INDIANAPOLIS – Customers can rest assured the Indiana Department of Revenue’s (DOR) Identity Protection and Fraud Prevention Program is ensuring Hoosier taxpayers’ refunds are being properly distributed despite attempts by fraudsters.
“More than $110 million in fraudulent tax refund attempts have been stopped in Indiana since 2014 through DOR’s Identity Protection and Fraud Prevention Program,” said DOR Commissioner Adam Krupp. “By using a two-pronged approach, fraud volume has decreased in Indiana by 97 percent since 2014. Very few states, if any, have had similar success. Indiana continues to break ground in protecting our customers’ information and their refunds.”
The two-pronged approach includes: automated identity verification services and the Identity Confirmation Quiz.
Once an individual files their Indiana state income taxes, information is first submitted through an identity verification database to determine if the filing information is correct. The majority of Indiana tax filings are confirmed through this process.
As an additional level of protection, selected taxpayers will be requested to confirm their identities through an Identity Confirmation Quiz. Importantly, selection does not necessarily mean a taxpayer has been targeted for fraud. The distribution of the quiz means DOR needs additional information to ensure the taxpayer’s information and refund are protected.
“The Identity Confirmation Quiz worked to confirm the identities of more than 260,000 taxpayers last year alone, stopping more than 5,500 fraudulent returns from being processed,” said Commissioner Krupp.
Individuals have three minutes and two attempts to successfully complete the quiz, which consists of four questions only the individual can answer, and should not take more than two minutes to complete. The letter contains instructions on taking the quiz, and steps that need to be taken to ensure timely processing of the tax filing. Individuals have up to 45 days to complete the quiz.
By taking this extra step, DOR is protecting the individual’s refund and identity.
Additional information regarding the Identity Confirmation Quiz is available online at www.in.gov/dor/4922 and customers may also call our customer service center at 317-233-1642, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., EST.
