IRS Letter 5071C: verify your identity

A 5071C means the IRS is holding a return filed under your name until you confirm you filed it. It's fraud protection. Until you verify, the return isn't processed and no refund is issued.

First, make sure the letter is real

The IRS sends a 5071C by regular mail only. Don't click links in emails or texts "from the IRS" or call numbers from them. Type the verification address yourself: idverify.irs.gov.

What to have ready

• The 5071C letter itself.
• Your return for the year in the letter, and the prior year's return if you have it.
• The documents behind the return: W-2s, 1099s.

What to do

1. Verify at idverify.irs.gov or call the number printed in the letter.
2. If you filed the return, confirm it. Processing usually takes up to 9 weeks after you verify.
3. If you didn't file it, say so during verification: someone used your information. The IRS will tell you the next steps, and you should report the identity theft.