The purpose of issuing this letter is to confirm that the person named on the tax return is the same person who filed the return, in an effort to prevent identity theft. If you receive the letter, you have 30 days to respond, although the IRS can still process this form after the 30-day mark. You have the option to verify online or by phone. You can also set up an appointment to verify in person with an IRS representative. To verify online, visit the agency’s “Identity and Tax Return Verification Service” link on its website. You’ll first need to register with an account to access the service. Keep your letter on hand, along with your photo ID, and follow the instructions on the site. You can also opt to complete this form over the phone. Both methods may require you provide personal information to be verified, such as your date of birth, mailing address, and information pertaining to a previous tax return. To verity over the phone, keep the following documents handy:
5071C letter Current tax return being referenced (typically Form 1040) Prior tax return form Other documents, such as your W-2, that you filed with your tax return
Beware of imposters claiming to work for the IRS reaching out via phone and email. The IRS will first reach out through the mail for verification.
Example of Form 5071C
The 5071C letter is issued directly by the IRS via mail. The form explains that a tax return was received by the IRS and verification is required to prevent fraud or identity theft. The link to the online verification service will be included, as well as the phone number. The form will specifically address both what actions to take if you filed the tax return and what actions to take if you didn’t file the return. If you did not file the tax return mentioned in the letter, inform the IRS as instructed in the letter. Although not required by the form, you may also opt to complete the Identity Theft Affidavit, Form 14039, or contact the Federal Trade Commission and file a complaint.
