Did this happen to you? Did you file the income tax return twice? Worry not, there is an excellent solution for the same. There is a procedure the IRS follows when it comes to processing and receiving income tax returns. To avoid issues such as theft of personal identity and fraudulent activities in terms of taxation, the Internal Revenue Service has a Social Security Number registered under your name to identify your return and its authenticity.
If your return has been filed twice, they can identify the same via the social security number and verify the situation for any frauds or thefts. But then, what happens if you file your taxes twice? Please find out more about it right here in this article!
Does the second return get rejected?
“I filed my federal taxes twice!” sounds like a highly confusing situation. But, as we know, currently, approximately all returns are filed electronically, and once that happens, the same is linked to your social security number. The IRS then flags that same number combination and straightaway bars you to file another return in the same name.
Just in case the return gets filed twice, the second one will be rejected by the IRS and reverted with the justification for why it happened. A code of error is assigned to this situation, i.e., IND-515 or 0515, which is information that the return has already been filed for that particular year with a similar Social Security Number. Double returns won’t be an issue since the IRS itself most probably sorts it.
What should you do then?
Filing taxes twice? If that’s the situation, then receiving a rejection is justified. But if that’s not the case and you’ve received a rejection on your first filing, then you need to worry. Firstly, you should check for the details on the rejection letter and crosscheck the number assigned to you. Then, if you’re sure that no return has been filed on your end, and the number matches yours, immediately contact the Internal Revenue Service on (800) 908-4490.
You can contact them between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM (local time), between Monday and Friday. The situation must be rectified because if the number is familiarizing yours and is used, there has been malpractice of identity theft. You may find the 14039 online, and you need to fill it and mail the same attesting to the income tax return. Also, do not forget to attach a photo ID proof, your Social Security Card, driver’s license, or passport copy.
What’s next?
Every time an identity theft occurs, the IRS’s specifically assigned team thoroughly investigates this situation. Mainly, taking a look at the situation and analyzing the returns can take around 180 days, while some instances are solved under this time limit itself. After that, an official letter will be sent out to you, or a call will be made to you by the unit of IRS, who then makes you go through the entire process in detail.
An additional IP Pin or identity protection personal identification number will be provided to you, which provides safety from any fraudulent taxation issues. As you will aim to file returns in the future in electronic format, you will need to submit this number. This pin ensures that under your social security number, only your return will be filed. This will also prevent the Internal Revenue Service from probable delays and providing returns along with refunds.
In Conclusion: Safety In Your Very Own Hands!
Can you file your taxes twice? Of course, you can get it by mistake, and there is a solution to it. Of course, you will always get a return from the IRS itself. But, there are also cases when even a single return is not filed from your end, you still receive a refund. If this happens, you know the procedure now, but several measures can help you avoid this situation entirely.
Avoid carrying your social security card or providing your social security number to anyone. Only give it to someone who is meant to be filing your return or someone you trust. Also, keep checking your credit report with the help of the service provided on the website of the Federal Trade Commission; it is free of cost! Letting out documents meant to be secured will also be a harmful decision; always keep such records in a safe space.
Have an anti-virus installed along with anti-spyware software, and also make sure the security patches are updated with the firewall installed. Changing passwords of your accounts on the internet is another preventive step. That’s all you need to do! Simple steps, general steps that take you a long way.
