Shawdesh desk:

The IRS has issued millions of letters asking taxpayers to validate their identity over concerns of fraud.

Turns out, the IRS must screen tax returns to stop crooks from faking returns to steal refund money from Uncle Sam.

Many legitimate taxpayers can also be screened, and those who got flagged were sent a letter asking to validate their identity.

But 2.5million of these letters have so far received no response.

If you do not address the issues in the letter and take steps to authenticate your identity, this could lead to a delay in your refund.

Luckily, it’s easy to take action.

GET YOUR MONEY

If you are one of these taxpayers, and you still have the letter, there will be instructions there to validate your identity.

The IRS will outline the potential identity issues, and tell you the information you need to prepare and how to respond.

You may be able to use an online option or call the IRS.

Once your identity is confirmed, it will take as little as nine weeks to get your payments back.

So, if you’re still waiting for your refund, it might be a good idea to look around for that letter.

If you can’t find it, and you still haven’t received a refund you are entitled to, here’s what you can do.

Check your IRS account or call the taxpayer protection hotline at 800-830-5084.

Please note, this line is only for validating your identity, not for checking the status of refunds.

MORE TAX NEWS

If you’re a teacher or educator, remember to keep a record of any out-of-pocket spending on school supplies this year.

All eligible educators can deduct many important expenses when doing their tax returns.