The IRS sent me a letter asking me to verify my Identity Why??

Forum|Forum|6 years ago
June 7, 2019
14 replies
0 views

No text available

TurboTax Deluxe Online

Best answer by KatyeH

If the IRS suspects that a tax return with your name on it is potentially the result of identity theft, the agency will send you a special letter, called a 5071C Letter. This letter is to notify you that the agency received a tax return with your name and Social Security number and it believes it may not be yours. The letter asks you to take specific steps to verify your identity and confirm whether or not the return is actually yours.

Here's how to handle those requests:

Online at the IRS Identity Verification Service website
By phone at the toll-free number listed on your 5071C Letter

The IRS prefers that taxpayers use the online system; because phone callers may experience delays due to the high volume of calls the IRS receives. The phone number on your letter can be used only for verification purposes, not for any other tax issues.

The ID Verify website or phone system asks questions that only you can answer correctly. What you will need:

Your previous year's tax return
Your current year's tax return
All supporting forms and schedules

If the verification proves you are the person named on the return and that you personally filed the return, the return will be processed. After successful verification, it takes about 6 weeks to complete processing.

The return will be rejected and investigated as identity theft/tax fraud if:

Verification fails to confirm your identity or that you filed the return
If the verification process is not completed, or can't be completed

Respond to all requests from the IRS to validate your identity in order to avoid automatic rejection of what could be a valid tax return.

Show previous replies

rot10shorts

The Irs sent me a letter questioning my identity. They are holding back my federal income tax. Is this due to my change of e-mail. Maybe forgetting my password. Or recognizing my employers ID.How can we assist the irs. Turbo tax did my taxes for 2020. How can I prove these are my taxes to them

JotikaT2

The IRS will send you this letter if your name or Social Security number have been used to file a fraudulent return. This step is taken to safeguard your information.

Please see the link below for more guidance to help you reply.

How to handle identity verification requests from the IRS

@rot10shorts

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"

Maria7979

The IRS sent me a letter asking me to Verify my identity. Marie Richardson

Critter-3

Then follow the instructions as directed in the notice ... until you comply your return will be held up in processing.

Maria7979

I got my letter from the IRS Verify my identity.

Richard602

I already efiled with your company

VolvoGirl

Employee

@Richard602 This is a long thread. Do you have a question?

Hussien3422

Identify myself before process my return

xmasbaby0

Employee

@Hussien3422 Sometimes the IRS request to verify your identity is random; sometimes it is triggered by something on your tax return. No matter why they have asked you to verify identity, you need to do so in order to receive your refund, so comply as soon as possible.

I HAVE TO VERIFY MY IDENTITY

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/security/tips-for-handling-identity-verification-requests-from-the-irs/L55RhaS2B

https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/identity-verification-for-irs-letter-recipients

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

winthorpe2

This is the second year in a row that this has happened. Every time the IRS transfers me to what they think is the correct extenstion, "There is no one available to help you. Try another day." I have tried about 900 times.

The IRS website says that it cannot process my request.

What else can I do to verify my identity? TurboTax should provide assistance for this.