Identity theft can cause you problems with the IRS

Below is a story about help for consumers who have the IRS after them because someone worked (and received pay) under their name and SSN but, of course, failed to pay taxes on the income. I have a client who has a similar story about identity theft causing him problems with the IRS.

"TaxRelief.net a leading provider of tax relief and referral service for tax attorneys has partnered with The Tax Defense Network in an effort to bring its clients even better solutions. Every year hundreds of thousands of Americans are contacted by the IRS regarding a tax debt. With identity theft one of the fastest growing crimes in the US the possibility of someone stealing your social security number simply to be able to work and then not pay taxes on that earned income is becoming a strong reality.

Brenton King, a 25-year-old father and student from Utah had his identity stolen when he was 17 and on vacation. Over the last four years at least five individuals have used his social security number to earn income and not pay taxes. The end result has had King unable to collect on past tax refunds and stimulus checks.

'In a situation like this we first have to establish that Mr. King was in fact a victim of identity theft and that he isn't responsible for these back taxes that are due. Then once Mr. King establishes a new social security number we can then move onto reclaiming any refunds or monies that are owned to him by the IRS.' - David Dugan, Spokesperson for TaxRelief.net.

It's certainly a frustrating situation to be in. That's why so many Americans are turning to IRS Debt or tax relief specialists. It can be difficult to know where to begin and having a tax professional there to help certainly makes it easier. TaxRelief.net is partnering with The Tax Defense Network in an effort to make an even greater team of tax specialists available to their clients. 'We're not just seeing an increase in the number of clients due to an increase in audits, but unfortunately because of situations like this where someone has had their identity stolen and the IRS is holding them responsible for any tax penalties.'"

The whole article can be found here - http://www.prweb.com/releases/tax/relief/prweb2569814.htm.