Connecticut State Department of Revenue Services

Refund Protection Program Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION 1:  Why is DRS making me answer questions before issuing my Connecticut tax refund?

ANSWER: This helps assure that your refund will not be stolen by someone who may have stolen your identity or made a fraudulent claim.

QUESTION 2:  Where did DRS get my personal information?

ANSWER:  All the taxpayer specific information comes from public records but the responses will usually only be familiar to the actual taxpayer.

QUESTION 3:  Why was I selected to go through this process?

ANSWER:  Some of the information from the tax return submitted in your name has automatically triggered this further review. All you have to do is correctly answer a few questions specific to your identity.

QUESTION 4:  What if I elect not to answer the questions?

ANSWER: DRS cannot release your refund until assured that your refund is not being issued to someone posing as you.

QUESTION 5: What happens if I make a mistake and answer the questions incorrectly?

ANSWER: You will be able to answer a second short series of questions.

QUESTION 6:  What if I cannot answer the second set of questions?

ANSWER:  Your refund cannot be released until our tax investigations staff works with you to confirm your identity.

QUESTION 7:  How can I be sure that the DRS notice is not some sort of identity theft scam?

ANSWER:  The DRS notice you receive will provide a specific, secure toll-free telephone number (855-842-1441).  Note that this is the only way to contact DRS in order to quickly clear a refund that is due to you.