Pursuit's Take
IRS estimated it prevented $24.2 billion in fraudulent identity theft (IDT) refunds in 2013, but paid $5.8 billion later determined to be fraud. Because of the difficulties in knowing the amount of undetected fraud, the actual amount could differ from these point estimates. IDT refund fraud occurs when an identity thief uses a legitimate taxpayer’s identifying information to file a fraudulent tax return and claims a refund.
The Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) fraud estimates met several GAO Cost Guide best practices, such as documenting data sources and detailing calculations. However, the estimates do not reflect the uncertainty inherent in measuring IDT refund fraud because they are presented as point estimates. Report.
Media Coverage
Forbes: IRS Paid $5.8 Billion In Fraudulent Refunds, Identity Theft Efforts Need Work
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