Interpreting IRS Notices About Identity Verification Steps

Overview

Receiving an IRS notice that asks you to complete identity verification steps means the IRS needs to confirm the taxpayer named on a return or tax account is who they claim to be. This can happen for several reasons: the IRS detected suspicious activity tied to your Social Security number (SSN), a return was filed using your data, or the return included information that didn’t match IRS records. These notices are procedural—meant to protect taxpayers and the tax system—but they often cause stress and confusion.

This guide explains the most common verification routes, what authoritative sources say, and practical, step-by-step actions you can take to respond. I’ve handled many of these cases in my tax-advisory practice; prompt, accurate responses typically shorten delays and reduce downstream complexity.

Sources: IRS Identity Theft Central and About Form 14039 (IRS). See also the IRS Get an Identity Protection PIN page for preventing future fraud (IRS Identity Theft Central: https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central; About Form 14039: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-14039; Get an IP PIN: https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin).

Why the IRS asks for identity verification

The IRS uses automated and manual checks to flag accounts or returns with inconsistent information. Common triggers include:

• An e-filed return with data that doesn’t match IRS records (name/SSN mismatch).
• Signs of multiple returns filed using the same SSN.
• Suspicious changes to withholding, dependents, or income compared with historical returns.
• Intelligence from data-sharing or detection programs identifying potentially fraudulent filings.

When flagged, the IRS may place a protective hold while it confirms identity. The hold can delay processing and refunds but is designed to stop fraud.

Common notices and procedures (what to expect)

The IRS uses letters and notices rather than a single standard form for identity verification. Two widely used items are:

• Letter 5071C — Identity Verification: This letter asks you to verify your identity online through the IRS ID Verify service or by calling the number provided. It is commonly sent when the IRS flags an e-filed return.
• Letter 4883C and related letters — Suspected Identity Theft: These letters notify taxpayers the IRS suspects identity theft and will include instructions on how to proceed.

Regardless of the letter, the actions the IRS may request include: using the online ID Verify tool, submitting Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit), or sending copies of identity documents by mail.

Note: Do not rely on memorized notice codes; always read the notice you receive and follow the instructions printed on it. For general background, see the IRS Identity Theft Central: https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central.

Immediate steps to take when you receive a notice

1. Read the notice carefully and act before the deadline.

• The notice will explain the reason and the deadline for your reply. Missing the deadline can prolong a refund hold.

1. Verify the notice is real.

• Scammers also send fake letters. Confirm authenticity by visiting the IRS website referenced on the notice (do not click embedded links in the letter) or by calling the IRS using a phone number found on IRS.gov or the tax notice.

1. Use ID Verify when available.

• Many identity-verification notices direct taxpayers to the IRS ID Verify service or the Get Transcript/ID Verify pathways. If your notice offers an online verification option, using it is usually the fastest route to resolution. (IRS: Get an Identity Protection PIN & Identity Theft Central.)

1. If directed, submit Form 14039.

• Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) is the official way to report that someone used your SSN to file a return. Follow the form instructions exactly, attach required identity documents, and mail to the address on the notice or the Form 14039 instructions. (About Form 14039: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-14039)

1. Gather documentation before you respond.

• Typical documents that help: government photo ID (driver’s license or passport), Social Security card, a prior-year tax return, W-2s, or recent paystubs. If the notice asks for specific documents, provide only what is requested.

1. Document your communications.

• Keep copies of mailed materials (use certified mail or retain delivery confirmation), record dates and times of calls, and save emails and screenshots. These records are valuable if you have to escalate the case.

1. Consider requesting an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN).

• If you’re confirmed as a victim of tax-related identity theft, the IRS may issue an IP PIN or invite you to apply; this six-digit PIN adds an extra layer of protection for future filings. See the IRS IP PIN page for details.

Timelines and likely outcomes

• Short-form verification (online ID Verify): Often resolves within days to a few weeks depending on IRS workload.
• Form 14039 and manual review: Can take several weeks to several months, especially during peak filing season.
• If identity theft is confirmed: The IRS typically locks the tax account, issues an IP PIN, and works to stop fraudulent refunds; you’ll receive instructions on next steps.

In my experience, clear documentation and following the specific instructions on the notice substantially reduce friction and processing time.

When to escalate or get professional help

• If the IRS’s instructions are unclear or your case is complex (multiple years affected, business-related filings, or large amounts), engage a tax professional or tax attorney.
• If you find fraudulent accounts or credit issues beyond taxes, file a report at IdentityTheft.gov (Federal Trade Commission) and consider a credit freeze or fraud alert with the three credit bureaus.

Seek a tax professional when communication with the IRS stalls for more than 60 days, or when you’re unsure which documents to send.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Ignoring the notice: This causes delays and can allow fraud to continue.
• Over-sharing: Only provide documents requested in the notice. Redact irrelevant sensitive information when appropriate.
• Submitting incomplete forms: Missing signatures or attachments are a common cause of delays.
• Trusting suspicious phone calls or emails asking for taxpayer information—use the contact information on your printed IRS notice or IRS.gov.

Steps to help prevent future problems

• Enroll in IRS Identity Protection (IP PIN) if eligible and recommended after an identity-theft incident.
• Use strong, unique passwords for tax-filing accounts and enable multi-factor authentication.
• Monitor your credit reports regularly; you’re entitled to free annual reports at AnnualCreditReport.com and additional monitoring services can help.
• Consider identity-theft recovery services if your personal data was widely exposed.

For practical prevention steps related to refunds and identification, see our FinHelp articles: How Identity Verification Affects Refund Processing and Understanding IRS Identity Protection Pins.

Also see our deeper guide on responding to identity-theft-related IRS mail: IRS Identity Verification Letters: What They Ask and How to Respond.

Sample checklist to respond to a notice

• Read and photocopy the notice immediately.
• Verify the notice on IRS.gov (search the notice number displayed).
• Choose electronic verification if the notice permits it.
• Complete and sign Form 14039 if instructed; include copies of requested identity documents.
• Mail documents using a trackable method; keep proof of mailing.
• If you do not get a response in the timeframe promised, follow up with the IRS using the contact method on the notice and reference the notice number.

Frequently asked points (brief)

• How fast should I respond? As soon as possible. Many notices include a 30-day reply window, but timelines vary by notice.
• Will the IRS call me? Typically the IRS initiates contact by mail. If you receive a phone call, confirm the caller’s identity using contact info on IRS.gov before sharing any data.
• Does completing ID Verify guarantee a refund? No guarantee, but it clears the identity hold so processing can continue.

Final professional note and disclaimer

In my practice, swift, documented responses reduce taxpayer stress and shorten refund delays. If you suspect identity theft, your immediate steps should be to verify the IRS notice, follow its instructions, gather proof, and consider protective measures such as an IP PIN and credit freezes.

This content is educational and not a substitute for personalized tax advice. For complex situations, consult a qualified tax professional or attorney. Authoritative guidance is available from the IRS Identity Theft Central and the Form 14039 instructions (IRS).

Sources and further reading:

• IRS — Identity Theft Central: https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central
• IRS — About Form 14039: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-14039
• IRS — Get an Identity Protection PIN: https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin
• FTC — IdentityTheft.gov for broader identity-recovery steps: https://www.identitytheft.gov/