Tax season is officially upon us. Unfortunately, with tax season comes the potential for tax id theft. Tax ID theft occurs when someone steals your personal information and uses it to file for a tax refund. The Michigan City Police have learned of a new program being instituted by the State of Indiana for this tax season that may request Hoosiers confirm their identities before receiving their refund. THIS IS NOT A SCAM.
The Indiana Department of Revenue has contracted with LexisNexis Risk Solutions to verify taxpayer identities’ when they file for a tax refund. In order for LexisNexis to do this, a portion of each tax return that seeks a refund will be sent through a secure exchange to verify the taxpayer’s identity.
The Indiana Department of Revenue, reports that they expect “more than 90 percent of all returns will be verified through this process.”
NOW FOR THE TRICKY PART. In addition, some Indiana residents (less than 10%) will be asked to verify their identity through the use of an Identity Confirmation Quiz. Those selected will receive a letter from the Indiana Department of Revenue with instructions on how to take the quiz.
The Department of Revenue points out that those required to take the quiz are not suspected of identity theft but that “this effort is designed to further protect taxpayer’s from identity theft.” It is important to note that the Department of Revenue doesn’t expect any delays in issuing refunds to consumers even with this added layer of protection.
One last piece of information is that you MUST take the quiz if offered or your return will not continue to be processed. If you have any questions or do not have access to the internet to complete the “Identity Theft Quiz” you may call the Indiana Department of Revenue at (317) 233-1642 and they will be glad to assist you.