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You may need to verify your identity with the IRS if your tax return is flagged for potential fraud. It's a simple step that could protect you from tax identity theft—and block a scam artist from collecting your tax refund. In 2024 and 2025, the IRS prevented at least $7 billion in fraudulent refunds, according to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. IRS identity verification uses mailed notices and secure online tools to confirm a taxpayer's identity.
Why Does the IRS Ask to Verify Your Identity?
If the IRS is asking you to verify your identity, it is likely due to one of the following reasons.
They Suspect Fraudulent Activity
Tax identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information to file a tax return in your name. The goal is to make off with your tax refund before you're aware of what's going on. In most cases, the victim doesn't find out about the fraud until they try to file a legitimate tax return and discover that one already exists. A fraudster could also use your personal information to secure employment.
The IRS has automatic filters in place to flag potentially fraudulent tax returns. The federal agency also works with state tax agencies, tax officials and financial services companies to manually identify potential fraud. That includes sharing information related to tax identity theft scams and leads. If the IRS suspects fraudulent activity, they may ask you to verify your identity before processing your tax return.
You're Signing in to Your Federal Tax Account
You can log in to your individual IRS account to view your outstanding balance, make payments, view or create a payment plan and access your tax records—but you'll need to verify your identity to access your account. The IRS requires an ID.me account to do this.
IRS Letters You May Receive
If your tax return is flagged for potential identity fraud, the IRS may send you one of the following letters to verify your identity. In each case, it means the IRS has received an income tax return in your name that's linked to your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
| Type of Letter | What It Means | How to Verify Your Identity |
|---|---|---|
| Letter 5071C | Your federal income tax return was flagged for potential fraud | Online or by phone |
| Letter 4883C | Your federal income tax return was flagged for potential fraud | By phone |
| Letter 5447C | Your federal income tax return was flagged for potential fraud and you have a foreign address | Online, by phone or by mail |
| Letter 5747C | Your federal income tax return was flagged for potential fraud and requires a higher level of identity verification | In person only |
How to Verify Your Identity With the IRS
Here are three different ways to verify your identity. (Your verification options will depend on the type of IRS letter you received.) Either way, you'll want to have the following documents ready:
- The IRS notice you received
- Your original or amended Form 1040 for the tax year referenced in your IRS notice (if you filed a tax return)
- Your prior year tax return (if available)
- Any supporting documents for each tax return, such as W-2s and 1099 forms
How to Verify Online
This is an option if you received letter 5071C or letter 5447C. You can sign in to your IRS account to verify your identity and tax return.
How to Verify by Phone
If you're verifying by phone, call the toll-free IRS identity verification phone number listed on your notice within 30 days.
How to Verify in Person
This is only required if you received letter 5747C. In this case, call the number on your IRS notice to schedule an in-person appointment to verify your identity. In addition to the documents mentioned above, you'll also need to provide a government-issued photo ID and one other approved form of identification, such as a Social Security card or mortgage statement with your current address.
What to Expect After Finishing the Verification Process
The IRS will review and process your identity verification. From there, it can take up to nine weeks to process your tax return. If you're expecting a tax refund, you can check the status after two to three weeks. You can also log in to your IRS account to view your tax return status. If you have questions, contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service. In the meantime, the IRS should reach out if they need additional information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Warning Signs of Tax Fraud?
Red flags of tax identity theft include:
- Being unable to file a tax return because one has already been filed in your name
- Receiving a tax transcript or employer identification number (EIN) you didn't request
- Getting an IRS notice that an online account has been created in your name or accessed without your consent
- Learning of IRS records that show income from an employer you don't recognize
What Should I Do if I'm the Victim of Tax Fraud?
Take the following steps if you think someone used your personal information to file a fraudulent tax return in your name:
- Contact the IRS.
- Report the fraud at IdentityTheft.gov.
- File an identity theft report with your local police department.
- Notify state and local tax authorities, if necessary.
- Protect your credit by reviewing your credit reports for fraudulent activity. If you choose to do so, you have the right to add a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major consumer credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion).
- You also have the right to dispute credit report information if you believe it to be the result of fraud.
The Bottom Line
If the IRS flags your tax return for potential fraud, they'll likely reach out to verify your identity before processing your return. That can prevent fraudsters from collecting your tax refund. IRS identity verification may be done online, over the phone or by mail. Your options will depend on the type of notice you receive from the IRS.
If someone has stolen your identity, the most important thing is acting quickly and protecting your credit going forward. You can check your credit report and FICO® Score☉ Θ for free from Experian.