What Is an IRS Letter 5071C?

If the IRS suspects that a tax return with your name on it is potentially the result of identity theft, the agency will send you a special letter, called a 5071C Letter. This letter is to notify you that the agency received a tax return with your name and Social Security number and it believes it may not be yours. The letter asks you to take specific steps to verify your identity and confirm whether or not the return is actually yours.

How Do I Comply With Verification?

The IRS offers only two ways to verify your identity:

  1. Online at the IRS Identity Verification Service website
  2. By phone at the toll-free number listed on your 5071C Letter

Only those who receive a 5071C Letter should use the verification system. The letters are sent to you via U.S. mail. They are never emailed, and the IRS does not initiate verification requests by phone.
The IRS prefers that taxpayers use the online system; because phone callers may experience delays due to the high volume of calls the IRS receives. The phone number on your letter can be used only for verification purposes, not for any other tax issues.

How Will I Be Asked to Verify My Identity?

The ID Verify website or phone system asks questions that only you can answer correctly. What you will need:

  1. Your previous year’s tax return
  2. Your current year’s tax return
  3. All supporting forms and schedules

What Happens After I Finish the Verification Process?

If the verification proves you are the person named on the return and that you personally filed the return, the return will be processed. After successful verification, it takes about 6 weeks to complete processing.

The return will be rejected and investigated as identity theft/tax fraud if:

  1. Verification fails to confirm your identity or that you filed the return
  2. If the verification process is not completed, or can’t be completed

Respond to all requests from the IRS to validate your identity in order to avoid automatic rejection of what could be a valid tax return.

Use the thread below to discuss IRS 5071C Letters. Connect with others that have received a 5071C and keep us updated on what you find out!

0 0 votes
Article Rating
If You Found The Information Here Was Useful Please Consider Sharing This Page!
Advertisement
Refundtalk

Recent Posts

CFPB Takes Action Against Navient for Years of Student Loan Mismanagement and Violations

Order would put an end to Navient’s years of abuse of students and taxpayers in…

2 months ago

Maximizing Deductions for Home-Based Businesses: A Guide to Claiming Home Office Deductions and Other Expenses

Running a home-based business comes with many perks—flexibility, no daily commute, and the comfort of…

3 months ago

Understanding IRS Tax Refund Deposits

Tax season can be a time of anticipation and excitement, especially when you’re expecting a…

5 months ago

Today is Tax Day for 2024!

It's that time of year again – Tax Day 2024 is here! Today is the…

7 months ago

PATH ACT TAX REFUND HOLD 2024 ENDS TODAY

The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act was created in order to protect taxpayers…

9 months ago

IRS Will Update The Where’s My Refund? Tools by February 17

The IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool will be updated by February 17, 2024, for many…

9 months ago
Related Posts

This website uses cookies.