IRS letters › 5071C
Notice 5071C
Verify your identity
A return was filed with your Social Security number. The IRS wants to confirm it was you before processing it.
Also called: 4883C, 5747C
What it means
The IRS stopped a return because it looked like possible identity theft. If it was your return, verifying releases it. If it wasn't, telling the IRS stops a fraudulent refund. Letter 4883C asks you to verify by phone, and 5747C in person.
What to do
- Have the letter, the return for that year and the prior year's return ready.
- Verify online with the Identity Verification Service on IRS.gov, or call the number on the letter. Check that the number matches one on IRS.gov.
- If you didn't file, say so during verification. You don't need to file Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) unless the IRS tells you to. You can request an Identity Protection PIN for the future.
Don't
- Don't use a phone number or link from an email or text. The IRS sends these letters by mail.
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Is it really from the IRS?
The IRS starts contact by mail. A real notice has a notice number and your tax year, and you can see it, with any balance, in your IRS online account. The IRS never demands payment by gift card, crypto or wire transfer, and never threatens arrest. If in doubt, call the IRS using a number from IRS.gov, not one from the letter.
The law behind it
Free help
The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent part of the IRS that helps when a problem isn't being resolved (Form 911, or 877-777-4778). Low Income Taxpayer Clinics represent people for free or a small fee, many in Spanish and other languages.
Other letters
General information, not tax or legal advice. Always follow the dates and instructions printed on your own notice.