Yes, the IRS is currently sending out identity verification letters (such as 5071C, 4883C, or 5747C) to taxpayers to confirm their identity and protect against potential refund fraud. These letters are sent via mail—never via email, text, or social media—when a tax return is flagged as suspicious.
Why you received this notice. A federal income tax return, Form 1040 series, was filed under your Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). 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.
What is a 5071C letter? The IRS sends a 5071C letter when it receives a tax return with your name and tax identification number, but believes the return to be fraudulent. A Letter 5071C will ask you to complete an online identity verification process to confirm your identity.
Letters and notices
There are a few ways a taxpayer can check to see if it's really the IRS: Log in to their secure IRS Online Account to see if the letter or notice is in their file. Review common IRS letters and notices: Understanding Your IRS Notice or Letter. Contact IRS customer service directly to authenticate it.
Check Your Transcripts
This doesn't necessarily mean that there is anything wrong with your return, but you may receive a request for additional information – including a request to verify your identity. Once the IRS has sent a notice or letter asking you for additional information, you may see a code 971.
It's about protecting you from scammers who may try to set up an account in your name to access your information and benefits. After you verify your identity, you won't have to do it again for that account unless you lose access to your account's multifactor authentication method or need to recreate your account.
The IRS receives copies of your W-2s and 1099s, and their systems automatically compare this data to the amounts you report on your tax return. A discrepancy, such as a 1099 that isn't reported on your return, could trigger further review. So, if you receive a 1099 that isn't yours, or isn't correct, don't ignore it.
unfamiliar branding – do you know this company? not using your name – do they really know who you are? bad spelling and grammar. poor quality logos, design and photography.
While it might feel concerning, it's not necessarily a sign of fraud or an audit. It simply means the IRS wants to confirm that you, not someone else, filed your tax return before they issue your refund. This letter is part of the IRS's identity protection measures. Quick action can help avoid refund delays.
Not reporting all of your income is an easy-to-avoid red flag that can lead to an audit. Taking excessive business tax deductions and mixing business and personal expenses can lead to an audit. The IRS mostly audits tax returns of those earning more than $200,000 and corporations with more than $10 million in assets.
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).
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.
What this letter is about. We received a federal income tax return, Form 1040-series, filed under your Social Security number (SSN) or individual tax identification number (ITIN). To protect you from identity theft, we need you to verify your identity and the tax return so that we can continue processing it.
You receive a notice or letter from the IRS about a balance due on your account, missing returns, a lien, or a levy. There are several collection alternatives available to you to resolve these issues.
Real IRS letters will include your tax identification or Social Security number, and a specific reason for the correspondence such as a balance due, a refund adjustment, or a request for additional information. Always check the letterhead and the contact information provided.
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.
Audit risk in 2025 is driven by both individual behavior and IRS algorithms. Common triggers include high income, unusually large deductions, unreported freelance income, filing errors, and business classification issues.