Responding to an IRS Identity Verification Request: Steps to Resolve Quickly

Quick overview

When the IRS suspects a tax return may not belong to the filer or sees unusual activity on an account, it sends an identity verification notice asking the taxpayer to confirm who they are. These notices protect taxpayers from identity theft and keep fraudulent refunds out of criminals’ hands. Commonly used notices include Letter 5071C and other identity-verification mailings. (See the IRS Identity Verification page: https://www.irs.gov/identity-verification and IRS Identity Theft Central: https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central.)

Why you must act quickly

• A prompt response helps avoid refund delays, rejected e-files, or holds on your account.
• If your identity has been compromised, responding helps trigger IRS identity-theft procedures.
• Ignoring the request can complicate collections, credits, or future tax filings.

In my 15+ years advising individuals and small businesses, I’ve seen cases where a timely response resolved a verification within weeks. Waiting or sending incomplete documents often doubled processing time.

Step-by-step: How to respond (practical checklist)

1. Read the letter carefully.

• Confirm the letter number (e.g., 5071C) and the specific instructions and deadline.
• Do not use phone numbers or links in suspicious emails—use the contact info on the IRS website or the notice itself.

1. Confirm the notice is real.

• IRS letters come by U.S. mail (not by text or social media). Verify the notice number at the top of the page and cross-check at the IRS site: https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central.
• If unsure, call the IRS at the number on the notice or the general IRS help line (1-800-829-1040) during business hours.

1. Choose your verification method.

• Follow the method outlined in the notice. The IRS commonly provides three options:
  a. Online verification via the link on the notice or the IRS identity-verification portal.
  b. Phone verification using the number printed on the letter.
  c. In-person verification at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center (by appointment).

1. Gather documents.

• Identity: U.S. driver’s license or state ID, passport, or other government-issued photo ID.
• Tax documents: most recent tax return, Forms W-2, 1099s, or schedules that support income or credits claimed.
• Proof of Social Security number (SSN card) if requested.
• Proof of address or recent bills if the letter asks.

1. Submit exactly what’s requested.

• If the notice directs you to the IRS online tool, follow the prompts and upload documents securely.
• If mailing copies, include only the documents listed and keep originals; send copies via tracked mail and retain proof of mailing.

1. Follow up and track progress.

• Allow the IRS up to 30 days to process verification; some cases clear faster, others take longer.
• If your issue involves identity theft, processing may take longer because the IRS will place special handling on your account.

Specific guidance if you suspect identity theft

• If you did not file the return in question or see signs of identity theft, file Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) and follow IRS identity-theft instructions: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-14039.
• Consider placing fraud alerts or credit freezes with the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax).
• Report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov and keep copies of all reports.

In my experience, victims of tax-related identity theft often need coordinated action: filing Form 14039, contacting the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit, and updating credit freezes. This combined approach reduces repeat fraud and speeds recovery.

How to verify a legitimate IRS notice (red flags and safety tips)

• Real IRS letters:

• Are mailed via U.S. Postal Service from the IRS.

• Include a notice number, specific instructions, and an IRS phone number.

• Will not demand immediate payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer.

• Red flags of scams:

• Unexpected calls or emails demanding payment or personal information.

• Caller insists on immediate action and payment methods like prepaid cards.

• Links or attachments that ask you to enter SSNs, banking info, or passwords.

If you suspect a scam, do not click links or give out information. Report IRS impersonation scams to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and consult IRS guidance on scams: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-scams-consumer-alerts.

Timing: how long to expect

• Online or phone verification can sometimes complete within days.
• The IRS generally asks taxpayers to allow up to 30 days after submission for processing; identity-theft cases and those requiring manual review can take longer.
• If the IRS must adjust or reprocess a return, refund timing depends on whether an amended return is required or additional IRS inquiries are opened.

What happens if you don’t respond

• The IRS may delay or stop processing your return and withhold any refund.
• Repeated failure to respond may lead to automated rejection of e-filed returns or further collection actions on outstanding balances.
• Not responding does not remove the issue — it usually makes resolution slower and more complex.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Sending original documents. Always send clear copies and keep originals safe.
• Including more documents than requested. Extra information can confuse the review or expose more personal data than necessary.
• Waiting until the last minute. Allow time for secure delivery and possible follow-up requests.

Example scenarios (real-world, anonymized)

• Income mismatch: A client received Letter 5071C after a 1099 was incorrectly issued to their SSN. We confirmed the correct W-2 and a corrected 1099 from the payer; the IRS cleared the verification in three weeks.
• Fraud attempt: A taxpayer who never filed that tax year received a verification request. We filed Form 14039, placed fraud alerts on credit reports, and coordinated with the IRS Identity Protection unit; the case required several weeks of documentation but the account was restored.

Helpful resources and internal links

• Official IRS guidance on identity verification and identity theft: https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central and https://www.irs.gov/identity-verification
• If your notice references Letter 5071C, see our detailed how-to article: How to Respond to an IRS Identity Verification Letter (Letter 5071C)
• For tips to avoid delays, our guide on best practices: IRS Identity Verification: Best Practices to Prevent Delays
• If the notice causes alarm, read practical coping steps: Responding to Identity Verification Letters Without Panic

Final checklist before you submit

• Did you confirm the notice number and instructions?
• Do you have readable copies of only the requested documents?
• Did you choose the secure method the IRS provided (online portal, phone, or TAC)?
• Do you have proof of submission or tracked delivery?

Professional disclaimer

This article provides general information about responding to IRS identity verification requests and is not a substitute for personalized tax advice. For complex situations—especially confirmed identity theft, suspected tax fraud, or when large refunds and business accounts are involved—consult a CPA, enrolled agent, or tax attorney. Official IRS guidance and forms cited above are current as of 2025.

If you want, I can: provide a printable document checklist for common verification letters, draft a sample cover letter to send with copies, or summarize steps tailored to your notice number and situation.