If you filed your tax return and suddenly got a letter from the IRS asking you to verify your identity, don’t panic—this is often a fraud-prevention step, not an automatic audit.
The IRS uses these letters when a return is filed with your Social Security number or ITIN and they need to confirm it’s really you before processing the return and issuing any refund.
Why You Got an Identity Verification Letter
You may receive an identity verification notice (like Letter 5071C or a similar TPP letter) if:
- The IRS flagged your return as potentially suspicious or linked to possible identity theft.
- A tax return was filed using your SSN or ITIN that doesn’t match your usual filing pattern.
- Recent changes (address, filing status, dependents, etc.) triggered extra security checks.
The goal is to protect your refund and prevent someone else from cashing in under your name.
How the IRS Will Contact You (And How They Won’t)
To reduce scams, it’s important to know how real IRS identity verification works:
- The IRS sends verification requests bymail onlyto the address on file.
- They donotstart identity verification by email, text, social media DM, or random phone calls.
- If you receive an email or text with a link saying “verify with the IRS now,” treat it as a scam and do not click.
Always use the website address and phone number printed directly on your letter, not links from messages or search results.
What You’ll Need to Verify Your Identity
When you respond to an IRS identity verification letter, have these items handy:
- The identity verification letter itself.
- Your current year’s tax return (the one in question), if you filed one.
- Your prior year’s tax return.
- Any supporting forms like W‑2s and 1099s.
If you’re asked to use an in‑person service (such as an ID.me in‑person appointment from letter 6483C), you’ll also need 2–3 identity documents, like:
- Government‑issued ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport).
- A document with your current address.
- Sometimes, a document showing your full SSN.
Ways to Complete the Verification
Your letter will spell out exactly how to respond, but typically you’ll verify in one of these ways:
- Online:Using the IRS Identity Verification Service site listed in the letter, answering questions about your tax history and personal info.
- By phone:Calling the toll‑free number on the letter and answering verification questions with a representative.
- In person:If required, visiting an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center or an in‑person verification kiosk (such as ID.me’s in‑person verification) with your ID documents.
Only use the specific website link and phone number printed in your letter.
What Happens After You Verify
Once you successfully verify your identity and confirm whether the return is yours:
- If the return islegitimate, the IRS will continue processing it, and your refund can still take several weeks to be released.
- If the return isfraudulent, the IRS will block that return and guide you through identity theft steps and ongoing protection (including possible IP PIN enrollment).
Processing time can vary, so it’s normal to see your refund status show “under review” while the IRS finishes its checks.
How to Protect Yourself from Scams
Because scammers copy IRS language, logos, and tax-season timing, you should:
- Ignore messages that demand “urgent verification” by clicking a link or sending photos of your ID.
- Never share your SSN, bank info, or ID photos over email, text, or social media.
- Log in directly at IRS.gov (typing the address yourself) or use the official contact information in your letter.
If in doubt, you can contact the IRS using a verified number from IRS.gov and ask them to confirm whether a letter is real.
