Form 14039: Identity Theft Affidavit

Form 14039 is used to notify the federal tax authority when an individual believes their identity has been used improperly for tax-related purposes.

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Introduction

Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, is used in certain situations involving suspected tax-related identity theft. It allows an individual to provide information about an identity theft concern and notify the federal tax authority of the situation.

Form 14039 may be appropriate when a taxpayer believes someone has used their identifying information to file a tax return or for another tax-related purpose without authorization. The circumstances surrounding identity theft can vary, so not every identity theft situation requires the same process.

What Is Form 14039?

Form 14039 is an Identity Theft Affidavit used to provide information about suspected identity theft involving federal tax records. The form may help identify a taxpayer’s account as being affected by potential identity theft.

The form generally asks for identifying information and details about the identity theft situation. Taxpayers should provide accurate information and explain the circumstances as clearly as possible.

Who Uses Form 14039?

Form 14039 may be used by individuals who believe their identity or taxpayer information has been misused for a federal tax-related purpose. It may be relevant when a taxpayer discovers an unfamiliar tax return, receives an unexpected tax notice, or encounters another indication of possible tax-related identity theft.

Not every suspected identity theft situation requires Form 14039. The appropriate process can depend on how the taxpayer discovered the issue and what type of tax-related activity may have occurred.

What Information Is Needed?

The information needed to complete Form 14039 generally includes the taxpayer’s identifying information and information about the suspected identity theft. Taxpayers may need information from tax notices, tax returns, correspondence, or other records related to the issue.

Taxpayers should provide as much accurate information as reasonably available. Copies of relevant notices, documents, and other records may be useful when explaining the suspected identity theft and supporting the information provided.

How to Fill Out/Complete Form 14039

Completing Form 14039 generally involves identifying the taxpayer, describing the identity theft situation, and providing information that may help identify the affected tax account. The taxpayer should select the applicable reason for submitting the form and provide the requested details.

The form should be completed carefully and reviewed before submission. Taxpayers should retain a copy of the completed Form 14039 and any supporting documents for their records.

Section 1

Begin by entering the taxpayer’s identifying information requested on Form 14039. This generally includes information needed to identify the individual and the tax account involved.

Review the identifying information carefully before continuing. Names, taxpayer identification numbers, addresses, and other information should be entered accurately and consistently with the taxpayer’s records.

Section 2

Select or identify the applicable reason for filing Form 14039. This section is used to describe the type of identity theft or tax-related situation that caused the taxpayer to submit the affidavit.

Choose the reason that best describes the taxpayer’s actual circumstances. Review the available information and supporting records before making the selection.

Section 3

Provide information about the suspected identity theft or tax-related activity. Explain what happened and provide the relevant details requested by the form.

Keep the explanation clear and factual. Include information that may help identify the suspected fraudulent activity without adding unrelated or unsupported information.

Section 4

Provide any additional information requested about the affected tax return, notice, or other tax-related matter. The information required may depend on the circumstances that caused the taxpayer to submit Form 14039.

Review the applicable questions carefully and provide accurate information based on available records. If a particular question does not apply, follow the applicable instructions for the version of the form being used.

Final Review

Review Form 14039 after all applicable information has been entered. Check the taxpayer’s identifying information, reason for filing, explanation, and other details for accuracy and completeness.

A final review can help identify missing information or inconsistencies before submission. Taxpayers should keep a copy of the completed form and supporting documentation with their personal tax records.

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes with Form 14039 may include providing incorrect identifying information, selecting an incorrect reason for filing, leaving important information incomplete, or providing an unclear description of the suspected identity theft.

Another common mistake is failing to keep copies of notices, tax returns, correspondence, and other records related to the identity theft concern. Maintaining organized records can help document the situation and support future communications.

Related IRS Forms

Form 14039 may be associated with Form 1040 and other federal tax forms when the suspected identity theft involves a tax return. Other forms or documents may also be relevant depending on the circumstances of the identity theft.

The specific forms and documentation needed will vary depending on the taxpayer’s situation. Taxpayers should consider the type of identity theft involved and any notices or correspondence they have received.

Where to File or Submit

Form 14039 is generally submitted according to the applicable procedures for the identity theft situation. The appropriate submission method can depend on whether the taxpayer is filing a tax return, responding to a notice, or reporting another tax-related identity theft issue.

Taxpayers should follow the applicable instructions for the situation and retain proof of submission when available. Copies of Form 14039 and supporting documents should also be kept with the taxpayer’s records.

Current IRS Form & Instructions

Tax forms and instructions may change over time. Taxpayers should use the version of Form 14039 that applies to their identity theft situation and the tax year involved.

The information on this page is intentionally general so it can remain useful across multiple tax years. Before completing Form 14039, taxpayers should review the applicable version of the form and its instructions because identity theft procedures, documentation requirements, and submission methods may change.

Important Information / Disclaimer

This page is provided for general informational and educational purposes and offers a basic overview of Form 14039. It is not intended to provide individualized tax, legal, identity theft, accounting, or financial advice and should not be considered a substitute for professional guidance.

Identity theft procedures, federal tax laws, forms, instructions, documentation requirements, and filing processes may change over time. Information that applies to one taxpayer or situation may not apply to another, so taxpayers should consider their individual circumstances and seek assistance from an appropriate qualified professional when needed.