A Complete Guide to Understanding, Responding, and Getting Your Refund Moving Again

If your tax return triggers an identity-related review, the IRS may send one of two letters: 5071C or 5747C. Both letters mean the IRS is holding your refund until you verify your identity—but the process for clearing each letter is slightly different, and the fastest way to verify depends on which notice you received.

This guide breaks down the differences between IRS Letter 5071C and 5747C, explains why you got one, and provides step-by-step instructions for releasing your refund hold as quickly as possible.

Why the IRS Sends Identity Verification Letters

The IRS issues these letters when:

• Your return triggers an identity fraud filter
• Your income or employer data doesn’t match IRS records
• Your return was filed from a new IP address or location
• You claimed refundable credits that require extra verification
• Your SSN appears on another return
• The IRS needs to confirm that you actually filed

Identity verification letters are not audits.
They are security checks to prevent someone else from stealing your refund.

Letter 5071C: The Standard Identity Verification Letter

IRS Letter 5071C is the most common identity verification notice. It usually means:

• The IRS flagged your return for possible identity theft
• The IRS needs additional information to confirm the filing
• You must verify your identity before your refund is released

How to Verify for 5071C

The fastest method is online verification.

Step-by-Step:

1. Go to the IRS Identity Verification Portal

Visit the website listed in your letter.

2. Sign in or create an IRS Online Account

You will need:

• Your SSN
• Date of birth
• Address
• Filing status

3. Answer identity verification questions

These are similar to credit report questions.

4. Confirm details from your tax return

The system may ask for:

• Adjusted Gross Income from your prior-year return
• Credit amounts
• Income sources
• Withholding information

5. Wait for processing

After successful verification, expect the refund to be released:

• In about 3–9 weeks for most taxpayers
• Faster for those on daily processing cycles

5071C verification can almost always be completed entirely online.

Letter 5747C: The In-Person or Advanced Verification Letter

IRS Letter 5747C is more serious and requires a higher level of verification.

This letter typically means:

• The IRS suspects identity theft at a deeper level
• Your return requires in-person verification
• You may need to visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center or use the ID.me system

Why 5747C Is More Strict

It is often triggered by:

• Suspicious return data
• Compromised SSNs
• Cases involving recent fraud alerts
• Filings using new devices, addresses, or phone numbers
• High-value refundable credits

How to Verify for 5747C

You may have two options:

Option 1: Online via ID.me (when available)

Some taxpayers can verify through ID.me if the letter provides instructions.

Option 2: In-Person Appointment

Many 5747C recipients must complete verification in person.

Step-by-Step:

1. Call the IRS using the number in your letter

Schedule an appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center.

2. Bring required identification

Typically:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Social Security card
• Prior-year tax returns
• W-2s or 1099s
• The 5747C letter itself

3. Complete the verification interview

The IRS employee will confirm your identity and the authenticity of your return.

4. Refund release

Refunds typically release:

• 4–9 weeks after verification
• Sometimes longer if additional review is required

Because 5747C is more security-intensive, the processing time can be slower than 5071C.

Key Differences Between 5071C and 5747C

Feature	5071C	5747C
Reason issued	Standard identity check	High-risk or suspected stolen identity
Verification method	Mostly online	Often in-person
ID requirements	Basic identity questions	Government-issued ID, SSN card, documents
Refund release time	3–9 weeks	4–12 weeks
Severity level	Moderate	High
Additional documentation	Sometimes	Usually required

Understanding your letter type helps you choose the fastest path to verification.

How Refund Holds Appear on Your IRS Transcript

Before and during identity verification, your transcript will show:

TC 570 – Refund Hold

This means no refund will be issued until verification is complete.

After successful verification, you will see:

TC 971 – Additional Action/Notice

Often tied to the verification letter.

TC 571 or TC 572 – Hold Released

This means the IRS accepted your identity confirmation.

Finally, your refund will show:

TC 846 – Refund Issued

This is the code that officially confirms your refund is on the way.

Fastest Ways to Verify Your Identity

For 5071C

• Online verification is the quickest
• Completing the process the same day helps move your return into the final cycle quicker

For 5747C

• Schedule the earliest in-person appointment
• Bring every document requested
• Double-check identification to avoid repeat visits

The fastest path always involves verifying immediately and providing complete documentation.

Common Mistakes That Delay Refunds After Verification

• Waiting weeks before verifying
• Incorrectly answering identity questions
• Missing identification documents during in-person appointments
• Filing before receiving all W-2s, causing mismatches
• Not checking transcripts for updates
• Not responding to follow-up IRS notices

Taking action right away prevents additional processing delays.

If you receive IRS Letter 5071C or 5747C, your refund is temporarily on hold until you verify your identity.
Both letters are part of the IRS’s expanding fraud prevention system, but they require different verification steps.

• 5071C = Standard online verification
• 5747C = Advanced in-person or ID.me verification

Once you verify successfully, the refund hold lifts and your transcript will eventually show TC 846, confirming the refund is released.

The fastest way to clear the hold is to verify immediately using the method your specific letter requires.