IRS Identity Verification Letters: What They Ask and How to Respond

Quick overview

IRS Identity Verification Letters are security notices the IRS sends when automated systems flag a return, an account change, or suspicious activity. These letters ask you to prove who you are so the IRS can process your return, release a refund, or protect your tax account from fraud. In my practice, early, documented action is the most effective way to avoid refund delays, prevent account fraud, and avoid follow-up notices.

Which letters are most common and why they arrive

The IRS uses several specific letters and notice codes for identity verification. The most common are:

• Notice 5071C — Sent when the IRS wants online verification through the Identity Verification Service. Often triggered when a return contains data that doesn’t match IRS records or when there’s suspected identity theft (IRS identity-theft central).
• Notice 5747C — A letter that asks a taxpayer to confirm identity when a document or account activity appears unusual.
• Notice 5447C — Used when there’s a discrepancy on a filed return and the IRS needs confirmation before processing.

These letters generally arrive when:

• W-2 or 1099 data reported to the IRS doesn’t match the return,
• A return is filed from an IP address or location flagged as suspicious,
• The IRS detects that a Social Security Number (SSN) or name doesn’t match SSA or IRS records,
• Previously reported identity-theft patterns are present on your account.

(Authoritative source: IRS Identity Theft Central and IRS notice guidance at IRS.gov.)

What the letter will ask you to provide

Most identity verification letters will do one or more of the following:

• Direct you to the IRS Identity Verification Service online (a secure site) and provide a unique code or PIR (personal information reference) to begin the process.
• Give a phone number and instructions to call the IRS if you cannot complete online verification.
• Request specific documents by mail or in person — examples include a government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport), a Social Security card or SSA statement, a copy of the signed tax return, or proof of address (utility bill).
• In identity-theft cases, instruct you to submit Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, or call the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit.

The letter will always list a deadline for a response and a case or reference number to include with any reply. Read and follow the letter’s instructions exactly (IRS guidance on responding to identity verification letters).

How to respond — step-by-step

1. Read the letter carefully and note the notice code and response deadline.
2. Confirm the letter is legitimate: the IRS sends notices by mail, not email or text (see IRS.gov guidance). Verify the phone number on the letter against IRS.gov before calling.
3. Use the online Identity Verification Service if offered. Keep screenshots or a printout of confirmation numbers.
4. If you must provide documents, copy them — never send originals unless the IRS specifically requests them. Mail by tracked, insured service and keep proof of mailing.
5. If identity theft is suspected, complete Form 14039 and follow the IRS instructions for victims of tax-related identity theft.
6. Keep a dated file of all correspondence and calls, including the IRS employee’s name and badge number if you speak by phone.

In my experience, online verification is fastest when it works. When it doesn’t, well-documented mailed responses and confirmed phone calls prevent rework and long delays.

Documents commonly accepted

• Government-issued photo identification (driver’s license, passport)
• Social Security card or SSA annual earnings statement
• Copy of the filed tax return (signed, if possible)
• Form 1099 or W-2 that relates to the return in question
• Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement)

Avoid sending unnecessary personal financial documents. Send only what the letter requests and a copy of the requested items.

Timelines and what happens after you respond

The letter will state a response window. Generally, you should respond immediately — many notices expect a reply within 30 days. After you verify your identity, the IRS will either process the return, release your refund, or clear the hold on your account. If identity theft is confirmed, the IRS adds protections to the account such as assigning an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) and opening an identity-theft case.

Processing times vary with IRS workloads. Typical completion after verification ranges from a few weeks to several months for identity-theft cases. If you do not hear back within the timeline stated, follow up using the IRS contact information provided on IRS.gov and keep copies of your previous responses.

Signs your letter may involve identity theft and extra steps to take

If you did not file the return in question, or you see multiple returns filed using your SSN, treat the notice as a possible identity-theft indicator. Recommended actions:

• File Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, as directed by the notice and IRS instructions.
• Enroll in the IRS Identity Protection PIN program if you qualify; an IP PIN prevents misuse of your SSN for filing (IRS IP PIN guidance).
• Place fraud alerts or credit freezes with the major credit bureaus and report identity theft to the FTC (IdentityTheft.gov).
• Consider a tax advocate or tax professional if the IRS places a complicated fraud indicator on your account.

Useful FinHelp guides: Responding to Identity Theft Letters from the IRS, IRS Identity Theft Protection PIN, and How to Handle Identity Theft on Your Tax Account.

• Responding to Identity Theft Letters from the IRS: https://finhelp.io/glossary/responding-to-identity-theft-letters-from-the-irs/
• IRS Identity Theft Protection PIN: https://finhelp.io/glossary/irs-identity-theft-protection-pin/
• How to Handle Identity Theft on Your Tax Account: https://finhelp.io/glossary/how-to-handle-identity-theft-on-your-tax-account/

Common mistakes I see and how to avoid them

• Ignoring the notice: delays refunds and can lead to more invasive review.
• Sending incomplete documentation: include the case number and a clear cover letter linking documents to the request.
• Relying on third parties or unverified sites: use only IRS.gov or trusted tax professionals.
• Mailing originals unnecessarily: send copies and retain originals unless explicitly asked for an original document.

In my practice, I always advise clients to scan all mailed documents and keep a running log of calls and mailings. Proof of timely response is crucial if you need to escalate.

When to get professional help

Consult a tax professional if:

• You receive multiple or repeated identity-verification notices,
• You suspect tax refund fraud has occurred,
• The account has complicated offsets, liens, or prior-year issues,
• You receive a notice that is difficult to interpret or you cannot verify online.

A CPA, enrolled agent, or tax attorney can represent you before the IRS and liaise with specialized IRS units on identity-theft cases.

Security and privacy practices

• Never share authentication codes outside secure IRS channels.
• Verify contact numbers on IRS.gov and do not respond to email requests for personal information.
• Use tracked mail when sending documents and keep digital backups.

Final practical checklist (copy and use)

• Read notice; record notice code and deadline.
• Confirm letter authenticity via IRS.gov.
• Choose online verification if available; print confirmation.
• Gather requested documents (copies only unless asked otherwise).
• Mail documents by tracked service or call using verified IRS numbers.
• File Form 14039 if identity theft is suspected.
• Enroll in IP PIN program if eligible.
• Keep a dated file and follow up after 30 days if no response.

Disclaimer

This content is educational and reflects typical IRS procedures and strategies used in practice. It is not a substitute for personalized tax advice. For advice tailored to your case, consult a licensed tax professional or contact the IRS directly (IRS.gov).

Authoritative references

• IRS Identity Theft Central: https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central
• IRS guidance on responding to identity verification letters: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/take-steps-to-protect-your-identity
• IRS information on IP PINs and identity protection: https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-faqs