How Do I Comply With Verification? The IRS offers only two ways to verify your identity: Online at the IRS Identity Verification Service website; By phone at the toll-free number listed on your 5071C Letter; Only those who receive a 5071C Letter should use the verification system. The letters are sent to you via U.S. mail.
How is the IRS responding to identity theft?
In response to the increasing tax-related identity theft problem, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is monitoring tax returns for signs of fraudulent activity. The most frequent scam is when thieves use a person’s name and Social Security number to file a fraudulent return and steal a tax refund.
What happens if you file a tax return without identity verification?
Tax returns filed on paper without identity verification will likely be delayed in processing and the IRS will send a follow up request for an identity verification document. If you do have a state tax filing requirement, please note that there are some states that do not allow electronic filing without a U.S. driver license verification.
Can a phone number be used for identity verification?
They are never emailed, and the IRS does not initiate verification requests by phone. 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.
What does IRS identity verification letter 5017c mean?
Taxpayers with due refunds and taxpayers with taxes due are receiving letter 5017c etc. Note: The identify verification letter is not to be confused with a Tax Audit and does not imply that something is incorrect with your tax return in question.
When does the IRS send you a letter about identity theft?
June 7, 2019 3:05 PM 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.
When do I need to verify my identity with direct pay?
That means if your payment is for the current tax year (e.g., 1040ES Estimated Payment) or a tax return more than 6 years ago, you will need to select another year’s return to verify your information. IRS recommends using your most recent return for verification. I’m getting a message that Direct Pay cannot verify my identity, what should I do?