To help prevent identity theft, we have implemented an identity protection verification process to reduce the chances of someone fraudulently filing a tax return and claiming the refund. One measure involves mailing an identity verification letter to certain taxpayers that requested a refund on their 2017 Montana individual income tax return. Our system flags returns with factors indicating the possibility of identity fraud. When this happens, we require the taxpayer to prove their identity before we process the refund.
The letter, which includes a tax verification code, asks the taxpayer to go to TransAction Portal (TAP), click on “Verify Return” and respond to a few questions so that we can verify that the taxpayer or their preparer filed the return. It is important the questions are fully understood before responding. For example, if a taxpayer responds “no” in error when asked “Did you or your preparer file this state tax return?”, it may result in a delay of his or her refund. We strongly encourage taxpayers to complete the verification process online; but, if a taxpayer does not have internet access, they may respond by mail.
For more information about this process, visit Identity Verification Letters.