How to Complete IRS Identity Verification
What Is IRS Identity Verification?
The Taxpayer Protection Program was created in 2012 as a tool for the IRS to protect taxpayers from identity theft and tax fraud.
The IRS began expanding its identity theft identification efforts in 2015 (for the tax year 2014) following a rise in fraudulently filed tax returns. As part of these efforts to reduce fraud, the IRS may now send taxpayers a Letter 5071C requesting verification of the identity associated with a suspicious return.
Why Did the IRS Flag Your Return?
The IRS may choose to validate a taxpayer's identity if:
- The return arrived much earlier than the taxpayer's returns from previous years.
- The return arrived via a different method than in the past.
- The return contains income numbers that vary significantly from prior income.
- Deductions or credits vary significantly from what was claimed in the past.
- The return was sent from a suspicious computer or an IP address that has previously sent returns during the same tax year.
If, for any reason, you have received such a letter, it is important that you respond to it right away. A quick response will help to avoid further delays in processing your return.
You should also keep in mind that the IRS will NEVER call you or e-mail you in an attempt to verify your identity. All such requests are done in writing. There are no exceptions to this. If you receive a call from someone asking you to verify your identity and claiming to be with the IRS, it is most likely a scam.
How to Verify Your Identity
The letter that you receive will explain how you are expected to verify your identity. Typically, the questions that will be asked pertain to the taxpayer and their past tax returns.
Not all IRS identity verification letters work the same way. Here's how to respond based on which one you received:
| Letter | What It Means | How to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| 5071C | Standard identity check on a suspicious return | Online at idverify.irs.gov, or by phone |
| 4883C | Return needs additional identity confirmation | By phone only |
| 5747C | High-risk case requiring in-person confirmation | Schedule an appointment at a local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center |
Although the letter arrived in the mail, you are not advised to respond by mail. The reason for this is that there have been cases of letters requesting personal taxpayer information that were not sent by the IRS.
How to Verify Your Identity Online
For the quickest verification, taxpayers are urged to visit the IRS website and obtain an identity protection PIN (IP PIN). An IP PIN is a six-digit code that protects your Social Security number from unauthorized tax filings.
If you received a CP5071 letter or letter 5447C, verification of your identity and tax filing is needed. Visit the IRS Verify Your Return page and follow the instructions.
How to Verify Your Identity by Phone
Responses can be made by calling the IRS at the toll-free number, typically found at the top of the letter. To avoid taxpayer scams, always call the IRS prior to providing any personal information or mailing correspondence. Also, NEVER provide information over the phone to someone who calls claiming to be an IRS representative.
Information You Will Need to Verify Your Identity
The information that the IRS has about you is based on the tax returns that you have filed in the past. That means you should have your prior-year tax information handy for verification purposes. This includes supporting documents such as your W-2s and 1099s.
If you have experienced identity theft problems in the past, you may also need to have your Identity Protection PIN handy. This PIN is assigned by the IRS and used along with your Social Security number to file your taxes. It adds an extra layer of protection for those whose Social Security numbers have already been compromised.
What Do I Do if My Tax Return Is Rejected Because My Social Security Number Has Already Been Used?
If the IRS has rejected your return because it has already accepted a tax return with your Social Security Number, first confirm with your spouse or other family members to ensure they have not filed on your behalf. If this is not the case, your next step is to contact the IRS' Tax Fraud Hotline. The phone number for this is 1-800-829-0433. The IRS Fraud Hotline will provide you with additional information regarding how to proceed with your filing.