Understanding Your 5071C Letter

Below is an update on the IRS's efforts to determine who filed a suspicious tax return. In some cases, they will send Letter 5071C to certain taxpayers and ask the them to use an online identity verification process. Taxpayers always have the option of calling the telephone number in the letter. They want you to be aware of this change should your clients contact you. Below is the text on IRS.gov for Understanding Your 5071C Letter:

They received a federal income tax return with your name and taxpayer identification number but they must verify your identity to process it accurately. The contact information below is only for taxpayers who received Letter 5071C.

What you need to do if you didn’t file

• Use their secure Identity Verification Service. It’s quick and secure.
• You can opt-out of the Identity Verification Service at any time and call the toll-free number provided in the 5071C letter.
• If you answer a question incorrectly, you can call the toll-free number in the 5071C letter.

What you need to do if you did file

• Call the toll-free IRS Identity Verification telephone number at 800-830-5084.
• Have a copy of the 5071C letter you received, a copy of your prior year tax return (if you filed one) and your most recently filed tax return (if you filed one), as well as any supporting documentation for each year's return (such as Forms W-2, 1099, 1040 Schedule C, or 1040 Schedule F) when you call.

They’ll ask you a series of questions about your identity and tax return history.
If they are unable to verify your identity over the phone or online, they may ask you to schedule an appointment at your local IRS office to verify your identity in person.

The toll-free number is for identity verification only. No other tax-related information, including refund status, is available.