Tips for Handling Identity Verification Requests From the IRS (2024)

FAQs

What security questions does the IRS ask to verify identity? ›

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.

If you can't verify your identity online or don't have the required documentation, please contact us using the toll-free number listed on your notice or letter. To expedite the process when calling, you must have: Your 5071C notice, 5747C letter, or 5447C letter.

If the IRS suspects that a tax return with your name on it is potentially the result of identity theft, the agency will send you a special letter, called a 5071C Letter. 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.

To protect you from identity theft, we need you to verify your identity and the tax return so we can continue processing it. If you didn't file a tax return, you must let us know.

Contact an IRS customer service representative to correct any agency errors by calling 800-829-1040 (see telephone assistance for hours of operation).

Prepare for your appointment

Bring these items with you: A current government-issued photo ID. A taxpayer identification number, such as a Social Security number. Any tax documents you'll need.

If your identity cannot be verified, this indicates that TransUnion is unable to confirm that you are who you say you are. This can happen when you do not have any credit history, or when the information you provided about yourself does not match TransUnion's records.

You can verify your identity using Self-Service or on a video call with an ID.me agent. Select the tab below for an overview of each verification method: Note: If you live outside of the United States and don't have a US phone number, mailing address, or Social Security number, you can still verify your identity.

If you cannot verify your identity online, you can contact the IRS at 1-800-830-5084 from 7:00am - 7:00pm. You have a better chance of reaching the IRS if you call early in the morning. If the IRS did not provide you with a specific phone number, you can call IRS taxpayer assistance at 1-800-829-1040.

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.

What is the difference between 4883C and 5071C? ›

The only difference between IRS letters 4883C and 5071C is that 5071C specifically requests documentation showing that your SSN belongs to you. Both letters inform taxpayers that they may be victims of identity theft. You do not need to call the IRS when you receive a 5071C.

Go to Identity Verification Service and follow the online instructions. Call the IRS toll-free on 800-830-5084 for Identity Verification.

Social Security numbers (SSN) and birth dates for those who were named on the tax return. An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) letter if the taxpayer has one instead of an SSN. Their filing status: single, head of household, married filing joint or married filing separate.

Respond to IRS Letters

When the IRS is questioning whether a return is legitimate, it will send taxpayers a letter asking them to authenticate their identity, and it will not process their return and issue their refund until the taxpayer responds to the letter and completes the authentication process.

Why is my return being reviewed? While we accept most tax returns as filed, we select some for examination. The IRS examines some federal tax returns to determine if income, expenses, and credits are reported accurately.

If you want to verify your identity with Social Security, you will be required to provide a US driver's license, US passport, state-issued ID, and US military ID. For age verification, you may be required to provide your birth certificate, US passport, or a US hospital record of your date of birth.

The IRS will inquire about the sources of your income and whether you accurately reported them on your tax return. This involves examining cash transactions, unreported gambling winnings, inheritance, and other forms of additional wealth.

The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers they must answer the digital asset question and report all digital asset related income when they file their 2023 federal income tax return.