Why would I get a letter from the IRS to verify my identity?
There are four different letters the IRS sends out when verifying a taxpayers identity.
Letters 5071C, 5747C, 5447C and 4883C are typically sent shortly after you have filed your tax return. If you did not recently file your taxes you should call the Internal Revenue Service as soon as possible to confirm you have not been the victim of identity theft.
Documents you will needed to verify your identity online:
- Your personal account number from a:
- Credit card
- Mortgage
- Student loan
- Home equity loan or home equity line of credit
- Car loan
- A mobile phone associated with your name
- Your 5071C letter, 5747C letter or 5447C letter
- The income tax return (form 1040,1040-PR, 1040-NR, 1040-SR, etc.) for the year shown on the letter
- You must also have your mailing address from your previous year’s tax return
Documents you will needed to verify your identity by phone:
- Your 5071C letter, 5747C letter or 5447C letter
- The income tax return (form 1040,1040-PR, 1040-NR, 1040-SR, etc.) for the year shown on the letter
- Any other prior year income tax return
- Any supporting W-2’s, 1099’s, Schedule C, Schedule F
If you have recently filed your taxes, and you have received a letter from the internal revenue service, you can verify your identity online 24 hours per day through the IRS Identity Verification Service, or by phone at the phone number listed on your letter.
What if I received a 4883C letter from the IRS?
Whether you recently filed or not your should call the Internal Revenue Service Immediately, and be prepared to provide the following information:
- The income tax return referenced in the letter (Form 1040, 1040A, 1040-EZ, 1040-PR, 1040-NR, 1040-SR, etc.). Note: A Form W-2 or Form 1099 is not a tax return.
- A previous year’s income tax return, other than the year in the letter (Form 1040, 1040A, 1040-EZ, 1040-PR, 1040-NR, 1040-SR, etc.).
- Supporting documents that you filed with each year’s income tax return (Form W-2 or Form 1099, Schedules C or F, etc.).
If the IRS is unable to verify your identity by phone they will schedule an appointment with you.
What if I don't call the IRS?
Your return will not be processed until the Internal Revenue Service has verified your identity.
Why did you get a letter to verify your identity?
It is no secret taxpayer identity theft has been on the rise over the past decade, and COVID has not slowed it down.
The Internal Revenue Service is focused on protecting taxpayer information and putting a stop fraudulent returns.
This week we had a client come in with their 4883C letter and it took about an hour to resolve with the client.