The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) is committed to protecting taxpayers from identity theft. If the IRS suspects that a tax return filed under your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) might be fraudulent, they will send you a letter asking you to verify your identity. This is a crucial step to ensure that your refund goes to you and not to a criminal.
Have you recently received a notice from the IRS asking you to verify your identity? Don't panic! It's a common measure to combat tax fraud, and we're here to guide you through the process. Let's get started on securing your tax return and your peace of mind.
The Importance of Identity Verification
Receiving a letter from the IRS regarding identity verification, such as a CP01A, 4883C, 5071C, 5447C, or 5747C notice, means the IRS has flagged your tax return for potential identity theft. Until your identity is verified, the IRS will not process your tax return or issue any refund due to you. This entire process is designed to protect you, so it's vital to respond promptly and accurately.
Step 1: Understand Your IRS Notice
The very first step is to carefully read the IRS letter or notice you received. This letter will be your primary guide, outlining the specific notice number (e.g., 5071C, 4883C) and providing instructions on how to proceed.
- Identify the Notice Number: Locate the specific notice number on your letter. This number dictates the verification method available to you (online, phone, or in-person).
- Review the Content: The letter will explain why you're being asked to verify your identity and what information or documents you'll need. It may also provide a deadline for response.
- Check for a Website or Phone Number: Most notices will direct you to a specific IRS website (often
idverify.irs.gov) or provide a dedicated phone number for identity verification. Do not use general IRS contact numbers for this specific issue unless explicitly stated in your letter.
Step 2: Choose Your Verification Method
The IRS offers different ways to verify your identity, depending on the letter you received. The most common methods are online, by phone, or, in limited cases, in person.
Sub-heading: Online Verification (Recommended)
For many taxpayers, the fastest and most convenient way to verify your identity is online through the IRS's Identity and Tax Return Verification Service, often in conjunction with ID.me.
- Access the IRS Website: Go to the specific URL provided in your IRS notice (e.g.,
idverify.irs.gov). - Sign in with ID.me:
- Existing ID.me Account: If you already have an ID.me account (used for other government services), simply sign in with your credentials.
- New ID.me Account: If you don't have an ID.me account, you'll be prompted to create one. This involves a secure identity verification process through ID.me.
- Self-Service Verification (Fastest): This method typically takes 5-10 minutes. You will need to:
- Provide your email address and create a strong password.
- Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA), such as a text message code to your phone.
- Upload photos of your valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, state ID, passport, passport card).
- Take a video selfie (a short video of yourself) to compare with your ID photo.
- Video Call Verification: If you encounter issues with the self-service option or prefer speaking with an agent, you can opt for a video call. You'll upload your documents and then connect with an ID.me video chat agent who will help verify your identity. This method is often required if you've legally changed your name or have specific accessibility needs.
- Self-Service Verification (Fastest): This method typically takes 5-10 minutes. You will need to:
- Answer IRS Questions: After successfully verifying your identity with ID.me, you'll be redirected back to the IRS portal to answer specific questions about your tax return.
- Have a copy of your notice and the tax return for the year shown in the notice readily available.
- You will be asked questions to confirm details on your tax return, such as specific income amounts, deductions, or credits.
- If you did NOT file a tax return for the year in question, you must indicate this on the website. This helps the IRS identify potential identity theft.
- Confirmation: Once you've successfully completed the process, you'll receive a confirmation. It may take up to 9 weeks for the IRS to process your return and issue any refund after successful verification.
Sub-heading: Phone Verification
If your IRS notice specifically directs you to verify by phone (some letters like the 4883C only offer this option), or if you are unable to complete the online process, you can call the IRS.
- Locate the Phone Number: The specific toll-free number for identity verification will be printed on your IRS notice. Do not call the general IRS customer service line.
- Gather Required Information: Before calling, ensure you have:
- The IRS notice you received.
- The tax return for the year shown in the notice.
- Prior year's tax return (if applicable, as some questions may relate to previous filings).
- Supporting documents for your tax return (e.g., Forms W-2, 1099, Schedule C or F, etc.).
- A valid government-issued photo ID for personal identification.
- Prepare for the Call: Be prepared for potentially long wait times. Have all your documents easily accessible so you can answer the IRS assistor's questions accurately and quickly. The assistor will ask a series of questions to confirm your identity and details about your tax return.
- Be Patient and Accurate: The IRS assistor's goal is to verify your identity. Answer all questions honestly and to the best of your ability. Any discrepancies could lead to further delays.
Sub-heading: In-Person Verification (Limited Situations)
In very limited circumstances, especially if you cannot verify online or by phone, the IRS might ask you to schedule an appointment at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) to verify your identity in person. This is often indicated on specific letters like the 5747C.
- Schedule an Appointment: You'll need to call the IRS (the number on your letter or 844-545-5640 for TAC appointments) to schedule an in-person appointment.
- Gather Required Documents: Bring the following to your appointment:
- The IRS letter you received.
- The tax return referenced in the letter (Forms W-2 and 1099 are not considered tax returns themselves, but bring them as supporting documents).
- A prior year's tax return (if available and if additional verification is required).
- Supporting documents for each year's tax return you filed (e.g., Form W-2, Form 1099, Schedule C or Schedule F, etc.).
- Valid government-issued picture identification, such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport.
- Another form of identification (e.g., voter registration card, utility bill matching address on ID, birth certificate, current school records).
- Be Prepared: The IRS representative will review your documents and ask questions to verify your identity.
Step 3: What Happens After Verification?
Once you successfully verify your identity through any of the above methods:
- Processing Your Return: The IRS will resume processing your tax return.
- Refund Timing: It can take up to 9 weeks to receive your refund or have any overpayment credited to your account.
- Check Status: You can check the status of your refund using the IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool or the IRS2Go mobile app, usually 2-3 weeks after verification.
- Further Issues: If the IRS finds other issues with your return, they will contact you again, which may further delay your refund.
Step 4: Protect Yourself from Future Identity Theft
Verifying your identity is reactive. To be proactive and help prevent future tax-related identity theft:
- Get an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN): An IP PIN is a six-digit number known only to you and the IRS. It helps the IRS verify your identity when you file your electronic or paper tax return. You can opt-in to receive an IP PIN annually through your IRS Online Account. This is a highly recommended proactive measure.
- Secure Your Information: Be vigilant about phishing scams, suspicious emails, and phone calls claiming to be from the IRS. The IRS generally initiates contact by mail.
- Protect Personal Documents: Keep your SSN, tax returns, and other sensitive financial documents in a secure place.
- Monitor Your Credit: Regularly check your credit report for any suspicious activity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to know if I need to verify my identity with the IRS?
You will receive a specific letter or notice from the IRS (e.g., 5071C, 4883C) instructing you to verify your identity. The IRS will not initiate this process via email, text message, or social media.
How to verify my identity online with the IRS?
Go to the URL provided in your IRS letter (often idverify.irs.gov), create or sign in to your ID.me account, and then follow the prompts to upload documents and/or take a video selfie, finally answering questions about your tax return.
How to verify my identity by phone with the IRS?
Call the toll-free number listed directly on your IRS identity verification letter. Be prepared with your letter, tax returns for the current and prior year, and supporting documents.
How to verify my identity in person with the IRS?
If directed by your IRS letter or if online/phone verification isn't possible, call the IRS to schedule an appointment at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) and bring all requested documents, including photo ID and tax return information.
How to get my IP PIN to protect against identity theft?
You can proactively obtain an IP PIN through your IRS Online Account by navigating to your "Profile" page. If you cannot create an online account, limited alternative methods exist, such as Form 15227 or in-person verification at a TAC.
How to find my Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for verification?
Your AGI can be found on your previous year's tax return. You can also access it through your IRS Online Account by signing in with ID.me and viewing your tax records under "Return Summary."
How to recover a lost IRS identity verification letter?
If you lost your letter, you can often check your IRS Online Account for any alerts about needing to verify your identity. Alternatively, you can call the Taxpayer Protection Program (TPP) phone line at 800-830-5084.
How to resolve common issues during online identity verification?
If you encounter problems with ID.me (e.g., document upload issues, selfie problems, login issues), visit the ID.me Help Center for troubleshooting. If the issue is with the IRS's tax return questions after ID.me verification, you may need to call the IRS number on your letter.
How to check the status of my refund after identity verification?
After successfully verifying your identity, you can check the status of your refund using the IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool online or through the IRS2Go mobile app. Allow 2-3 weeks for the status to update after verification.
How to report suspected tax-related identity theft if I didn't receive an IRS letter?
If you suspect identity theft but haven't received an IRS letter, visit Identity Theft Central on the IRS website (IRS.gov/identitytheft) for guidance and to learn about filing Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit.
