- What it means
- Confirmation that you created an online IRS account
- Respond within
- The date printed on the notice
- When to get help
- If you did not file the return in question and someone has used your number, follow the identity theft steps on IRS.gov (Form 14039) and consider a credit freeze. Professional help is rarely needed for verification alone.
The first move
Verify only through IRS.gov or a phone number you found on IRS.gov, never one that appears only in the letter. Then do it promptly; the refund is held until you do.
What letters in this family have in common
When the IRS's filters flag a return as possibly fraudulent, it stops processing and sends a 5071C (verify online or by phone), 4883C (call), 5747C (verify in person), or a similar letter. Nothing happens to the return until you respond. If you did not file the return the letter describes, that is the identity theft path: say so, and the IRS will remove the fraudulent return and send instructions.
The CP01 series is for taxpayers already marked as identity theft victims: CP01A delivers your annual Identity Protection PIN, CP01 confirms the marker was placed, and others report account status. Keep the IP PIN; a return filed without it is rejected.
Scammers copy these letters. The IRS never asks for payment or bank details to verify identity. Check the letter number and instructions against the IRS page for that letter before acting.
What to gather
- The letter itself; it contains a control number you will need
- The return the letter references, if you filed it
- Prior year return
- Photo ID and Social Security card for in-person or online verification
- Your IP PIN if you have one
How to write back
- Document cover letter: A one-page cover letter for documents you are sending in response to an IRS request: what the notice asked for, what is enclosed, and nothing else.
Closest built pages
- Letter 5071C: Verify your identity to process your return
- Letter 4883C: Call to verify your identity
- Letter 5747C: Verify your identity in person
- CP01A: Your Identity Protection PIN
- CP01: Identity theft indicator placed on your account
- CP01H: Account locked: Social Security shows the taxpayer as deceased
Before you send anything
This is general information, not tax advice. Situations differ. Check with your tax advisor before you send anything. Nothing on this page creates a client relationship.