How Does IRS Identity Verification Work?

Why You Received an IRS Identity Verification Letter

The IRS received a Form 1040-series return (the standard individual income tax return) with your SSN or ITIN and wants to confirm you filed it. An ITIN is the tax ID number the IRS issues to people who can’t get an SSN. If you didn’t file the return, tell the IRS, because you may be a victim of identity theft.

Until you respond, the IRS won’t process the return or issue your refund. In its 2024 reporting, the Taxpayer Advocate Service said the IRS held more than 1.9 million returns pending identity verification that filing season. Lost your letter? The Taxpayer Advocate Service suggests checking your IRS online account or calling 800-830-5084.

How to Verify Based on Your IRS Notice or Letter

There are a few different letters you may receive asking you to verify your return. The most common is the CP5071 series of notices, which includes 5071C, CP5071, and CP5071F. Others include the 4883C, 5447 series, and 5747C. There are multiple ways to verify your return; the online tool, Identity and Tax Return Verification Service, may be used for CP5071-series notices and Letter 5447C only.

Notice or letter	How to verify
CP5071, 5071C or CP5071F	Online, or follow the other options listed on your notice.
CP5447, 5447C or CP5447F	Online for 5447C. Otherwise, or if you are unable to use the online service, use phone, mail or the Document Upload Tool.
Letter 4883C	Phone only. If that fails, book an appointment at a local IRS office.
Letter 5747C	In person, at a Taxpayer Assistance Center appointment you book by phone.

The phone numbers on these letters are for verification only and cannot provide your refund status.

What to Have Ready Before You Verify

Gather these items before you start verification:

Your notice or letter
The Form 1040 for the year shown, original or amended
A prior-year return, if you filed one and have it
Supporting documents, such as Forms W-2 and 1099

If you don’t have your return, check your tax software or ask your preparer. For a Letter 5747C appointment, also bring a federal or state photo ID plus one more identifying document, such as your Social Security card.

How Long Your Refund Takes After Identity Verification

If you verify online, wait 2–3 weeks before checking your refund, and expect up to 9 weeks for processing. Letter 4883C and Letter 5747C have the same 9-week window. If the IRS finds other problems with your return, it will contact you again, delaying your refund.

How to Protect Yourself Next Year

Confirmed tax identity theft victims automatically receive an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) each year. Anyone verifying their identity can opt in to the IP PIN program. This six-digit number, known only to you and the IRS, stops anyone else from filing a return with your SSN or ITIN.

The fastest way to get an IP PIN is through your IRS online account. You can also file Form 15227 if your adjusted gross income (AGI, your income after certain adjustments) is under $84,000 for single filers or $168,000 for married filing jointly. Your IP PIN is valid for one calendar year, and you’ll need it on every federal return you file that year.

When Form 14039 Applies

Skip Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) if you received Letter 4883C or 5747C, and follow the letter instead. If you verify a CP5071 or CP5447 notice, you don’t need the form unless the IRS tells you. File Form 14039 only if the IRS asks or you can’t use the verification service. It’s also how you report tax-related identity theft the IRS doesn’t know about, like a data breach.