I've Received a Tax Refund for Tax Year 2011, but Have Not Filed

[clawson]

I have not yet filed my taxes for tax year 2011, but today I received a refund check with all of my correct personal information printed on it. I called the IRS and they claim I filed on May 1st, though I insisted I did not. They asked me if I have knowledge of someone else filing for me and I of course said no. They verified every bit of information on the check over the phone, proving it's validity. I insisted it isn't mine and they eventually directed me to request the proper transcripts, as well as asking me to pay a ridiculous $57 for a photo copy of the filing.

I am wondering if anyone else has experience with this situation, where the check in question is not counterfeit and is verified by the IRS as correct. I am also wondering what the proper action is AFTER receiving the transcripts, if the IRS continues to insist it is mine! Can harm come to me if I sit on the check without cashing it, and revisit this in 6 months if I have not yet been contacted by the IRS about it? Any and all advice is much appreciated.

[Mr. Knowitall]

Check your Social Security history online, and see if the information appears to be correct - a discrepancy would suggest the possibility of identity theft. I suggest getting a copy of you credit report, as well.