Letter 5071C: Verify your identity and return

What 5071C means

• A Form 1040-series return was filed under your Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN).
• The IRS needs you to verify your identity and the return.
• If you didn't file a return, you may be a victim of identity theft, and the IRS asks you to verify with it. If you did file, verifying lets the IRS keep processing your return.

If it is ignored, and what usually comes next

The IRS page doesn't describe what happens if you don't respond, or what notice comes next. If you did file, the IRS says verifying lets it continue processing your return.

What you can do yourself

1. Follow the instructions on your notice to verify your identity and the return.
2. If your notice offers online verification, start at irs.gov/verifyreturn.
3. Have ready: the notice, the tax return for the year listed, a prior-year return if you have one, and supporting documents such as W-2s, 1099s, and Schedule C or F.
4. If you didn't file, be ready to say so during verification.
5. After you verify, the IRS says to wait 2–3 weeks before checking your refund. Processing can take up to 9 weeks.
6. Get an Identity Protection PIN to help prevent someone else from filing with your SSN or ITIN.
7. You don't need Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) after verifying, unless the IRS tells you to.

When to bring in an Enrolled Agent

The IRS notes that you can authorize someone to represent you or contact it for you. Consider getting help if:

• You didn't file the return and suspect identity theft.
• Your refund is held up, and the verification line can't answer account questions.
• You have several years or business returns affected.

Official IRS resource

Read the IRS's own explanation: Understanding your CP5071 series notice (irs.gov).