After successfully verifying your identity with the IRS (via phone or online), it typically takes up to 9 weeks to receive your refund or for your return to finish processing. While some taxpayers report receiving refunds in 2-3 weeks, 6-9 weeks is the standard timeframe.
Mail or fax the completed IRS Form 4506-T to the address (or FAX number) provided on page 2 of Form 4506-T. If the 4506-T information is successfully validated, tax filers can expect to receive a paper IRS Verification of Non-filing Letter at the address provided on their request within 5 to 10 days.
This letter is to notify you that the agency received a tax return with your name and Social Security number that it believes may not be yours. The letter asks you to take specific steps to verify your identity and confirm whether or not the return is actually yours.
Your refund
It may take up to 9 weeks to process your return after you verify it.
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).
Once we verify your identity and confirm you submitted the tax return, we'll continue processing your return. It may take up to 9 weeks to process.
Request an expedited refund by calling the IRS at 800-829-1040 (TTY/TDD 800-829-4059). Request a manual refund expedited to you.
We sent you a CP5071 series notice because we need you to verify your identity and the return: If you didn't file a return: Verify with us. You may be the victim of identity theft. If you did file a return: Verify so we can continue processing your return.
Identity verification can range from instant to several business days, depending on the method; automated processes often take 5-15 minutes, while manual reviews or complex cases (like IRS or immigration) can take hours, days, or even weeks, with some governmental steps requiring 2-3 weeks post-verification for processing.
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.
Letter 5071C, Potential Identity Theft during Original Processing with Online Option – Provides online and phone options and is issued most widely. Letter 4883C, Potential Identity Theft during Original Processing – Provides a phone option.
Be ready to verify your identity when calling the IRS
Refund processing by the tax department starts only after the return is e-verified by the taxpayer. Usually, it takes 4-5 weeks for the refund to be credited to the account of the taxpayer.
The Taxpayer Protection Program will identify a suspicious tax return filed with your name and SSN and will send you a letter to let you know. The letter will ask you to verify your identity and tax return information. We won't be able to process your tax return or issue a refund until you respond to the letter.
New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. The 'up to 9 weeks' to complete processing starts when you verify. If you verified on March 10, you should allow until May 12 before contacting the IRS again.
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.
Common IRS audit triggers
Article #: 13591. Last Updated: November 03, 2025. The IRS sends out letters 5071C or 4883C that require taxpayers to verify identity before the IRS will continue processing a tax return. The letter details the process that the IRS requires to validate their identities.
Errors on or Incomplete Tax Returns: Your refund may be delayed for something as simple as a forgotten signature, mathematical errors or if the income reported by you doesn't match what your employer or other third-party payers have reported.
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.