When your tax refund is unexpectedly delayed or your tax return is flagged, one of the most common reasons is that the IRS needs to verify your identity. This usually comes in the form of an official letter, most often a 5071C, 4883C, or 5747C. Receiving one of these can be unsettling, but it's a crucial step the IRS takes to protect you from identity theft and fraud.
So, you've received one of these letters, and now you're wondering: how long does it take to get a letter from the IRS to verify identity? The answer isn't a simple, fixed number of days, as several factors can influence the timeline. However, understanding the process can help manage your expectations and guide your next steps.
Decoding the IRS Identity Verification Process: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Let's break down the journey from the IRS sending a verification letter to your tax return being fully processed.
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| How Long Does It Take To Get A Letter From The Irs To Verify Identity |
Step 1: The Arrival of the Letter – What's in Your Mailbox?
First things first, you've received a letter from the IRS. Take a deep breath. This doesn't necessarily mean you've done anything wrong. The IRS sends these letters when their systems detect something unusual with your tax return that might indicate identity theft or fraud. This could be due to a variety of reasons, from a change in your filing habits to simply being selected for a random fraud check.
QuickTip: Absorb ideas one at a time.
Important: Before you do anything else, verify the legitimacy of the letter. The IRS will never initiate contact about identity verification via email, text message, or phone call. A genuine letter will have:
- An official IRS letterhead.
- A 14-digit control number.
- Clear instructions to visit an official IRS website (ending in ".gov") or call an IRS-issued phone number.
- No threats of arrest or demands for immediate payment.
If you suspect the letter is a scam, do not follow any instructions or provide any personal information. You can report suspicious communications to phishing@irs.gov.
Step 2: Understanding the Letter You Received – Different Letters, Different Paths
The most common identity verification letters you might receive are:
Tip: Reading carefully reduces re-reading.
- Letter 5071C: This is perhaps the most common. It typically allows you to verify your identity online.
- Letter 4883C: This letter often requires a phone call to the IRS or, in some cases, an in-person visit.
- Letter 5747C: This letter frequently requires an in-person visit to an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) to verify your identity.
Each letter will provide specific instructions on how to proceed. Pay close attention to the details in your particular letter, as the required steps and documentation will vary.
Step 3: Taking Action – Online, Phone, or In-Person
Once you've confirmed the letter's authenticity and understood its specific requirements, it's time to act. The sooner you respond, the sooner your tax return can be processed.
Sub-heading: Online Verification (for Letters like 5071C)
This is often the fastest and most convenient method.
Tip: The details are worth a second look.
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Gather Your Documents: You'll typically need:
- The 14-digit control number from your letter.
- A government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, state ID, passport).
- A copy of your most recent tax return for the year referenced in the letter.
- An IRS online account or an ID.me account (you may need to create one if you don't have one).
- Supporting documents like W-2s, 1099s, or Schedule C/F if you have them.
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Access the IRS Identity Verification Service: The letter will provide a specific URL (make sure it's an official IRS.gov address).
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Create or Log In to Your Account: If prompted, you'll need to create an account with ID.me, which the IRS uses for secure identity verification. This typically involves uploading images of your ID and taking a video selfie. It's a secure process designed to protect your information.
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Answer Verification Questions: After successfully verifying your identity, you'll be asked questions about your tax return to confirm that you were the one who filed it. Be prepared to provide specific details from your return.
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Confirmation: Once you successfully answer the questions, you'll receive a confirmation.
Sub-heading: Phone Verification (for Letters like 4883C)
If your letter instructs you to call, be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak tax season.
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Gather Your Documents: Have the following readily available before you call:
- The IRS letter you received.
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- Your date of birth.
- Your filing status from your most recent tax return.
- The tax return referenced in the letter, and potentially a prior year's return.
- Supporting documents like W-2s, 1099s, etc.
- Account numbers from one or more personal accounts (e.g., credit card, mortgage, student loan, car loan) – this is for identity authentication purposes, not to request payment.
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Call the IRS: Use the phone number provided on your letter. Do not use a number found elsewhere online unless it's from the official IRS website.
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Be Patient and Clear: IRS agents are trained to guide you through the verification questions. Answer honestly and clearly. They will enter your information into their system. Even a small typo can cause the verification to fail.
Sub-heading: In-Person Verification (for Letters like 5747C or if Online/Phone Fails)
If online or phone verification isn't an option, or if your letter specifically directs you to, you'll need to visit a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC).
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Schedule an Appointment: You must schedule an appointment. You cannot just walk in. The letter will provide instructions on how to do this or you can use the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center Locator tool on their website.
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Gather Extensive Documentation: This is crucial. Bring:
- The IRS letter you received.
- A valid federal or state government-issued picture identification (e.g., driver's license, state ID, passport).
- The tax return referenced in the letter (Form 1040-series).
- If available, a prior year tax return (other than the year in the letter).
- Supporting documents for each year's tax return you filed, such as W-2s, 1099s, Schedule C, Schedule F, etc.
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Be Prepared for the Appointment: An IRS representative will review your documents and ask questions to verify your identity. If you're using a third-party representative, you (the taxpayer) generally must still be present to authenticate your identity.
Step 4: The Waiting Game – How Long Until Your Return is Processed?
This is where the "how long does it take" question truly comes into play. Once you successfully verify your identity, the IRS states that it may take up to 9 weeks to process your tax return and issue any refund or credit any overpayment to your account.
Tip: Break down complex paragraphs step by step.
- Average Processing Time: While the official word is up to 9 weeks, some reports indicate that refunds might be issued in an average of 46 days after successful verification, especially if the taxpayer contacts the IRS promptly.
- Factors Influencing the Timeline:
- Volume of Submissions: During peak tax season (typically February through April), the IRS processes a massive volume of returns, which can naturally lead to longer processing times for all returns, including those requiring identity verification.
- Complexity of Your Return: More complex tax returns with various credits and deductions might take longer to review even after identity verification.
- Accuracy of Information: Any discrepancies or errors in your initial return, or during the verification process, could cause further delays.
- Method of Verification: Online verification is generally the quickest. Phone or in-person verification might add a bit more time due to scheduling and processing.
- Internal IRS Delays: Like any large organization, the IRS can experience internal backlogs, staffing levels, and technological issues that affect processing speed.
Step 5: Tracking Your Refund – Patience is a Virtue, but Monitoring is Key
After successfully verifying your identity, you can monitor the status of your refund using the IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool or the IRS2Go mobile app.
- When to Check:
- E-filed return: You can generally check within 24 hours after the IRS receives it.
- Paper return: Allow 4 weeks after you mailed it before checking.
- Important Note: It may take 2-3 weeks after you use the identity verification service for your information to update in the "Where's My Refund?" tool. Don't panic if it doesn't show an immediate change.
FAQs: How to Navigate the IRS Identity Verification Process
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to IRS identity verification, along with quick answers:
How to Know if My IRS Identity Verification Letter is Legitimate?
- Verify the letter has an official IRS letterhead, a 14-digit control number, and directs you to an official IRS.gov website or phone number. The IRS will never initiate contact about identity verification by email, text, or unsolicited phone call.
How to Verify Identity Online with the IRS?
- Go to the IRS Identity and Tax Return Verification Service (the specific link will be in your letter), create or log in to your ID.me account, and follow the prompts to upload documents and answer questions about your tax return.
How to Verify Identity by Phone with the IRS?
- Call the phone number provided on your IRS letter (typically 800-829-1040 for general inquiries, but your letter might have a specific line). Have your letter, SSN, date of birth, prior tax returns, and supporting documents ready for the agent.
How to Verify Identity In-Person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC)?
- Schedule an appointment through the IRS website or by calling. Bring your IRS letter, a valid government-issued photo ID, your tax return for the year in question, a prior year's return (if available), and all supporting income documents (W-2s, 1099s, etc.).
How to Speed Up the IRS Identity Verification Process?
- Respond promptly to the IRS letter. Online verification is generally the fastest method if available for your letter type. Have all required documents ready to avoid delays in completing the verification steps.
How to Check the Status of My Tax Refund After Identity Verification?
- Use the "Where's My Refund?" tool on the IRS website or the IRS2Go mobile app. Allow 2-3 weeks after successfully verifying your identity for the information to update.
How to Obtain an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)?
- You can generally opt-in for an IP PIN through your IRS Online Account. If you cannot verify your identity online, you may be able to apply by filing Form 15227 or by scheduling an in-person visit to a TAC.
How to Respond if I Didn't File the Tax Return the IRS is Questioning?
- Follow the instructions on your IRS identity verification letter. If verifying online, there will be an option to indicate that you did not file the return. This suggests you may be a victim of identity theft.
How to Get Help if I Cannot Verify My Identity Online or By Phone?
- If the online or phone methods fail, the IRS will usually direct you to schedule an in-person appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC). Be sure to bring all required documentation.
How to Prevent Future IRS Identity Verification Letters?
- Enroll in the IRS IP PIN program for an additional layer of security. Always file accurate returns, keep your personal information updated with the IRS (especially your address), and protect your Social Security number.
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