WASHINGTON (AP) — The IRS says thieves used an online service provided by the agency to gain access to information from more than 100,000 taxpayers.

The information included tax returns and other tax information on file with the IRS.

In a statement Tuesday, the IRS said the thieves accessed a system called "Get Transcript." In order to access the information, the thieves cleared a security screen that required knowledge about the taxpayer, including the Social Security number, date of birth, tax filing status and street address.

The IRS said thieves targeted the system from February to mid-May. The service has been temporarily shut down.

Tax returns can include a host of personal information that can help someone steal an identity, including Social Security numbers and birthdates of dependents and spouses.