Rep. Estes Introduces Legislation to Prevent Fraudulent IRS Returns

U.S. Representatives Ron Estes (R-Kansas) and Jimmy Panetta (D-California) introduced legislation on Thursday to help prevent the submission of fraudulent IRS returns before they are filed. The legislation verifies that Electronic Filing Identification Numbers (EFIN), which identify who submitted the return to the IRS, are active and authorized in the software before e-file functionality is enabled. “The EFIN Verification Act of 2026 will reduce the risk of fraudsters using stolen or compromised EFIN numbers to file IRS returns,” said Rep. Estes. “By preventing fraudulent IRS returns from being filed with EFIN verification, this legislation will maintain the integrity of our tax system, prevent scams before they happen, and codify an already-existing IRS program into law.” “Tax preparation firms play an important role in helping working Americans file their tax returns electronically, but the IRS currently lacks the tools to authenticate their Electronic Filing Identification Numbers. This security gap leaves those numbers vulnerable to theft and misuse by online scammers,” said Rep. Panetta. “I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation with Rep. Estes to require the IRS to establish an EFIN verification system that will strengthen security, reduce fraud, and protect taxpayers’ hard-earned money.” View the full legislation here .