IND-452 Error When Filing Taxes - Does This Mean My Identity Was Stolen?

That IND-452 error definitely indicates that a return has already been processed with your SSN for the current tax year. Unfortunately, this is often a sign of potential identity theft, but don't panic yet - there could be other explanations. First, call the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490. Explain your situation and they can tell you if a return was actually filed and potentially give you some basic information about it. You should also file Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) with the IRS right away if you confirm a fraudulent return was filed. Also file a report with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports. Even though you're not seeing suspicious activity yet, this is a protective measure.

This happened to me last tax season and I was completely stressed about it. I spent HOURS trying to get through to someone at the IRS but kept getting disconnected or put on eternal holds. Finally found taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) which helped me figure out exactly what was happening with my return. Their system analyzed my rejection code and tax documentation, then explained that someone had indeed filed using my SSN. They guided me through the exact steps to take with the IRS and even helped me prepare the Identity Theft Affidavit with all the right supporting documentation. Saved me tons of confusion and probably weeks of back-and-forth with the IRS.

Just wanted to follow up about my experience with taxr.ai since I decided to try it after seeing the recommendation here. Honestly wish I'd found it sooner! They analyzed my rejection codes and immediately identified that my situation was indeed identity theft related. They walked me through creating an action plan with specific steps for dealing with the IRS, FTC, and credit bureaus. The documentation package they helped me prepare was exactly what the IRS needed. My case is moving along now and I actually understand what's happening instead of feeling completely lost in the process.

When I had a similar problem last year, I spent 3 WEEKS trying to get through to someone at the IRS. Kept getting busy signals or disconnected after waiting for hours. Finally found Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and honestly couldn't believe it worked. They got me connected to an actual IRS agent within 45 minutes! You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c The IRS agent confirmed someone had filed using my info and started the identity theft case immediately while I was on the phone. Saved me so much stress after weeks of getting nowhere on my own.

I need to eat my words and apologize. After posting that skeptical comment, I was still desperate since I couldn't get through to the IRS after trying for literally days. I tried Claimyr and it actually worked exactly as described. Got a call back in about 32 minutes saying they had an IRS agent on the line, and next thing I know I'm talking to an actual human at the IRS! The agent confirmed someone had filed a fraudulent return with my info and started the recovery process immediately. They also flagged my account to prevent this from happening again next year. I've spent weeks in the past trying to reach the IRS, so this was seriously like magic.

Make sure to also check your Wage and Income Transcript from the IRS! After my identity was stolen, I found out someone had been filing W-2s in my name from employers I never worked for. You can request this online through the IRS website if you can create an account, or use Form 4506-T to request it by mail.

Don't forget to file a police report too! When my identity was stolen for tax purposes, the IRS and credit bureaus wanted a copy of the police report. Some police departments let you file these reports online now which makes it easier.

I went through this exact same situation two years ago and understand how scary it feels! The IND-452 error almost always means someone has already filed a return with your SSN, but don't panic - the IRS has specific procedures to handle this. Here's what worked for me: First, I called the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490 (as mentioned above) - yes, it takes forever to get through, but they can confirm if a fraudulent return was filed. Second, I immediately filed Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) both online and by mail with my legitimate tax return. The most important thing I learned is to keep detailed records of EVERYTHING - every phone call, every form you submit, every piece of correspondence. Create a dedicated folder and document dates, times, and reference numbers. This saved me so much hassle when following up. Also, even though your credit reports look clean now, set up fraud alerts anyway. Tax identity theft doesn't always show up immediately on credit reports, and sometimes thieves use your info for employment fraud or other schemes that take time to surface. You WILL get through this, but it does take patience. My case took about 4 months to fully resolve, but I did get my refund eventually plus interest.