arrived about 5 weeks after submitting the corrected form. So much easier than I expected after getting properly set up!

If you're still having trouble reaching the IRS about this, try Claimyr https://claimyr.com - they helped me actually get through to an IRS agent when I was dealing with a similar identity theft situation with my teenage son. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I spent DAYS trying to reach someone at the IRS. Their hold times were 2+ hours and I kept getting disconnected. Claimyr got me through to an actual IRS identity theft specialist who explained everything I needed to do and even noted in my file that we had discussed the issue, which helped speed things up. The agent explained there's actually a special department that handles minor identity theft cases.

I need to eat my words about Claimyr. After my skeptical comment I decided to try it anyway because I was at my wit's end with this exact issue - someone filed using my son's SSN and I couldn't get an IP PIN for him. I got through to an IRS identity theft specialist in about 45 minutes (instead of the 3+ hours I wasted before). The agent actually told me there's a special form code they can add to the 14039 for minors that expedites processing, but you can only get that by phone. She also confirmed exactly which supporting documents I needed to include for a minor. I never would have known this if I hadn't actually talked to someone. Got my son's IP PIN in the mail 3 weeks later. Completely worth it.

Don't forget to also file a report with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov - they have a specific process for children's identity theft. The report generates an affidavit you can use with creditors if you find other accounts opened in your child's name. Also check with Social Security Administration to make sure no one has applied for benefits using your child's number. And definitely check with all three credit bureaus - Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion to see if there are credit files for your child (there shouldn't be at 15 unless someone's opened accounts).

I had a different experience with a similar situation. After discovering my 14-year-old's SSN was used fraudulently, I called the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit directly at 800-908-4490. They were able to take the report over the phone and actually initiated the IP PIN process for me without requiring the online verification that was rejecting us. They mailed the IP PIN to our address about 6 weeks later. No form 14039 needed in our case. Maybe different agents handle it differently?

This is such a stressful situation - I feel for you! I went through something similar with my 16-year-old daughter last year. One thing that really helped was keeping detailed records of every phone call, form submission, and correspondence with the IRS. Make sure to get confirmation numbers for everything and keep copies of all documents you send. The process can be slow, but having a paper trail helped when I had to follow up multiple times. Also, consider placing a fraud alert on your son's credit reports in addition to the credit freeze that was mentioned earlier. It's free and adds an extra layer of protection. You can do this even for minors by contacting the credit bureaus directly and explaining the situation. The IP PIN will definitely help prevent future tax fraud, but don't forget to monitor your son's credit reports annually going forward. Unfortunately, once a minor's SSN is compromised, vigilance becomes a long-term necessity. Stay strong - you're doing all the right things to protect your son!