How do i verify my identity for irs

You may have received a letter from the IRS asking you to verify your identity after filing a tax return.

These letters are sent by the IRS to prevent identity thieves from getting your refund.

• 1 When do you need to verify your identity?
• 2 First, gather your supporting documents
• 3 Second, verify your identification
  • 3.1 Online ID verification
  • 3.2 Other ways to verify your identity
• 4 Third, wait for your return to process

When do you need to verify your identity?

The most common situations when you are required to verify your identity with the IRS are when you receive one of the following letters:

• Letter 5071C
• Letter 5747C
• Letter 6331C
• Letter 5447C

Note that the IRS does not send such letters by email. You should only respond to an IRS letter that you receive via U.S. mail.

While the letter may state that you must respond within 30 days, the IRS states on the verification line that they will work with you regardless of the number of days that have passed.

First, gather your supporting documents

You’ll need to gather the following:

• Photo ID (e.g., driver’s license or state ID)
• Your 5071C letter, 5747C letter, 5447C letter, or 6331C letter
• The income tax return (form 1040,1040-PR, 1040-NR, 1040-SR, etc.) for the year shown on the letter
• A copy of a previous year return other than the year in the letter if you filed one

Second, verify your identification

There are three ways to verify your identity with the IRS.

You can verify it online, by phone, or by visiting your local IRS office (appointment required).

Online ID verification

Online is the quickest and easiest way to verify your identity.

Visit the IRS' identity verification service.

Other ways to verify your identity

If you aren’t able to verify our identity online or don’t have the required documentation, you’ll have to contact the IRS using the toll-free number listed on the letter.

If you can’t verify online call us at XXX-XXX-XXXX between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. local time.

TIP: It is recommended that you try the online option first, as hold times on the phone can be long.

If the IRS can’t verify your identity over the phone or online, the IRS phone rep may ask you to schedule an appointment at your local IRS office to verify your identity in person.

Third, wait for your return to process

After you’ve successfully verified your identification, the IRS will continue processing your return. It can take up to nine weeks to process.

Question:
How to verify my identity with the IRS after receiving an IRS letter?

Article, Solution:

After filing your tax return, you may have received one of these IRS letters: 5071C, 5757C, 5447C, 6331C, 6330C, or 4883C.

Security standards have gone up industry-wide and the IRS performs ever-increasing random and routine identity checks on all electronically filed returns, no matter which site was used. It is part of their ongoing effort to combat and reduce identity theft and tax fraud. The IRS is trying to protect your data and be certain that you are, in fact, the person who e-filed the return, so identity verification does not just apply to tax returns with refunds. Here is more information to assist you about the IRS Identity Verification letter that you might have received.

These IRS letters are handled entirely through the IRS - you will need your documents and other information to show your identity.

If you received the IRS 5071c or other IRS letter, then usually the IRS instructs you to go to their identity verification website and verify your identity at: https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/identity-verification-for-irs-letter-recipients

Here, you will need the following on hand:

• A personal account number from:
  • Credit card,
  • Mortgage, and/or
  • Loan (student, car, home equity, etc.).
• A mobile phone number
• The IRS letter you received
• The income tax return (Form 1040, 1040-SR, etc.) for the tax year shown on the letter
  • Note: A Form W-2 or 1099 is not an income tax return!
• Your mailing address used on your previous year's tax return.

On the page, click the blue Verify Your Identity Now to enter the portal - you will have to set up an IRS Account.

If you cannot verify your identity online, you can contact the IRS at 1-800-830-5084 from 7:00am - 7:00pm. You have a better chance of reaching the IRS if you call early in the morning. If the IRS did not provide you with a specific phone number, you can call IRS taxpayer assistance at 1-800-829-1040. Follow these instructions to reach a live representative:

• Press 1 for English.
• Press 2 for "Personal Income Tax"
• Press 1 for "Form, Tax History, or Payment"
• Press 3 for "For All Other Questions"
• Press 2 for "For All Other Questions"
•  When the system asks you to enter your SSN or EIN, do not enter anything. After the system asks for the information twice, you will be prompted to a different menu. Then, press 2 for "Personal or Individual Tax Questions"
• Press 4 for "For All Other Inquiries" and you will be transferred to an IRS agent.

Note: if you received IRS letter 4883C or 6330C, you will not be able to verify your identity via the online tool and will have to call. You should be able to reach the IRS via the number on the form - use the link above for more information directly from the IRS page.

This process is done entirely through the IRS, either online or over the phone. 

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