Identity Verification for IRS Letter Recipients

In some instances, you will need to verify your identity with the IRS. This helps prevent an identity thief from getting your refund.

Who Must Use ID Verify

Use ID Verify only if you have a:

• 5071C letter
• 5747C letter
• 5447C letter and your financial and phone information is U.S.

If you received a 4883C letter, follow the instructions on the letter. You can't use ID Verify.

What You Need to Verify Your Identity

To register and use ID Verify, you need:

• Your personal account number from a:
  • Credit card
  • Mortgage
  • Student loan
  • Home equity loan or home equity line of credit
  • Car loan
• A mobile phone associated with your name
• Your 5071C letter, 5747C letter or 5447C letter
• The income tax return (form 1040,1040-PR, 1040-NR, 1040-SR, etc.) for the year shown on the letter
  • Note: A Form W-2 or 1099 is not an income tax return
• You must also have your filing status and mailing address from your previous year’s tax return

Special Instructions for Filing Status and Mailing Address

• If you just filed a tax return with a new address:
  • Enter the old address from the previous year, even if it’s not your current address. We use this information for identity verification
• If the return you just filed had a different filing status:
  • Use the filing status from your previous return
• If you just filed your first tax return:
  • Select the option labeled “I have not filed a tax return in the past seven years” as your filing status

If you don’t have the required documentation, you can’t use ID Verify. See: Other Ways to Verify Your Identity.

Verify Your Identity Now

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.

iOS 11, macOS 10.12, and macOS 10.13 VoiceOver users may experience difficulties when accessing this application. If this impacts you, see Other Ways to Verify Your Identity.

Other Ways to Verify Your Identity

If you can’t register for ID Verify online, 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 or 5447C letter
• The income tax return (form 1040,1040-PR, 1040-NR, 1040-SR, etc.) for the year shown on the letter 
  • Note: A Form W-2 or 1099 is not an income tax return
• Any other prior year income tax return
• Any supporting W-2’s, 1099’s, 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.