The IRS sends a 5071C letter to ask you to verify your identity before processing your tax return. Verifying your identity with the IRS helps protect you from someone else filing a fraudulent tax return using your personal information.
I Received a 5071C Letter. What Do I Need to Do?
If you received letter 5071C from the IRS, it’s crucial to respond quickly as the IRS wants to verify your identity to protect your personal tax account information from fraudulent use.
Before verifying your identity with the IRS ID Verify online or by calling and speaking with a live agent, you’ll need your IRS 5071C, the tax return mentioned in the 5071C letter as well as your prior year’s return, any W2’s and 1099’s, and photo identification (usually your driver’s license or passport).
How Do I Verify My Identity With the IRS?
You must complete the IRS ID Verify identity verification process online within 30 days of receiving your 5071C letter using the IRS secure Identity Verification Service website. If you do not verify your identity within 30 days, your tax return won’t be processed.
For more information about tax identity verification online, visit https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-letter-5071c-or-6331c. To verify your identity and tax return, go to https://sa.www4.irs.gov/ola/id-verify/.
The ideal way to verify your identity is online by uploading photos of your driver’s license or passport via the IRS ID Verify website above. You are also required to take a selfie with your phone or webcam when you verify, and you need to have your social security number, date of birth, and employer’s information.
Of course, if you don’t want to verify your identity online, you can also verify by phone or in person. To verify your tax identity over the phone, call the toll-free IRS Identity Verification number in your 5071C letter.
If you prefer in-person identity verification, you can schedule an appointment to meet with a representative at your local IRS office. Just like with online verification, you have 30 days to verify by phone or in person.
What Happens If I Can’t Verify My Identity?
If you received a 5071C letter and cannot verify your tax identity online or by phone, you’ll need to go in person to an IRS office. Until the IRS verifies your identity, your tax return won’t be processed, and your tax refund will be delayed.
Will a 5071C Letter Delay My Tax Refund?
Yes, an IRS 5071C letter will delay your tax refund. It can take the IRS up to 9 weeks to process your return after you verify your identity and another 2-3 weeks after your return is processed for the IRS to issue your tax refund.
Does A 5071C Letter Mean Someone Filed a Fraudulent Tax Return Using My Information?
When the IRS sends letter 5071C it doesn’t necessarily mean that someone else filed a fraudulent tax return using your personal information. If you filed a tax return, the IRS simply needs additional information to verify your return. If you didn’t file a tax return, however, call the IRS ASAP.
You can also let the IRS know you received a 5071C letter and didn’t file a return by visiting the Identity Verification Service website.
What is the Difference Between IRS Letters 5071C and 6331C?
Both a 5071C letter and 6331C letter are requests from the IRS to confirm your identity before processing a tax return and issuing a refund. If you receive a 6331C, follow the same steps for letter 5071C to verify your tax identity.
Whether you received a 5071C or 6331C, it takes the IRS up to 12 weeks after ID verification to process returns and issue refunds.
5071C Letter Recap
A 5071C letter from the IRS requests specific information from you to verify you are who you say you are. The information requested by the IRS to verify your identity includes a copy of two forms of identification: state-issued driver’s license or photo ID card; Social Security card; birth certificate or other proof of citizenship; current passport; or military ID card (active duty, retired, or discharged).
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