Tax Refund Identity Theft in 2026

Author: Robert K Minniti

Tax refund identity theft continues to be one of the fastest-growing threats facing taxpayers and professionals. This course provides a practical roadmap for identifying, reporting, and mitigating tax refund identity fraud.

You’ll learn how criminals perpetrate these schemes, how to assist clients who become victims, and what steps to take to protect your firm and your clients. We’ll cover reporting requirements, insurance claim processes, and provide templates and forms to streamline your response. Join us to gain actionable strategies and safeguard your clients against this costly and disruptive crime.

Publication Date: February 2026

Designed For
This course would be appropriate for CPAs, CFEs, CFOs, CEOs, employees, staff accountants and anyone who is worried about becoming a victim of identity theft.

Topics Covered

• Forensic Accounting
• Tax Fraud
• Identity Theft
• Tax Return Identity Fraud

Learning Objectives

• Define tax refund identity fraud and its key characteristics
• Explain common methods criminals use to commit tax refund identity fraud
• Report instances of tax refund identity fraud to the appropriate authorities
• Assist clients in recovering from identity theft, including filing insurance claims
• Implement best practices to reduce the risk of tax refund identity fraud in your practice

Level
Basic

Instructional Method
Self-Study

NASBA Field of Study
Taxes (2 hours)

Program Prerequisites
Basic understanding of fraud and internal controls

Advance Preparation
None