Letter 5071C and the CP5071 notices mean the IRS has a tax return filed under your Social Security number or ITIN, and it will not process that return or send a refund until you confirm your identity. It does not mean you are in trouble. It does mean the IRS suspects someone else might have filed using your information, and it is giving you the chance to say yes or no.
Why you received it
A federal income tax return, Form 1040 series, was filed under your SSN or ITIN. The IRS needs to confirm that you are the person who filed it. The notice sets out your options; the IRS says if you did not file, you may be a victim of identity theft, and if you did, verification lets processing continue.
How to verify
Online. If your notice offers online verification, the IRS directs you to its verification service at irs.gov/verifyreturn. You sign in or create an IRS account, and then answer a few questions. New users need a government-issued photo ID. After verifying your identity, you must answer the questions about the return itself. If you verify but skip those questions, you will need to sign in again to complete them.
By phone. The letter lists a toll-free identity-verification line. The IRS says it is for identity and return verification only; refund status and other account information are not available there. The Taxpayer Advocate Service describes calling within 30 days from the date of the letter.
In person. If the IRS cannot verify you by phone, it may ask you to visit a local IRS office with photo ID and your documents, by appointment.
What to have ready
- The notice or letter.
- The Form 1040-series return referenced in the notice, if you filed it. A W-2 or 1099 is not a tax return. If you used software or a preparer, ask them for a copy.
- A prior-year return and its supporting documents, other than the year in the notice.
- Supporting documents for the year, such as W-2s, 1099s and Schedules C or F.
- If you are under 18, the IRS says to contact it instead of using the online tool.
If you did not file the return
Tell the IRS during verification. The return will be treated as not yours, and you should protect yourself from future misuse. The IRS recommends an Identity Protection PIN for you and your family. See identity theft and the IRS.
Do I need Form 14039?
If you verify your identity and the return, you generally do not need to file Form 14039, the Identity Theft Affidavit, unless the IRS tells you to.
Refund timing
After you verify successfully, the IRS says to wait two to three weeks before checking your refund and that processing may take up to nine weeks. If other issues arise, you may receive another notice requesting information, which could delay the refund.
Interest and penalties
The notice is not a bill. But if you filed and the return shows tax due, the payment deadline still applies, so do not wait for verification to pay. The IRS advises you to continue filing and paying as required.
Common mistakes
- Using a link from a text or email instead of the address on the paper notice.
- Verifying identity but never answering the return questions.
- Using a W-2 instead of the actual return as "the return."
- Filing a second return while the first is held.
When to involve a CPA
If you are verifying a return a preparer filed, or you cannot find a copy, we can help you get a copy and compare it with the IRS's version. If you believe your identity was stolen, a CPA can help coordinate the affidavit, transcripts and follow-up. With a signed Form 2848, we can work with the IRS on related matters, though the verification itself may require you personally.
How we can help
We can confirm what the IRS has on file, assemble the return copies you need, and guide you through the steps. See our IRS representation services or contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a scam?
It can be. Check the return address and follow the instructions from the paper letter. The IRS says its first contact normally comes by mail.
Do I have to verify in person?
Not usually. Online or phone verification comes first. In-person appointments are for those the IRS cannot verify otherwise.
How long does the refund take after I verify?
The IRS says up to nine weeks.
Will this happen every year?
Not necessarily. An Identity Protection PIN can help prevent misuse of your number.
Official sources
- IRS: Identity verification for IRS letter recipients
- IRS: Understanding your CP5071 series notice
- IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service: Letter 5071C
- IRS: How IRS ID theft victim assistance works
This page is a plain-language summary. The official source controls if there is any difference.
General information only, not tax, legal or accounting advice for your situation. Rules, limits and deadlines change; confirm the current rules with the official source or a qualified professional before you act. Reading this page does not create a professional relationship with CPA Tax Payroll and Accounting Corp.