Income on your CP2000 that isn’t yours: identity theft
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Income on your CP2000 that isn’t yours: identity theft
By Tax Letter Desk Updated November 4, 2026
Short answer
If someone used your name and SSN, send your CP2000 reply with a completed Form 14039.
Pub 5181 also asks for a copy of a valid ID, and to say which items come from identity theft.
Respond right away, by the date on the notice.
Checked November 4, 2026 against IRS CP2000 page (Jul 14, 2026) , IRS Pub 5181 (Dec 2022) .
In this article
What do I send?
How do I fill in Form 14039 for a notice?
What if a 1099 came from a payer I don’t know?
What else should I do?
Questions
What do I send?
Your Response form and a statement on each item in the notice.
Form 14039, signed, or a police report saying your identity was stolen.
A copy of a valid federal or state ID, like a driver’s license or passport.
Dispute one item or more: $179. The check comes first, free.
How do I fill in Form 14039 for a notice?
In Section A, check the box for responding to an IRS notice or letter. Write the notice number.
Return it, with a copy of the notice if possible, to the address on the notice.
If the notice gives a fax number, you can fax it there.
What if a 1099 came from a payer I don’t know?
The IRS says not to put that income on your return, or amend a return you filed.
Contact the Social Security Administration.
What else should I do?
Update your IRS Online Account password.
Get an identity protection PIN (IP PIN).
Follow the recovery steps on IdentityTheft.gov.
Keep records of letters, calls and emails.
Sources
Understanding your CP2000 series notice IRS, updated July 14, 2026
Publication 5181, Tax return reviews by mail (PDF) IRS, revision December 2022
Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit (PDF) IRS, revision February 2026
Identity theft guide for individuals IRS, updated November 2, 2026
Questions
Pub 5181 lists a police report stating your identity was stolen as an alternative.
Yes. Pub 5181 says to respond immediately to the notice.
Yes. Tell the IRS which items result from identity theft.
Related guides
CP2000 for unemployment benefits (1099-G) Article
How to dispute a CP2000 notice Guide
How to respond to a CP2000 notice Pillar guide
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