Understanding your letter 4281C

What this letter is about

You received Letter 4281C because your personal information may have been compromised. The letter explains your rights under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) 7431 and provides resources and information about IRS actions to protect your identity.

You may want to

• Get an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) to use on your future tax returns. The letter will instruct you to either request an IP PIN using the online Get an IP PIN tool, follow the instructions to file an application for an IP PIN PDF or request in-person authentication.
• Place a fraud alert on your credit file by contacting one of the following credit reporting agencies. You only need to contact one of them. The agency you contact will notify the other two.
• Note: spouses and dependents are eligible for an IP PIN if they can pass the identity proofing process. 

• Check if a credit file exists for your minor child (under 18) if we told you we lost or disclosed their personal info. Contact one of the three credit reporting agencies listed above to see if a file exists or if your child's identity may have been misused. 

Frequently asked questions

What if I have questions? (updated Mar. 27, 2026)

Call 866-225-2009 (or +267-466-0777, for international callers), to speak to an IRS representative.

Can my power of attorney (POA) contact the IRS about this data loss, theft, or disclosure?

Yes. When filling out Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative PDF, you must specify “IRS breach,” “IRS data loss,” or “IRS information loss” on line 3 as the “Description of Matter.” If you don’t, we can’t discuss this matter with your POA.

Helpful information

• Publication 5027, Identity Theft Information for Taxpayers PDF
• Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit PDF
• Identity Theft Central
• Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft Consumer Information