Oregon: TurboTax not only return fraud issue

The Oregon Department of Revenue said Friday it has identified inconsistencies in recently filed state tax returns prepared with third-party tax preparation software, indicating potential fraudulent activity.

However, the nationally reported issues with TurboTax software is just one of many scams detected and stopped this filing season by the state’s tax administration agency.

“Fraudulent attempts are on the rise, and we’re working to stop fraud where we find it,” explained the department’s director, Jim Bucholz.

Bucholz attributes the current detection of fraudulent attempts to the business rules and processes in use by the department. The characteristics of this specific fraud have been incorporated into these business rules.

No department systems have been breached, and taxpayer information on file with the department has not been compromised during this current situation, Bucholz said.

Staff are reviewing and verifying the validity of a number of returns. The department may contact victims of identity theft.

The department is working with TurboTax developer Intuit to determine the extent of the impact on Oregon taxpayers, Bucholz said. “If we can identify victims of fraud early, it’s easier for us to help them,” he added.

If you’ve received notification that a tax return has already been filed on your behalf when you try to file your state return, contact your third-party tax preparation software vendor. Intuit, the vendor for TurboTax, has set up a dedicated hotline for its users at 800-944-8596 .

Visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get tax forms, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments; or call 1-800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish); 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon; or email, questions.dor@oregon.gov . For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), call 1-800-886-7204 .