From: Poland, Maine
Dear TaxMama,
What do you do when someone uses your child's Social Security Number when
they file their tax return?
The child lives with the father and someone (not the mother, according to
her) is using his SSN when they file.
We have to provide proof to the IRS everytime we file.
What can I do to prevent this or find out how to stop it?
The IRS says I just have to mail my return in every year with proof everytime
we file till he is no longer being claimed on our returns.
Katherine
Dear Katherine,
Good heavens! That could take 18 or 20 more years!
Someone surely IS stubborn, constantly using this child's Social Security
number. It's a bizarre form of identity theft.
Either they have entered their own child's number incorrectly, or their
own SSN, or they are committing fraud.
If this has gone on for several years, and you're sure it's not the mother,
ask IRS to investigate.
Other than that, just keep your standard set of documents and cover letter
handy. When you get the IRS letter - just send them off with last year's letter
from IRS that accepted your explanation.
Incidentally, if you have reported this to IRS and ask them to investigate,
and they don't, you just might want to try calling the Taxpayer's Advocate's
office. This isn't exactly what they're set up to do, but...they just might
be able to help. 877-777-4778
I wish I could do more to help.
Best Wishes,
Eva Rosenberg, MBA, EA
