IRS 5747C: what it means and what to do

What this notice means

The IRS says it received a return under your SSN or ITIN and needs you to verify your identity and the return, possibly at a Taxpayer Assistance Center.

“We received a federal income tax return, Form 1040-series, filed under your Social Security number (SSN) or individual tax identification number (ITIN). To protect you from identity theft, we need you to verify your identity and the tax return so we can continue processing it. If you didn't file a tax return, you must let us know. You may need to visit a Taxpayer Assistance Center, so we can verify your identity and the tax return.”
IRS, Understanding your letter 5747C

What to do

The IRS says if you filed the return, call the toll-free number on your letter to schedule an in-person appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center.

“If you DID file a tax return: Call our Taxpayer Assistance Center toll-free at the number on your letter to schedule an in-person appointment.”
IRS, Understanding your letter 5747C

What you will need

The IRS says to bring the 5747C letter and the Form 1040-series return it refers to, noting that W-2s and 1099s are not tax returns.

“Bring the following to your appointment: The 5747C letter The Form 1040-series tax return referenced in the letter (Forms W-2 and 1099 aren't tax returns)”
IRS, Understanding your letter 5747C

After you respond

The IRS says that once it verifies your identity and confirms you submitted the return it will continue processing, which may take up to 9 weeks.

“Once we verify your identity and confirm you submitted the tax return, we'll continue processing your return. It may take up to 9 weeks to process.”
IRS, Understanding your letter 5747C

If you disagree

The IRS says if you did not file a return, call the Taxpayer Protection Program hotline on your letter to say so.

“If you DIDN’T file a tax return: Call the Taxpayer Protection Program hotline on your letter to tell us you didn't file a tax return. If you DID file a tax return:”
IRS, Understanding your letter 5747C

What happens if you ignore it

The IRS says if it does not hear from you, it cannot process your return, issue a refund, or credit overpayments.

“If we don't hear from you: We won't be able to process your tax return, issue a refund, or credit any overpayments to your account.”
IRS, Understanding your letter 5747C

More from the IRS on this notice

The IRS says not to file Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) if you received Letter 5747C, and to follow the letter's instructions instead.

“Don't file Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, if you received letter 5747C Follow the letter's instructions to provide all needed information.”
IRS, Understanding your letter 5747C

The IRS says an authorized third party can represent you, but you must attend the appointment in person so your identity can be authenticated.

“Note: An authorized third party can represent the taxpayer, however, the taxpayer must be present at the appointment to authenticate their identity.”
IRS, Understanding your letter 5747C

The IRS says to bring a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, state ID or passport, plus at least one other form of identification.

“Bring the following identity verification documents to your appointment: A valid federal or state government-issued picture identification, such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport At least ONE of the following forms of identification:”
IRS, Understanding your letter 5747C

The IRS lists acceptable second IDs including a Social Security card, mortgage statement, lease, car title, voter registration card, utility bill, birth certificate or current school records.

“U.S. Social Security card Mortgage statement with current address Lease agreement for a house or apartment with current address Car title Voter registration card (not the voter registration application) Utility bill matching address on ID Birth certificate (the IRS no longer accepts Puerto Rican birth certificates issued before July 1, 2010) Current school records”
IRS, Understanding your letter 5747C

The IRS says the phone numbers on Letter 5747C are for identity and return verification only and cannot give refund status or other tax information.

“Note: The letter applies to identity and tax return verification ONLY. No other tax-related information, including refund status, is available at the telephone numbers shown on your letter.”
IRS, Understanding your letter 5747C

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 5747C?

The IRS says if you did not file a return, call the Taxpayer Protection Program hotline on your letter to say so.

What happens if I ignore a 5747C?

The IRS says if it does not hear from you, it cannot process your return, issue a refund, or credit overpayments.