Thieves Could Slow Tax Refund Process

Charlotte, NC — It may take more effort to file your taxes and more time to get your refund back this year.

A growing fraud problem is forcing the IRS to change its safeguards.

Criminals are filing taxes with your name and social security number. They get a large refund, and all taxpayers are left dealing with the headache.

It’s been two years since someone stole Monique Springer’s social security number and filed taxes under her name. She’s still waiting for her tax refund.

“Yeah! Over $4000!” said Springer.

She’s one of nearly 110,000 victims the IRS recorded in 2014.

Many don’t find out until they try to file.

“I was on the phone with them at least a month getting everything straightened out,” said Springer.

The fraud is happening so often, the IRS is taking longer to refund taxpayers across the country because of added security measures.

In North Carolina, Spokesperson Luis Garcia says, “The vast majority of people are getting their refund on time.”

That’s within 21 days.

“We have increased dramatically the number filters, and the number of algorithms, different programs were using to make sure we catch any before they even get into the system,” said Garcia.

One safeguard new this year: you cannot file multiple tax forms on one computer.

“Make sure you’re doing your homework,” said Garcia.

The IRS warns taxpayers that one way these thieves get your information by creating fake tax-filing websites, advertising low prices.

Some suspects meet their victims in person, claim to be tax preparers and promise big refunds.

“You’ve just given them your social security number, your spouses social security number, your children’s social security number and date of birth,” said Garcia.

Victims like Springer have to file by mail for at least two years after the fraud.

“You’re at the mercy of the system, and the system is never good,” said Springer. “There’s nothing you can do.”

It can take years for the IRS to prosecute and get money back from thieves. Once they do, the criminals have to pay back the money with interest and penalties.

To learn the warning signs and find out what to do if you become a victim, click here.