ID Theft

If a tax return document has been lost in the mail, does this open us to ID theft?

We were supposed to receive a 1099S form from the attorney's office for the sale of my mother's estate, following her death. We never received the tax forms that were mailed, and had to obtain copies from the attorney's office so we could file our tax return. I am concerned because those forms include a social security number. Assuming the worst - that someone tampered with our mail and now possess that information, is there anything I can or should do to prevent problems later?

Public Comments

1. You can call or go online to one of the three bureaus to file an "Initial Fraud Alert" which will alert lenders that your ID may have been compromised and they need to perform additional checks before they issue a loan. This will be passed to the other 2 credit bureaus and will be on your credit file for 90 days. You can re-file this every 90 days. Here's the information: TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289, www.transunion.com Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742), www.experian.com Equifax:1-800-525-6285, www.equifax.com Here's a government website that gives you a full list of what you should do if you've been a victim of ID fraud. http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/defend.html Just Be!
2. Dear Cass: Don gave you some good advice and the only thing I can add is if it was the sale of your mother's house or property only her Soc. Sec. # could be compromised and since is her estate ther would be limited liability. Check with the attorney to see what all was in the missing envelope. numbers from the 1099S maybe needed to calculate any gain on her house. This advice was prepared based on our understanding of the tax law in effect at the time it was written as it applies to the facts that you provide. Click on my profile to read more. Errol Quinn Enrolled Agent Master Tax Advisor