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In a world where identity theft has become a pressing concern, the State of California Franchise Tax Board offers a beacon of assistance through the Ftb 3552 form – an essential tool for those grappling with the repercussions of such violations on their tax accounts. Designed for individuals who have either fallen victim to identity theft or perceive themselves as potential targets due to circumstances such as lost or stolen personal items and suspicious credit activities, this form serves as a critical step towards securing one’s financial integrity. By providing a structured way to report the incident and its potential impact on tax accounts, the form acts as a bridge between the victim and the tax authorities, facilitating the necessary investigation and precautionary measures to safeguard the taxpayer's account against questionable activities. It asks for detailed information including the tax year affected, details of the incident, personal identification numbers, and contact information, ensuring a comprehensive account of the situation is presented. Further reinforcing its user-centric approach, the form includes options for submission by mail or fax, accompanied by supporting documents such as identification cards, police reports, or relevant letters from the IRS, emphasizing the importance of validating the claimant's identity. The Ftb 3552 form not only stands as a testament to the Franchise Tax Board's commitment to protecting taxpayers but also highlights the procedural steps individuals can take to mitigate the adverse effects of identity theft on their tax affairs.

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STATE OF CALIFORNIA

FILING COMPLIANCE BUREAU MS F151

FRANCHISE TAX BOARD

PO BOX 1468

SACRAMENTO CA 95812-1468

Identity Theft Affidavit

Complete and submit this form if you are an actual or potential victim of identity theft and would like the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) to update your account status to identify questionable activity.

Check one of the following boxes:

I am a victim of identity theft, and I believe this incident is affecting my tax account. Provide a short explanation of the tax impact:

I am a victim of identity theft, and I believe I may be at risk for future impact to my tax account.

I am a potential victim of identity theft, and I believe I may be at risk for future impact to my tax account. (Check “potential victim” if you have not experienced identity theft but are at risk due to a lost/stolen purse or wallet, questionable credit card or credit report activity, etc.)

Tax Year(s) Impacted

Date the Incident Occurred

Last Tax Return Filed (Year)

Provide the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number or

(if applicable or known):

(if applicable or known):

(Enter NRF if Not Required to File.):

your complete Individual Taxpayer Identification Number:

 

 

 

 

 

Last Name:

 

First Name:

 

Middle Initial:

 

 

 

 

 

Current Mailing Address:

 

 

 

 

City:

State:

 

 

Address on Last Tax Return Filed (Check Here If You Are Not Required to File a Tax Return.):

ZIP Code:

City:

State:

ZIP Code:

 

 

 

 

Telephone Number: Home Work Cell

Best Time (s) to Call:

Primary Language: English Spanish Other

 

 

Specify:

 

 

 

 

 

Under penalty of perjury, I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the information entered in this form is true, correct, complete, and made in good faith. I hereby agree and consent that the facsimile/fax signature of this affidavit shall be considered as valid as the original.

Taxpayer Signature

Date Signed (mm/dd/yyyy)

Submit this completed form and a copy of at least one of the following documents to verify your identity.

(Check the box next to the document you are submitting.)

a) Passport

b) Driver license or Department of Motor Vehicles identification card

If available, include a copy of:

c) Social security card

d) Police report

e) Internal Revenue Service letter of determination

Submit the copies required above with this form using one of the options described on PAGE 2 of this form.

FTB 3552 (REV 06-2016) C1 PAGE 1

355200081371

Submit the copies required above with this form using one of the options described on PAGE 2 of this form.

By Mail:

By Fax:

 

 

If you received a notice from FTB, return this

If you received a notice in the mail from FTB and a fax

form with a copy of the notice to the address

number is shown, fax this completed form with a copy of

contained in the notice.

the notice to that number. Include a cover sheet marked

 

“Confidential.” If no fax number is shown, follow the mailing

If you have not received an FTB notice and are

instructions.

self-reporting potential risk for future impact to

 

your tax account, mail this form to:

FTB does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email or fax.

FILING COMPLIANCE BUREAU MS F151

If you have not received an FTB notice and are self-reporting

FRANCHISE TAX BOARD

potential risk for future impact to your tax account, fax this form

PO BOX 1468

to:

SACRAMENTO CA 95812-1468

 

 

916.843.0561

 

 

Go to oag.ca.gov and search for identity theft for additional resources and information regarding identity theft.

For privacy information, go to ftb.ca.gov and search for privacy notice. To request this notice by mail, call 800.338.0505 and enter form code 948 when instructed.

Connect With Us

Web: ftb.ca.gov

Phone:

916.845.7088

 

7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, except state holidays

 

 

916.845.6500

 

from outside the United States

 

 

 

TTY/TDD: 800.822.6268

for persons with hearing or speech impairments

FTB 3552 (REV 06-2016) C1 PAGE 2

Document Attributes

Fact Name Fact Detail
Purpose of the Form To report identity theft to the California Franchise Tax Board and request an account status update to flag potential questionable activity.
Eligibility to Submit Actual or potential victims of identity theft who believe their tax account is affected or may be at risk.
Submission Options By mail or fax, with specific instructions provided based on whether or not the taxpayer has received a notice from the FTB.
Verification Documents At least one identity verification document is required, such as a passport, driver license, or a police report.
Contact Information Includes multiple contact options such as phone numbers for general inquiries and a TTY/TDD number for those with hearing or speech impairments.
Governing Law The form is governed by California state law, specifically regulated by the California Franchise Tax Board.

How to Fill Out Ftb 3552

Filling out the FTB 3552 form might seem like a daunting task, but it's a crucial step in ensuring your account with the California Franchise Tax Board is updated and protected against identity theft. Whether you're a victim or believe you're at risk, taking the time to complete this form accurately can make a significant difference in safeguarding your financial well-being. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

  1. Check the appropriate box at the top of the form to indicate your status: a victim of identity theft affecting your tax account, a victim believing in possible future impact, or a potential victim at risk of future impact.
  2. Under "Tax Year(s) Impacted", provide the year(s) your tax account was affected or potentially affected.
  3. Fill in the "Date the Incident Occurred" and the "Last Tax Return Filed (Year)" if known.
  4. Enter the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number (SSN) or your complete Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if applicable.
  5. Complete the "Name" and "Current Mailing Address" sections with your most recent information. If different from your last tax return, include your previous address as well.
  6. If you're not required to file a tax return, check the indicated box.
  7. Provide your telephone number and specify which type it is (home, work, cell). Also, mention the best time(s) to call.
  8. Select your primary language from the options provided.
  9. Read the statement below the language option carefully and sign the form. Don’t forget to put the date next to your signature.
  10. Choose at least one document to submit as verification of your identity (passport, driver’s license or DMV ID card, social security card, police report, or IRS letter of determination). Check the box next to the document you’re including.
  11. Finally, submit the completed form and the copies of documents required by mail or fax, following the specific instructions given on PAGE 2 depending on whether or not you've received an FTB notice.

Once you’ve submitted the form and the necessary documents, you've taken a significant step towards protecting your tax account and your identity. The FTB will review the information and, if needed, take appropriate action to secure your account. Remember, safeguarding your personal information is crucial, so always stay vigilant against identity theft. If you ever need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to the Franchise Tax Board or consult additional resources for guidance.

More About Ftb 3552

  1. What is the FTB 3552 form used for?

    The FTB 3552 form, also known as the Identity Theft Affidavit, is utilized by individuals who are actual or potential victims of identity theft and wish to alert the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) about the incident to safeguard their tax account. Completing and submitting this form helps the FTB to identify and mark the account for questionable activity, thereby taking steps to prevent unauthorized access or fraud.

  2. How do I submit the FTB 3552 form?

    There are two primary methods to submit the FTB 3552 form along with the necessary identity verification documents: by mail and by fax. For applicants who have received a notice from the FTB, it's advised to return the form and any accompanying documents to the address included in the notice. If submitting by fax, and a fax number was provided in the notice, applicants should send their documents to that number with a cover sheet marked “Confidential”. For those who are self-reporting and haven't received a notice, the form should be mailed to the Franchise Tax Board, Filing Compliance Bureau MS F151, P.O. Box 1468, Sacramento, CA 95812-1468, or faxed to 916.843.0561 if applicable.

  3. What documents are needed to verify my identity when submitting the FTB 3552 form?

    When submitting the FTB 3552 form, it is required to provide a copy of at least one of the following documents to verify your identity: a passport, a driver license or Department of Motor Vehicles identification card. If available, including a copy of your social security card, a police report, or an Internal Revenue Service letter of determination can further assist in the identity verification process.

  4. What should I do if I am a victim of identity theft but it has not yet impacted my tax account?

    If you believe you are a victim or a potential victim of identity theft but have not yet noticed any impact on your tax account, it is crucial to still submit the FTB 3552 form. In the section of the form where you check the applicable box, you would select "I am a victim of identity theft, and I believe I may be at risk for future impact to my tax account" or "I am a potential victim of identity theft, and I believe I may be at risk for future impact to my tax account." This proactive measure allows the FTB to flag your account for monitoring, helping to prevent future fraudulent activity.

  5. Can I report a case of identity theft to the FTB electronically (via email or fax) without receiving a notice first?

    The FTB does not initiate contact with taxpayers via email for security reasons. However, individuals can fax their completed FTB 3552 form if they are self-reporting and haven't received any notice, to the fax number provided (916.843.0561). This method requires including a cover sheet marked "Confidential." While direct email submissions are not supported, utilizing the mail or fax options ensures that the information is securely processed and that individuals filing a report of identity theft can receive the appropriate assistance.

Common mistakes

Filling out the FTB 3552 form is a critical step for individuals who believe they are victims or potential victims of identity theft and its impact on their tax accounts. However, errors can complicate the process, delaying the necessary protection and resolution. Here are eight common mistakes to avoid:

  1. Not specifying the type of victim – It's important to check the correct box to indicate whether you are an 'actual' victim of identity theft or a 'potential' victim due to suspicious activities that put you at risk.

  2. Omitting details about the tax impact – A brief explanation of how the identity theft has affected or might affect your tax account is crucial. Leaving this section blank can result in a lack of critical information for the Franchise Tax Board (FTB).

  3. Forgetting to mention the tax year(s) impacted – Identifying the specific year or years that have been impacted by the identity theft allows the FTB to focus their investigation more accurately.

  4. Incomplete Social Security or Taxpayer Identification Numbers – Providing only the last four digits when the form requests (if applicable or known) the complete number can delay processing.

  5. Mismatched addresses – Ensure the current mailing address and the address on your last tax return are accurate. If you've moved, check the box indicating you are not required to file a tax return, if applicable.

  6. Leaving contact information blank – Including a reliable telephone number and specifying the best time(s) to call increases the chances of a swift resolution.

  7. Failure to sign under penalty of perjury – Your signature confirms that the information provided is true and complete to the best of your knowledge. An omission here can invalidate the entire affidavit.

  8. Not including the required identity verification documents – Check the box next to the document type you are submitting and ensure you attach the necessary copies. Not doing so can stall the process.

Beyond these common errors, it's also beneficial to carefully review the instructions on the second page regarding how to submit the form and the required documents, whether by mail or fax. Proper adherence to these guidelines can greatly assist individuals in securing their tax accounts and navigating through the aftermath of identity theft.

Documents used along the form

When dealing with the intricate challenges of an identity theft situation, individuals may need to complete and submit not only the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) form 3552 but also several other related forms and documents to rectify their financial records and safeguard their personal information. Each form or document serves a specific purpose in the process of identity theft recovery and tax account correction.

  • Form 14039 (IRS Identity Theft Affidavit): Similar to the FTB 3552, this form is used to alert the IRS about the identity theft incident affecting federal tax records. It helps to flag the victim's account for review.
  • Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorization): This document allows victims to authorize another individual, such as a tax advocate or attorney, to access or discuss their tax information with the IRS, which can be crucial for resolving complicated tax issues that stem from identity theft.
  • Form 2848 (Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative): Through this form, taxpayers give a trusted representative legal authority to act on their behalf in dealings with the IRS, offering more direct assistance in managing tax matters.
  • Police Report: A detailed police report is essential for documenting the identity theft. It is often required by creditors and financial institutions as proof of the crime.
  • Credit Report: Obtaining a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus can help victims understand the full extent of fraudulent activities conducted in their name.
  • FTB Form 540: California Resident Income Tax Return, which may need amending if identity theft has affected the victim’s state income tax filings.
  • FTB Form 593: Real Estate Withholding Statement, applicable in cases where transactions were fraudulently conducted in the victim's name.
  • Identity Theft Protection Services Enrollment Form: Many individuals, after experiencing identity theft, opt to enroll in an identity theft protection service. This form is for subscribing to such services offering monitoring and alert systems.
  • FTB Notice Response Form: If the victim receives a notice from the FTB regarding a tax issue possibly related to identity theft, this form is used to respond and dispute inaccurate tax claims.

These documents and forms create a comprehensive toolkit for identity theft victims, enabling them to address and rectify the various challenges posed by such security breaches. It is crucial for victims to act promptly and systematically, providing all necessary information to the appropriate agencies, to recover from identity theft and protect their financial health effectively.

Similar forms

  • The FTC Identity Theft Affidavit: Both the FTB 3552 form and the FTC Identity Theft Affidavit are designed to help individuals report instances of identity theft. They serve as formal notifications to the respective agencies—FTB for state tax issues and FTC for broader identity theft concerns—that someone's personal information has been fraudulently used. Individuals are asked to provide details about the identity theft incident and their personal identification to assist in the investigation and mitigation of the fraudulent activity.

  • IRS Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit): Like the FTB 3552 form, IRS Form 14039 is used to alert a government body—in this case, the Federal Internal Revenue Service—of identity theft that specifically impacts one's tax records or obligations. Both forms require victims to detail the nature of the identity theft incident and may ask for the last four digits of the individual’s Social Security Number, among other personal identification details, to help safeguard the taxpayer’s account from further fraudulent activity.

  • IRS Form 8822 (Change of Address): Though not exclusively for identity theft, IRS Form 8822 is similar to the FTB 3552 form in that it deals with updating personal information with a tax authority to prevent potential misuse or errors. While FTB 3552 focuses on identity theft incidents, Form 8822 allows taxpayers to update their address, helping ensure personal information and sensitive tax documents are sent to the correct location.

  • Identity Theft Police Report: Submitting a police report is a common step in formally documenting an identity theft case. The FTB 3552 form specifically mentions including a police report as part of the documentation to support one’s claim of identity theft. Both the form and a police report serve the purpose of officially recording the incident and providing authorities with detailed information to assist in investigating and resolving the identity theft issue.

  • DMV Identity Theft Reporting Form (varies by state): Similar to the FTB 3552, many state Departments of Motor Vehicles offer forms to report identity theft that affects one's driver's license or vehicle registration. These forms alert the DMV to the fraudulent use of one’s personal information in order to prevent future misuse and protect the individual’s identity within state records.

  • Credit Bureau Fraud Alert Request: When someone flags their account for potential fraud with a credit bureau, it's somewhat akin to filling out the FTB 3552 form for tax-related identity theft. Both actions are preventative measures aimed at protecting an individual’s financial and personal information from being exploited due to identity theft.

  • Consumer Creditor Dispute Letter: Victims of identity theft often use dispute letters to notify creditors of fraudulent accounts opened in their names. This process shares similarities with the FTB 3552 form in that it involves formally communicating an occurrence of identity theft and its impact on the victim’s personal and financial standing, requesting the institution to take necessary steps to rectify the situation.

  • Social Security Administration (SSA) Fraud Reporting Form: Reporting identity theft to the SSA involves providing detailed information about the incident, especially if one's Social Security Number has been compromised. This process mirrors the use of the FTB 3552 form in that it specifically targets identity theft issues related to an essential piece of personal identification and aims to prevent further fraudulent activity.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the FTB 3552 form, it's important to handle the process carefully to ensure your identity theft claim is properly recorded and processed. Below are some guidelines on what you should and shouldn't do for a smoother experience.

Do:

  • Check the appropriate box to indicate your specific situation, whether you are an actual victim or a potential victim of identity theft. This will help the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) understand your circumstance better.

  • Provide a concise explanation of how the identity theft has impacted or might impact your tax account. This can help the FTB to address your issue more effectively.

  • Include the last four digits of your Social Security Number or your complete Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. This is crucial for the FTB to accurately identify your account.

  • Sign the affidavit and make sure to include the date. Your signature confirms that you declare, under penalty of perjury, that the information provided is true and correct.

Don't:

  • Leave any pertinent sections blank. For instance, if the form asks for the tax year(s) impacted, make sure to fill this information in. Missing information can delay the process.

  • Forget to check the box for the primary language if it’s other than English. This ensures that the FTB communicates with you in the most effective manner.

  • Ignore the requirement to submit a copy of at least one identification document along with the affidavit. This step is critical for verifying your identity.

  • Overlook the options for submitting the form and the required documents. Be aware of whether you are supposed to mail or fax them, and use the address or fax number provided accordingly.

Misconceptions

There are several misconceptions about the FTB 3552 form, commonly related to identity theft affidavit submissions with the Franchise Tax Board. Understanding these misconceptions is crucial for individuals aiming to protect their tax accounts from the effects of identity theft.

Misconception 1: The FTB 3552 form is only for those who have already been victims of identity theft.

This is not accurate. The form is also designed for individuals who consider themselves potential victims of identity theft, such as those who have lost their wallet or noticed questionable activities on their credit report. It allows them to alert the Franchise Tax Board about their situation to monitor their account for any unusual activities.

Misconception 2: Submitting the FTB 3552 form automatically resolves identity theft issues.

Submitting this form is a step in the right direction but it does not guarantee an immediate resolution of identity theft problems. It is part of a process that updates the individual's account status to help identify questionable activity. Victims may need to take additional steps, including contacting other institutions and possibly legal action.

Misconception 3: A police report is always required to file the FTB 3552 form.

While including a police report can strengthen an identity theft claim, it is not strictly necessary for submitting the FTB 3552 form. The form requires at least one document to verify your identity, such as a passport or driver’s license, but offers the option to include additional documents like a police report or an IRS letter of determination for further verification.

Misconception 4: Email or fax is the preferred method to submit the FTB 3552 form.

The FTB clearly states that it does not initiate contact with taxpayers via email or fax to safeguard privacy. The recommended submission methods are detailed on the form with specific instructions for mailing or faxing, depending on whether the individual has received a notice from the FTB or is self-reporting. This ensures the secure handling of sensitive information.

Key takeaways

Filling out and properly using the FTB 3552 form is crucial for those who believe they have been victims of identity theft or are at risk of it, particularly in relation to their tax records. Below are key takeaways to guide individuals through this process:

  • Understanding FTB 3552: The FTB 3552 form is designed for individuals who have experienced identity theft or suspect they are at risk, particularly with implications for their tax accounts with the California Franchise Tax Board.
  • Identification of Impact: It allows taxpayers to inform the Franchise Tax Board about the incident and specify whether the identity theft has had an immediate impact on their tax account or if it may pose a risk in the future.
  • Required Information: Applicants must provide detailed personal information, including the last four digits of their Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, full name, current mailing address, and tax year(s) impacted.
  • Verification Documents: Submission of identity verification documents, such as a passport, driver's license or DMV identification card, is mandatory. If applicable, a social security card, police report, or IRS letter of determination should also be included.
  • Submission Options: Forms can be submitted either by mail or fax, with specific mailing addresses and fax numbers provided based on whether the taxpayer has received a notice from the FTB or is self-reporting the issue.
  • Email and Fax Policy: It's important to note that the Franchise Tax Board does not initiate contact with taxpayers via email or unsolicited fax. This policy is to further safeguard taxpayer privacy and security.
  • Under Penalty of Perjury: By signing the form, the filer declares, under penalty of perjury, that all information provided is accurate, complete, and truthfully represents their situation to the best of their knowledge.
  • Additional Resources: The form offers guidance on where to find additional help and information regarding identity theft, including the Office of the Attorney General's website and the FTB's privacy policy for concerned individuals seeking further assistance.

In summary, the FTB 3552 form is an essential document for managing and mitigating the tax-related repercussions of identity theft. Accurate completion and timely submission, along with the required verification documents, can help protect individuals' tax accounts and personal information against fraudulent activities.

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