IRS - Taxpayers Receiving Identity Verification Letters

The IRS sends out letters 5071C or 4883C that require taxpayers to verify identity before the IRS will continue processing a tax return. The letter details the process that the IRS requires to validate their identities. 

Before proceeding, the taxpayer should have available a copy of:

• the 5071C or 4883C letter received,
• their complete prior year tax return (if filed),
• their complete current year tax return (if filed).

Then, the taxpayer should call the IRS using the toll-free Identity Verification telephone number: (800) 830-5084. 

If the taxpayer did not file the return in question, they should still call the toll-free number to inform the IRS. 

See Understanding Your 5071C Letter and Understanding Your 4883C Letter for more information.