Don’t file Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, if you received notice 5071C Follow the letter’s instructions to provide all needed information. What this notice is about We received a federal income tax return, Form 1040-series, filed under your Social Security number (SSN) or individual tax identification number (ITIN). To protect you from identity theft, we need you to verify your identity and the tax return so we can continue processing it. If you didn’t file a tax return, you must let us know. What you need to do immediately Go to Identity and Tax Return Verification Service to verify your identity and the tax return. You must let us know if you did or didn’t file a tax return. It’s quick, secure, and available 24 hours a day. New IRS online users must create an account. You will need your valid government-issued photo ID (examples driver’s license, state ID, passport, passport card). Existing IRS online users sign in with your username and password. If you have trouble signing in, check the frequently asked questions below. After signing in, you’ll then answer questions about the tax return. If you DID file a tax return, have a copy of your 5071C notice and a copy of the tax return for the tax year shown in the notice. If you DIDN’T file a tax return, you may be a victim of identity theft. You can indicate that you didn’t file a return on the website. Important: If you did file, we won’t be able to process your tax return until you answer the tax return questions. If you verified your identity, but didn’t answer the tax return questions, you must sign in again and answer the questions. If you want to call us Call the Taxpayer Protection Program hotline on the notice. Note: We won’t be able to process your tax return until we hear from you. Have ALL of the following available when you call: The 5071C notice The Form 1040-series tax return referenced in the notice (Forms W-2 and 1099 aren’t tax returns) A prior year tax return, other than the year in the notice, if available. (Forms W-2 and 1099 aren’t tax returns) Supporting documents for each year’s tax return you filed (e.g., Form W-2, Form 1099, Schedule C, Schedule F, etc.) If you DIDN’T file a tax return: Someone may have filed a fraudulent tax return using your name and SSN or ITIN. If you didn’t file a tax return for the tax year shown on your notice, let us know immediately as you may be victim of identity theft. Note: An authorized third party can represent you and call us on your behalf, but we must have a completed Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative PDF, on file for the representative. Otherwise, you and that person must call us together and you must participate on the call. Note: The Taxpayer Protection Program hotline is for identity and tax return verification ONLY. No other tax-related information, including refund status, is available. Frequently asked questions How do I verify my identity? The IRS offers multiple ways to verify your identity with ID.me. You can use either a self-service process that requires a photo of a government ID and selfie, or a live call with an ID.me video chat agent that doesn’t require biometric data. Any selfie, video, and/or biometric data will be deleted automatically, except for suspicious or fraudulent activity. If you need help verifying your identity or to submit a support ticket, you can visit the ID.me IRS Help site. If you use assistive technology such as a screen reader or have trouble taking photos, you may need assistance to complete the process. Find more information in our accessibility guide. What if I can't verify my identity? If you need help verifying your identity or to submit a support ticket, you can visit the ID.me IRS Help site. If you can't verify your identity online, please see our alternative options. If you're under 18 years old, the system doesn't allow access. If you get a message that says "A condition has been identified that's preventing your access to this service," this means you won’t be able to use the online service at this time. What is ID.me? IRS now offers a sign-in option with ID.me, which offers access to IRS online services with a secure account that protects your privacy. ID.me is an account created, maintained, and secured by a technology provider. With an ID.me account, you can access other government partners who also use this sign-in option. What if I’m incarcerated? You must coordinate with your prison official. What happens if I don’t verify immediately? Until we hear from you, we won’t be able to process your tax return, issue refunds, or credit any overpayments to your account. What happens if I can’t verify online or by phone? We’ll ask you to schedule an appointment and bring the documents listed above to your local IRS office to verify in person. What happens after I successfully verify? We’ll process your tax return. It may take up to 9 weeks to receive your refund or credit any overpayment to your account. However, if we find other problems, we’ll contact you again and this may delay your refund. You may check the status of your tax refund using Where’s My Refund? or the IRS2Go mobile app after 2 to 3 weeks. What else can I do to protect my identity? Refer to Publication 5027, Identity Theft Information for Taxpayers PDF, or visit Identity Theft Central. Getting an IRS Identity Protection PIN can help prevent misuse of your taxpayer identification number on fraudulent federal income tax returns. Learn more at Get an identity protection PIN (IPPIN). Reference tools Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer Identity Theft Central Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) Deceased Taxpayer and Identity Theft Full list of tax forms and instructions Need help? You can authorize someone to represent you before the IRS or inspect and/or receive confidential tax information. You may be eligible for free help from the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS). See if you qualify for help from a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic. You can request a copy of your notice or letter in Braille or large print. If you can’t find what you need online, call the telephone number on your notice or letter.
