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In the IRS’s own words · not reviewed by VALID
CP01E notice explained, in the IRS’s own words
Someone may have used your Social Security number (SSN) to get employment. We placed an identity theft indicator on your tax account and will monitor activity on your account to prevent future fraud.
Read the full CP01E page on irs.gov ↗
What this notice is about
Someone may have used your Social Security number (SSN) to get employment. We placed an identity theft indicator on your tax account and will monitor activity on your account to prevent future fraud.
What you need to know
- There’s currently no known impact to your tax account due to this potential misuse of your SSN.
- File your tax returns on time.
Recommended actions
Consider taking the following steps to safeguard your financial and credit information, and note that some individuals, such as minor children, dependents, and non-filers, may not be able to use these protections due to a lack of credit or financial history:
- Review your earnings with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to ensure their records are correct and create an account on their website to help prevent unauthorized use of your Social Security number (SSN).
- Monitor your credit reports and financial accounts regularly for signs of misuse of your personal information.
- Place a one-year fraud alert on your credit accounts by contacting:
- Equifax: 800-525-6285
- Experian: 888-397-3742
- TransUnion: 800-680-7289
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and browse a complete list of recovery steps.
- Consider locking your SSN through the Department of Homeland Security to prevent anyone else from using your SSN for employment purposes.
- Get an identity protection PIN (IP PIN) for added security. An IP PIN is a six-digit number that helps verify your identity when you file your personal tax return, preventing identity theft.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do to protect my financial and credit accounts? (updated February 18, 2026)
Although there is no current impact to your tax account, both your notice and this web page explain steps you should consider taking to protect your financial and credit accounts. You can also find more information at the following sources:
- Publication 5027, Identity Theft Information for Taxpayers PDF
- IdentityTheft.gov
- Social Security Administration Fraud Prevention and Reporting
- IRS's Identity Theft Central
The notice was addressed to a minor child, dependent, or someone who doesn’t file taxes, in care of a parent or guardian. What should I do? (updated February 18, 2026)
The SSN used for employment belongs to the individual listed on the notice. If they haven’t filed a tax return, the notice was sent in care of the second name listed. Employment-related identity theft is not related to the filing of a tax return, but rather the misuse of an SSN for employment purposes. This type of identity theft can affect anyone, including minor children, dependents and individuals who don’t file tax returns.
Can the IRS tell me any more information about the use of my Social Security number (SSN)? (updated February 18, 2026)
We know that someone used your SSN on a Form W-2. However, due to Federal disclosure laws, we can’t disclose additional taxpayer information.
Are my current or previous years taxes or refunds affected or will this have an impact on my future taxes or refund? (updated February 18, 2026)
No. The identification of potential employment-related identity theft doesn’t impact your current or future tax return or any refund you may be expecting. Continue to file and pay your taxes on time.
As a potential victim of identity theft, should I get an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)? (updated February 18, 2026)
Although there’s currently no impact to your tax account, IRS offers the option of obtaining an IP PIN for added account protection. The IP PIN authenticates you as the valid filer of the return. If you or your dependent don’t currently have an IP PIN, you can apply for one. For more information, review the IP PIN FAQs page.
Did this happen or is it something that could happen? (updated February 18, 2026)
We’ve detected that someone used your SSN on a Form W-2 that wasn’t yours. We’re not sure if it was intentional or accidental. We’re notifying you so you can take steps to protect yourself.
How did somebody get my information for employment purposes? (updated February 18, 2026)
Identity thieves can obtain personal information through data breaches, scams, phishing, or stealing mail.
Did I make a mistake that led to the misuse of my Social Security number (SSN)? (updated February 18, 2026)
No, we can’t say that a mistake on your part led to the misuse of your SSN.
Will this affect my unemployment, Social Security, Medicare, VA or other entitlement benefits? (updated February 18, 2026)
It may affect these benefits, so take steps to protect your credit and financial accounts.
Do I need to file Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit? (updated February 18, 2026)
No, we’ve already added an identity theft indicator on your account to protect against future tax-related identity theft.
Who can I contact for help with identity theft or this notice if I can’t find the information on the notice or online? (updated February 18, 2026)
Call the Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490.
Who can I call if I have non-identity theft questions about my account? (updated February 18, 2026)
Call us at 800-829-1040.
What to do next
- Write down the date on the letter today.
- Look the number up on irs.gov yourself. Don’t trust a link or phone number from anyone else.
- If it says you owe money or proposes changes to your return, take it to a licensed CPA, EA or tax attorney before that date.
Not advice. Not a filing. Verify with a licensed professional. Rules change by year and facts.