IRS Identity Verification Response Checklist
Understanding Identity Verification Notices
The IRS uses identity verification to confirm that you filed your tax return and to protect your account from fraudulent activity. You may receive a CP5071 series notice or similar letter asking you to verify your identity before the IRS processes your return or issues your refund. This verification process is not an audit or criminal investigation but a security measure to prevent identity theft and ensure proper tax account management.
Who Should Use This Checklist
This checklist applies to individual taxpayers who received an IRS notice requesting identity verification for their Form 1040 series tax return. The CP5071, 5071C, or similar notices indicate the IRS needs confirmation that you filed the return under your Social Security number or
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. If you received a notice specifically mentioning business entities, corporations, or partnerships, contact the IRS at the number on your notice for guidance on business-specific verification procedures.
Step-by-Step Response Process
Step 1: Verify the Notice Is Legitimate
Check that your notice is authentic by logging into your IRS online account or calling the official
IRS number printed on the notice itself. You can verify the notice through your secure online account at IRS.gov or contact the general IRS helpline at 800-829-1040 to confirm the notice is genuine before taking any action.
Step 2: Review Your Notice Deadline and Requirements
Read your notice carefully to identify the specific deadline for response and the exact documents or actions the IRS requests from you. Most identity verification notices provide 30 days to respond; however, your particular notice will clearly state the deadline, along with instructions for online verification or phone contact.
Step 3: Gather Required Tax Documents
Collect your current year tax return that triggered the verification request and your prior year tax return if you filed one previously. You will also need supporting documents such as W-2 forms,
1099 forms, Schedule C, and any other income or deduction documentation referenced in your tax returns for verification purposes.
Step 4: Prepare Personal Identification Documents
Have your government-issued photo identification ready, such as a driver’s license, state identification card, or passport, for the verification process. You will need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, as well as the ability to answer questions about your tax filing history and personal financial information during the verification process.
Step 5: Complete Verification Using Your Preferred Method
Verify your identity online through the IRS Identity Verification Service website if your notice provides this option, which typically takes 5 to 10 minutes. Alternatively, call the phone number printed on your notice during business hours and be prepared to answer questions about your tax returns and provide the requested information to the IRS representative.
Step 6: Document Your Verification Submission
Record the date and method you used to verify your identity, along with any confirmation numbers, reference numbers, or representative names provided during the process. Keep copies of all documents you submitted and notes from any phone conversations with the IRS, including what information you provided and any instructions you received for follow-up actions.
- Ignoring the notice deadline: Missing the response deadline shown on your notice can
- Using unofficial phone numbers: Calling phone numbers found through internet
- Attempting to access your account during verification: Logging into your IRS online
- Providing incomplete documentation: Submitting partial information or missing
- Failing to follow up appropriately: Assuming the IRS received and processed your
- Wage garnishment and bank levy release
- Tax lien removal and credit protection
- Offer in Compromise and installment agreements
- Unfiled tax return preparation
- IRS notice response and representation
Step 7: Monitor Your Account for Processing Updates
Check your IRS online account regularly or use the Where’s My Refund tool to track your return processing status after completing identity verification. The IRS may take up to 9 weeks to process your return after successful verification, so monitor your account and respond promptly to any additional requests for information or documentation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid delay return processing indefinitely and may result in rejection of your return if identity cannot be confirmed. The IRS will not process your return or issue any refund until you complete the verification process within the specified timeframe shown on your notice. searches instead of the number printed on your notice may connect you to scammers impersonating the IRS. Always use the specific phone number provided on your official
IRS notice or call the general IRS helpline at 800-829-1040 to avoid potential fraud and identity theft. account or trying to file additional returns while identity verification is pending may trigger additional security flags. Wait until you receive confirmation that your identity verification is complete before trying to access your online account or submit new tax documents to the IRS. documents will prompt the IRS to request additional information, significantly extending the verification timeline. Review your notice carefully and provide all documents and information the IRS specifically requests to avoid delays and multiple rounds of correspondence. verification without confirmation can lead to months of unnecessary delays in return processing. Contact the IRS if you do not receive acknowledgment or see account updates within 30 days of submitting your verification to confirm receipt and processing status.
What Happens After Verification
Once you successfully verify your identity, the IRS will continue processing your tax return according to normal procedures for your filing type. The IRS states that processing may take up to 9 weeks after verification, although some returns are processed faster, depending on their complexity and current processing volumes. You can check your refund status using the
Where’s My Refund tool or by reviewing your online account for updates on return processing and refund issuance timelines.
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