Yes, the IRS can verify your identity over the phone, typically when responding to specific letters (like CP5071C, 4883C, or 5447C) requesting validation of a tax return. You will need to call the toll-free number listed on the notice and have your tax returns and personal information ready to answer verification questions.
The IRS offers only two ways to verify your identity: online at the IRS Identity Verification Service website. by phone at the toll-free number listed on your 5071C Letter.
Self–Service: The fastest method to verify; usually takes 5-10 minutes. For step-by-step instructions, visit Verifying your identity with ID.me Self-Service. Video call: You will upload your document, then join a quick video call.
The identity verification process from the IRS can be triggered on a random basis, or it could be due to suspicion that a tax return with your name on it is potentially the result of identity theft.
Verifying via phone
Verifying identity over the phone requires “something you know” methods. Ask standard questions like name, address, and phone number, but also ask something that only the individual would know.
Your refund
It may take up to 9 weeks to process your return after you verify it.
If you can't verify online
Call us at the phone number on your notice. The number is for identity and tax return verification only. Other tax information, such as refund status, is not available.
Social Security numbers and birth dates for those who were named on the tax return. An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number letter if the you have one. Your filing status. The prior-year tax return.
And annoyingly, there's no way of finding out the reason for the delay until the IRS is ready to tell you. However, there is also no need to worry. Oftentimes the delay is simply resolved and your refund is processed as expected – albeit later than you'd hoped.
Bring the following identity verification documents to your appointment: A valid U.S. federal or state government-issued picture identification, such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport.
The IRS may send these identify fraud letters to taxpayers:
Letter 5071C, Potential Identity Theft with Online Option: This tells the taxpayer to use an online tool to verify their identity and tax return information. If the taxpayer didn't file, they can let the IRS know with the online tool.
Then, the taxpayer should call the IRS using the toll-free Identity Verification telephone number: (800) 830-5084.
The IRS issues several types of identity verification letters. Letter 4883C often involves a phone call or an in-person visit to confirm details. Letter 5071C, on the other hand, sometimes allows online verification through the IRS website if you meet certain requirements.
Common IRS audit triggers
One-time forgiveness, officially known as First-Time Penalty Abatement (FTA), is an IRS program that allows qualified taxpayers to have certain penalties removed from their tax accounts.
You know the IRS might be investigating you through official mail (first contact), phone calls (often with automated messages to IRS.gov), or in-person visits, but signs of a criminal probe include contact with IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) agents, subpoenas to you or your bank, questions to your accountant/bank, unusual account activity (freezing/refusing transactions), or agents suddenly going silent after an audit. Key indicators are official IRS letters, contact from CI special agents, third-party inquiries, and formal summonses for records, signaling serious scrutiny beyond a simple audit.
Overview. Letters 5071C, Potential Identity Theft During Original Processing with Online Option, is mailed to taxpayers to notify them that the IRS received an income tax return using your name, Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN).
(updated Oct. 31, 2023) A: To verify your identity with ID.me, you'll need to provide a photo of an identity document such as a driver's license, state ID or passport. You'll also need to take a selfie or choose to video chat with a live ID.me agent.
Other ways to verify
You can ask an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), such as an accountant or solicitor, to verify your identity on your behalf. This is also known as a Companies House authorised agent. You'll need to provide suitable identity documents.
So I got the 4883C letter last week to verify my identity so I called the number and everything was good. They told me that it was gonna take about nine weeks to get the refund.