IRS 5071C: what it means and what to do

What this notice means

The IRS says a return was filed under your SSN or ITIN and it needs you to verify your identity and the return.

“A federal income tax return, Form 1040 series, was filed under your Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). We sent you a CP5071 series notice because we need you to verify your identity and the return:”
IRS, Understanding your CP5071 series notice

What to do

The IRS says to follow the notice instructions to verify your identity and return, online at irs.gov/verifyreturn if your notice offers it, with your notice and tax records ready.

“Follow the instructions on your notice to verify your identity and the tax return. If your notice provides online verification, you can begin at: irs.gov/verifyreturn Have your notice and tax records available when you begin the verification process.”
IRS, Understanding your CP5071 series notice

How to respond

The IRS says to verify online you sign in or create an account and answer a few questions, and you may need to sign in again to finish.

“Sign in or create an account, then answer a few questions to verify your return. If you create an account, you may need to sign in again to complete your return verification.”
IRS, Verify your return

What you will need

The IRS says that if you filed, you need the original or amended Form 1040-series return for the year on the letter, which you can get from your tax software or preparer if you do not have it.

“If you filed a return: Have your original or amended Form 1040 series return for the year shown on the letter. If you don’t have it, check your tax software or ask your tax return preparer.”
IRS, Verify your return

After you respond

The IRS says to wait 2-3 weeks after verifying before checking your refund, and that processing can take up to 9 weeks after you verify.

“Wait 2-3 weeks after you use this service to check your refund. It may take up to 9 weeks to process your return after you verify it.”
IRS, Verify your return

If you disagree

The IRS says if you did not file a return, verify with it because you may be the victim of identity theft, and be prepared to tell it during verification.

“If you didn’t file a return: Verify with us. You may be the victim of identity theft. If you did file a return: Verify so we can continue processing your return.”
IRS, Understanding your CP5071 series notice

A related right

The IRS says an IP PIN can prevent future returns being filed with your SSN or ITIN, and that you need not file Form 14039 after verifying unless it tells you to.

“To prevent someone from filing a return with your Social Security Number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), get an identity protection (IP) PIN. If you verify your return, you don’t need to complete Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, unless we tell you.”
IRS, Understanding your CP5071 series notice

More from the IRS on this notice

The IRS says its online Verify your return service is only for people it sent a CP5071 series notice or Letter 5447C.

“If you got an IRS notice to verify your identity and tax return, use this service. Only use this service if we sent you a CP5071 series notice or letter 5447C.”
IRS, Verify your return

The IRS says that if you did not file you should use the service to tell it so, and that anyone under 18 should contact the IRS instead.

“If you didn’t file a return: Use this service to notify us. Someone may have tried to file a return with your information. If you’re under age 18: Contact us.”
IRS, Verify your return

The IRS says that if you cannot sign in to the verification service you should call the number on your letter or notice, and not file Form 14039 if you use the service.

“If we tell you in a letter or notice, use our Identity and Tax Return Verification Service. Don’t file Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit if you use this service. If you can’t sign in, call the number on your letter or notice.”
IRS, Identity theft guide for individuals

The IRS says the contact information on the notice is for identity and return verification only, and refund status may not be available that way.

“The contact information on your notice is for identity and tax return verification only. Other tax account information, such as refund status, may not be available through that contact method.”
IRS, Understanding your CP5071 series notice

Before you reply

1. Compare the notice with your own records for the tax year it names.
2. Note the date on the notice and the response date it gives.
3. Answer by the method and address the notice gives; keep a copy of everything you send.
4. If the notice could be fraudulent, contact the IRS through the phone number or address on IRS.gov, not one printed on a suspicious letter.

Common questions

What if I disagree with the 5071C?

The IRS says if you did not file a return, verify with it because you may be the victim of identity theft, and be prepared to tell it during verification.