IRS Office Visit Guide
Received a 5071C, 4883C or 5747C letter? How to verify your identity
What each identity verification letter means, the three ways to respond, and when you have no choice but to visit a TAC in person.
The IRS sends an identity verification letter when a return filed under your name looks like it might not be yours. Your refund is frozen until you respond. Nothing happens automatically — if you ignore the letter, the return is never processed.
First check: did you file the return the letter mentions? If yes, verify and the refund is released. If no, someone filed using your SSN — verify anyway, tell the IRS the return is not yours, and file Form 14039.
Which letter did you get?
| Letter | Meaning | How to respond |
|---|---|---|
| 5071C | Verify identity and confirm the return | Online or phone |
| 4883C | Verify identity, phone only | Phone |
| 5747C | Verify identity in person | TAC appointment only |
| 6331C | Verify identity for a return with potential refund issues | Online or phone |
Option 1: Online
Go to the verification page named in the letter and sign in or create an account through ID.me. You will need a photo ID, the letter, and a copy of the return in question. This is the fastest route when the letter allows it.
Option 2: Phone
Call the number printed on the letter — not the general IRS line. Have the letter, the current return, a prior-year return and your supporting documents (W-2s, 1099s) in front of you. Expect a long hold, especially February through April.
Option 3: In person at a TAC
Required for 5747C, and available for any letter if online and phone fail. Book through 844-545-5640 and say it is for identity verification. Bring:
- The letter
- The tax return referenced, if you filed it
- A prior-year return
- All supporting documents for the current return
- Two forms of ID, one with a photo
After you verify
If you confirm the return is yours, processing resumes. Allow up to nine weeks for the refund. If you report that you did not file, the fraudulent return is pulled, an identity theft marker goes on your account, and you should file your real return on paper with Form 14039 attached.
Protect the account going forward
Get an Identity Protection PIN. Once it is on your account, no return can be filed under your SSN without it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the letter real?
The IRS never initiates contact by email, text or social media. A letter by US mail with a letter number and a callback number matching irs.gov is legitimate. When in doubt, look up the number on irs.gov rather than dialing the one printed.
Can I verify before I get a letter?
No. Verification is tied to a specific flagged return. Get an IP PIN instead to prevent the flag in the first place.