In some instances, you will need to verify your identity and tax return information with the IRS. This helps prevent an identity thief from getting your refund. Who must use the Identity and Tax Return Verification Service Use this service only if: you received a 5071C letter or 6331C letter, or; you received a 5747C letter that included this website, or; you received a 5447C letter and can verify your identity online, or; an IRS representative directed you to use it. If you received a 4883C letter or a 6330C letter, follow the instructions on the letter. If the letter you received didn’t include this website, or you didn’t receive a letter at all, you can't use this online service. What you need to verify your identity If you're a new user, have your photo identification ready. After you verify your identity, you must verify your tax return You must answer IRS questions about your tax return after verifying your identity. You’ll need the Form 1040-series tax return for the year shown on the letter You’ll also need the letter you received If you don’t see these questions after you verify your identity, come back to this page & sign in again Verify your identity and tax return Accessibility notes for identity verification online There are compatibility issues with some assistive technologies. Refer to the Identity Verification Service Accessibility Guide for help if you use a screen reader, screen magnifier or voice command software. Frequently asked questions Can taxpayers with an ITIN complete the registration process to access their IRS online account? (added October 6, 2023) Taxpayers with an ITIN can complete the registration process to access their IRS online account, which provides balance due, payment history, payment plans, tax records, and more. ITIN holders must verify their identity through the video chat process and will need a valid email address, proof of ITIN, one primary document and one secondary document. One of the documents must provide proof of address. This identity verification process applies to IRS services including Online Account, Get Transcript Online, Online Payment Agreement, Get an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), Tax Pro Account, e-Services, and Submit Forms 2848 and 8821 Online. I completed a video chat with ID.me, authenticated, and received an email after I verified my identity. Do I need to do anything else? (added May 24, 2022) Yes, you must come back to this page and sign in to answer questions about your tax return. I received one of the letters listed above, but I didn’t file a tax return. Can I still use this online service? (added March 30, 2022) Yes. You can use this service to tell us that you didn’t file or submit a tax return. This helps prevent an identity thief from getting your refund. I received a letter that offered an in-person identity verification option. How does this work? (added July 17, 2023) If you had trouble verifying your identity online through ID.me and haven’t verified your identity and tax return data yet, we may have sent a letter offering an in-person verification option. This option uses an online process through ID.me and an in-person process at a local UPS store to verify your identity. To start this process, visit the ID.me in-person website included on the letter that we sent you. First, you’ll create or sign in with your ID.me account online, and then you’ll schedule an in-person validation appointment at a local UPS store. After you verify your identity in-person, you’ll come back here to sign-in and verify your tax return data to complete the process. What mailing address should I enter when creating an ID.me account? (added May 11, 2022) Enter your current address when verifying your identity with ID.me, even if this isn’t the same address that you used on your tax return. ID.me must be able to verify your address as part of the identity verification process. After verifying your identity, you must also answer IRS questions about your tax return. If you don’t see these questions after verifying your identity, come back to this page and sign in again. Should I file a Form 14039 to report identity theft if I received one of the letters above? (added March 30, 2022) No, you don’t need to file a Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit. Instead, use this service to tell us that you didn’t file or submit a tax return. Once I successfully complete this service, when will I receive my refund? (added March 14, 2022) After you verify your identity and tax return information using this service, it may take up to nine weeks to complete the processing of the return. Visit Where’s My Refund? or use the IRS2Go mobile app 2-3 weeks after using this service to check your refund status. I’m under 18 years old. Can I use this service to verify my identity and tax return information? (added July 7, 2022) No. The ID.me system does not allow access by anyone under 18 years old. To verify your identity and tax return information, please call the phone number on the IRS letter that you received. Other ways to verify your identity If you can't verify your identity online or don't have the required documentation, please contact us using the toll-free number listed on your letter. To expedite the process when calling, you must have: Your 5071C letter, 5747C letter, 5447C letter, or 6331C letter The Form 1040-series tax return for the year shown on the letter Note: A Form W-2 or 1099 is not tax return Any other prior year tax return, if you filed one Any supporting W-2s, 1099s, Schedule C, Schedule F, etc. If we can't verify your identity over the phone, we may ask you to schedule an appointment at your local IRS office to verify your identity in person.
