The IRS sent you a letter to verify your identity primarily to prevent tax fraud and protect you from identity theft. This occurs when a tax return filed under your Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer ID (ITIN) is flagged for inconsistencies, or if a return was filed without your authorization.
Be ready to verify your identity when calling the IRS
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).
Each notice deals with a specific issue and includes specific instructions on what to do. Don't panic. The IRS and its authorized private collection agencies do send letters by mail. Most of the time, all the taxpayer needs to do is read the letter carefully and take the appropriate action.
The IRS mails letters or notices to taxpayers for a variety of reasons including:
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.
If the IRS suspects your tax return is fraudulent, you might receive a 5071C Letter asking you to verify your identity. You can verify your identity online through the IRS Identity Verification Service website or by phone using the number provided in the 5071C Letter.
If you receive an IRS notice or letter
We may send you a notice or letter if: You have a balance due. Your refund has changed. We have a question about your return.
Identity verification is the process where you prove you are you — and not someone pretending to be you. After you create your Login.gov account or sign in, you may need to verify your identity to access services at some agencies.
Request an expedited refund by calling the IRS at 800-829-1040 (TTY/TDD 800-829-4059). Request a manual refund expedited to you.
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.
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 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.
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.
Remember, you will be contacted initially by mail. The IRS will provide all contact information and instructions in the letter you receive. If we conduct your audit by mail, our letter will request additional information about certain items shown on the tax return such as income, expenses, and itemized deductions.
A notice may reference changes to a taxpayer's account, taxes owed, a payment request or a specific issue on a tax return. Taking prompt action could minimize additional interest and penalty charges.
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.
Notices – The IRS will start sending you notices a month or two after you miss a tax deadline. Penalties and interest – If you don't respond to notices for missed tax payments, you'll continue to accrue penalties and interest.
The government has no legal obligation to notify you that you're under investigation. There is no constitutional right to know that prosecutors are building a case against you.
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.
IRS audits are triggered by discrepancies the IRS's automated systems catch, like unreported income from 1099s, claiming excessive deductions (charity, business meals, home office) compared to your income bracket, large business losses, math errors, significant income jumps, or claiming hobby losses as business expenses, with higher-income earners generally facing more scrutiny.