IRS Letter 5071C Notice: Identity Verification Required
A 5071C letter means the IRS suspects identity theft and needs you to verify your identity — online at idverify.irs.gov or by phone — before it will process the return filed under your Social Security number.
What a Letter 5071C actually means
The IRS flags returns that look unusual for the taxpayer's history. A 5071C doesn't mean fraud definitely happened — it means the IRS wants proof it's really you before releasing a refund or processing the return.
If you filed the return, verification is usually a 15-minute task. If you didn't file it, someone may have used your SSN, and the letter is how you stop the fraudulent refund and start the identity-theft cleanup.
What to do, step by step
- 1Use the online verification service (idverify.irs.gov) with your prior-year return, current return, and supporting documents on hand.
- 2If online fails, call the toll-free number in the letter (expect long holds).
- 3If you did NOT file the return in question, say so during verification — the IRS will pull the fraudulent return and guide you through identity-theft steps (Form 14039).
- 4After verification, processing typically resumes within 9 weeks.
Common questions
Is a 5071C letter a scam?+
The letter itself is real IRS mail — but verify only through idverify.irs.gov or the phone number printed in the letter. The IRS never initiates identity verification by email, text, or social media.
How long after verifying 5071C will I get my refund?+
Up to 9 weeks is the official window once verification is complete, though many see movement sooner.
Received a Letter 5071C? Get it handled.
Talk to a tax specialist about your notice — free, no pressure, no judgment.