Safeguarding of IRS e-file from fraud and abuse is the shared responsibility of the IRS and Authorized IRS e-file Providers. Providers must be diligent in recognizing fraud and abuse, reporting it to the IRS, and preventing it when possible. Providers must also cooperate with the IRS’ investigations by making available to the IRS upon request, information and documents related to returns with potential fraud or abuse. Additional information regarding Reporting Fraud and Abuse in IRS e-file is available at IRS.gov.

Indicators of abusive or fraudulent returns may be unsatisfactory responses to filing status questions, multiple returns with the same address, and missing or incomplete schedules for income and expense documentation. A "fraudulent return" is a return in which the individual is attempting to file using someone else’s name or SSN on the return or where the taxpayer is presenting documents or information that have no basis in fact. A "potentially abusive return" is a return the taxpayer is required to file but may contain inaccurate information and may lead to an understatement of a liability or an overstatement of a credit resulting in production of a refund to which the taxpayer may not be entitled.