Form 5071C is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) when there is a need to verify identity. The form is typically sent to the taxpayer if the agency believes that the submitted tax return may be fraudulent. The person listed on the tax return must verify their identity using the form to enable the IRS to resume processing the tax return.
How Does Form 5071C Work?
Form 5071C helps the IRS prevent fraud by confirming the identity of the individual before processing the tax return. The IRS sends Form 5071C to the person identified on the tax return, which is usually the Social Security number.
The purpose of issuing this letter is to confirm that the individual listed on the tax return is the same person who filed the return, in an attempt to prevent identity theft.
If you receive the letter, you have 30 days to respond, although the IRS can still process this form after the deadline has passed. You have the option to verify online or by phone. You can also schedule an in-person verification appointment with an IRS representative.
To verify online, visit the link “Identity Verification and Tax Return” on the agency’s website. You will first need to register for an account to access the service. Keep your letter nearby, along with your personal identification card, and follow the instructions on the site.
You may also choose to complete this form by phone. Both methods may require you to provide personal information for verification, such as your date of birth, mailing address, and information related to a prior tax return. For phone verification, have the following documents handy:
- Letter 5071C
- The current tax return referenced (usually Form 1040)
- The previous tax return form
- Other documents, such as Form W-2 that you submitted with your tax return
Beware of scammers claiming to work for the IRS and contacting you by phone or email. The IRS will first contact you by mail for verification.
Note: If you believe you received a phone call from an IRS representative, you can call 800-829-4933, the IRS customer service number, to verify or request the representative. To report scams, contact 800-366-4484 or email phishing@irs.gov.
Example of Form 5071C
A 5071C letter is issued directly by the IRS by mail. The form explains that a tax return has been received by the IRS and requires verification to prevent fraud or identity theft. An electronic verification service link will be included, along with a phone number. The form will specifically address all actions to be taken if you filed the tax return as well as actions to take if you did not file the return.
If you did not file the tax return mentioned in the letter, notify the IRS as specified in the letter. Although it is not required by the form, you may also complete an identity theft affidavit, Form 14039, or contact the Federal Trade Commission and file a complaint.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if I lost my 5071C letter?
If you lost Form 5071C, the taxpayer can contact the IRS to report the form. The taxpayer can request that another form be sent to them by the IRS. Individuals can call 800-829-1040, and businesses can contact the IRS at 800-829-4933.
What happens if I do not respond to the 5071C letter?
If you do not respond to the 5071C letter, the IRS will not be able to process your tax return. The purpose of the form is to verify the taxpayer’s identity before processing the return. Simply put, your tax refund will be delayed until your identity is verified. You will not receive any credits or refunds until you respond to the form and your identity is verified.
How
How long does it take to receive a refund after 5071C?
Once identity is verified using Form 5071C and there are no other issues, the tax return can be processed by the Internal Revenue Service. It may take up to nine weeks for the taxpayer to receive their tax refund after the verification process is completed.
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Sources:
- Internal Revenue Service. “Understanding Your 5071C or 6331C Letter.”
- Internal Revenue Service. “Identity Verification and Tax Return Process.”
- Internal Revenue Service. “Suspicious Letters and Identity Theft.”
- USA.gov. “IRS Scams.”
- Internal Revenue Service. “Identity Theft Information for Taxpayers.”
- Internal Revenue Service. “Let Us Help You.”
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/irs-form-5071c-1947701
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