If the IRS cannot verify your identity, they will pause processing your tax return, freeze any potential refund, and send a notification letter (such as 5071C, 4883C, or 5747C). Without successful verification, your return will not be processed, preventing the issuance of a refund.
The return will be rejected and investigated as identity theft/tax fraud if: verification fails to confirm your identity or that you filed the return. if the verification process is not completed, or can't be completed.
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.
Your refund
It may take up to 9 weeks to process your return after you verify it.
If the IRS is reviewing your return, it may have questions about your wages and withholding, or credits or expenses shown on your tax return. The review process could take anywhere from 45 to 180 days, depending on the number and types of issues the IRS is reviewing.
Request an expedited refund by calling the IRS at 800-829-1040 (TTY/TDD 800-829-4059). Request a manual refund expedited to you.
Then, the taxpayer should call the IRS using the toll-free Identity Verification telephone number: (800) 830-5084. If the taxpayer did not file the return in question, they should still call the toll-free number to inform the IRS.
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.
(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.
To fix failed identity verification, ensure your details (name, DOB, address) exactly match your ID, use good lighting and no glare for photos, update your browser/app, disable VPNs/extensions, clear cache, use a different device, and check for typos or abbreviations in your entered info. If issues persist, contact the service's support or consider in-person verification if available.
Verify that your Social Security number, date of birth, and name are as they appear on your Social Security card. If the information is correct, and you're still having issues, contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
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).
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.
To talk to a real person at the IRS, call 1-800-829-1040, use specific key presses (like 2 for personal tax, then 3 or other options for more detail) to bypass automated menus, and be prepared with your details; if calls fail, schedule an appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) or contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) for complex issues, as these options provide in-person or specialized help.
Taxpayers whose tax returns have been flagged for possible IDT should receive one of the following letters: Letter 5071C, Potential Identity Theft during Original Processing with Online Option – Provides online and phone options and is issued most widely.
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.
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.
Use Where's My Refund, call us at 800-829-1954 (toll-free) and use the automated system, or speak with a representative by calling 800-829-1040 (see telephone assistance for hours of operation). If you filed a married filing jointly return, you can't initiate a trace using the automated systems.
IRS hardship reasons generally fall into two categories: 401(k) hardship withdrawals for "immediate and heavy financial needs" (like medical bills, home purchase/foreclosure prevention, funeral costs, or education) and tax debt hardship (inability to pay taxes due to inability to meet basic living expenses, long-term unemployment, or disability). For retirement plans, the IRS provides "safe harbor" reasons, including unreimbursed medical expenses, principal residence purchase/repair/foreclosure prevention, funeral expenses, and postsecondary education costs, plus expenses from FEMA-declared disasters.