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IRS Form 14039 is the Identity Theft Affidavit, used by victims of identity theft to assist with their tax accounts. This form has an OMB Number of 1545-2139.
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IRS Form 14039 is the Identity Theft Affidavit, used by victims of identity theft to assist with their tax accounts. This form has an OMB Number of 1545-2139.
Plain English
This document allows a person to officially tell the IRS that someone else fraudulently used their personal information for tax purposes. By filing Form 14039, the victim helps the IRS mark their account for future protection. It is necessary if the taxpayer suspects fraudulent activity on a federal tax return.
Submission Date
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Reporting on behalf of another person (not dependent)
This is required if the victim listed in Section C is not you and not a direct dependent.
✓ Check Section A, Box 4.
Victim's identity was misused by a parent or guardian filing taxes
If this specific scenario occurs, do not use Form 14039 for the general affidavit; ensure it is filed correctly based on other criteria.
✓ Check Section A, Box 3.
Filing in response to an IRS Notice/Letter
You must provide the specific 'Notice' or 'Letter' number(s) on the line provided in Section A.
✓ Check Section A, Box 2.
The form must be submitted when the victim becomes aware of the identity theft. There is no specific deadline date mentioned, but it should be filed promptly to avoid delays in IRS assistance. The instructions do not detail an extension period for filing Form 14039 itself.
Checklist
Section A (Checkboxes)
Confirmation of situation (e.g., '1. I am submitting this Form 14039 for myself') · Section A
Victim's Taxpayer Identification Number
9-digit SSN or ITIN · Section C
Section E (Penalty of Perjury)
Signature and Date signed · Section E
Section F, Box 1 (Deceased Spouse)
No attachments are required · Section F
Submission Method Selection
Online, Mail, or FAX must be chosen; do not use all three methods simultaneously. · Section p.2 instructions
Field map
General Info
2 items
Full legal name and taxpayer identification number (SSN or EIN).
Current mailing address.
Details
2 items
Complete all applicable sections of this form according to the official IRS instructions.
Enter the relevant dollar amount if this form involves tax calculation.
Certification
1 items
Read and acknowledge any certifications required by this form.
Signatures
1 items
Sign and date. Unsigned forms cannot be processed.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition is Form 14039 (Rev. 2-2026), dated February 2026. The source indicates that the form can be completed online at https://www.irs.gov/dmaf/form/f14039.
Quick Facts
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What if I am filing this form online but also sending it by mail?
The source states to choose only one method: Online (preferred), Mail, or FAX.
→ Confirm you are not using all three submission methods simultaneously.
Do I need to send my original tax return somewhere else if I file Form 14039 online?
Yes, the original tax return must be submitted to the IRS location where it is normally filed.
→ Check the filing instructions on the form for your standard local/regional address.
When should I use this form instead of just reporting it elsewhere?
Use Form 14039 when you are a victim of identity theft and need to report the issue to the IRS so they can document it and potentially assist with tax liability.
→ Ensure Section B describes how *you* or your dependent were impacted.
What happens if I file this form but don't include proof?
If required substantiation information is not provided, it may be difficult for the IRS to determine your correct tax liability.
→ Always attach supporting documents when possible.
If my spouse and I are both victims
how do we report that on Form 14039?
Check Box 1 under Section B (
My spouse is also a victim
).
Ensure you complete all required sections (A through E) for the reporting person(s).
Can I use this form if my dependent's identity was misused by me while filing taxes?
No, do not use Form 14039 in that specific case; it is not considered identity theft under those circumstances.
→ Check Box 3 in Section A and read the accompanying note carefully.
Workflow map
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⚠ If something goes wrong
This document allows a person to officially tell the IRS that someone else fraudulently used their personal information for tax purposes. By filing Form 14039, the victim helps the IRS mark their account for future protection. It is necessary if the taxpayer suspects fraudulent activity on a federal tax return.
Victims of identity theft must file IRS Form 14039. The form is used by anyone who knows or suspects someone used their information to fraudulently file a federal tax return.
The form collects details such as the name(s) used on the last filed tax return, the year(s) impacted by the identity theft, and an explanation of how the issue impacts the taxpayer's account. Section F gathers representative/guardian information if the filer is acting on behalf of another.
The form must be submitted when the victim becomes aware of the identity theft incident. If a person in Section C has previously submitted Form 14039 for the same incident, there is no need to submit another one.
Submissions can occur Online via https://www.irs.gov/dmaf/form/f14039 (preferred method), by Mail, or by FAX. If submitting by FAX and checking Box 2 in Section A, use the specific FAX number provided on the form.
First, complete Sections A through E of IRS Form 14039. The filer must check one box in Section A detailing the specific identity theft scenario (e.g., fraudulent tax return filing). Finally, sign and date in Section E under penalty of perjury to finalize the affidavit.
If a victim does not provide required substantiation information, the IRS may not be able to place a marker on the account for future protection. Intentionally providing false information on Form 14039 subjects the filer to criminal penalties.
The source states to choose only one method: Online (preferred), Mail, or FAX. Confirm you are not using all three submission methods simultaneously.
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