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New Member
posted Jun 7, 2019 5:00:09 PM

I just received an identity verification letter from the IRS. There is no ss number in the heading and the letter has no signature. Is this ligit?

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1 Best answer
Expert Alumni
Jun 7, 2019 5:00:16 PM

The IRS Letter 5071C does not include your SSN as this will be part of the verification process.  To confirm your identity, I recommend using the website link listed below to complete your identity verification.

Per the IRS:

The 5071C letter is a legitimate letter from the IRS that provides instructions to verify that you submitted the tax return in question. 

If you receive a 5071C letter, verify your identity on the IRS' secure Identity Verification Service website, idverify.irs.gov or call the toll-free number listed in your letter. You will be asked a series of questions to verify your identity. You will also be asked to confirm whether or not you filed the federal tax return in question.

You will need the following documents to verify your identity when you access the website or call:

  • Your previous year's federal tax return
  • Your current year's federal tax return, if you've already filed it
  • Supporting documents from this year's federal tax return, such as Form W-2, Form 1099, and Schedules A and C

12 Replies
Expert Alumni
Jun 7, 2019 5:00:09 PM

Is it Letter 5071C?

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 5:00:10 PM

yes

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 5:00:11 PM

My concern was no ss number and no signature on the letter

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 5:00:14 PM

5071C letter married filing jointly

Expert Alumni
Jun 7, 2019 5:00:16 PM

The IRS Letter 5071C does not include your SSN as this will be part of the verification process.  To confirm your identity, I recommend using the website link listed below to complete your identity verification.

Per the IRS:

The 5071C letter is a legitimate letter from the IRS that provides instructions to verify that you submitted the tax return in question. 

If you receive a 5071C letter, verify your identity on the IRS' secure Identity Verification Service website, idverify.irs.gov or call the toll-free number listed in your letter. You will be asked a series of questions to verify your identity. You will also be asked to confirm whether or not you filed the federal tax return in question.

You will need the following documents to verify your identity when you access the website or call:

  • Your previous year's federal tax return
  • Your current year's federal tax return, if you've already filed it
  • Supporting documents from this year's federal tax return, such as Form W-2, Form 1099, and Schedules A and C

Level 2
Mar 4, 2022 8:54:37 AM

2nd year in a row that I have received this letter, verified and still waiting on refund :(

Level 1
Apr 7, 2022 5:17:23 PM

My return was rejected so I opted to file by mail. I received 5071c letter only in my name when I filed jointly. Is this standard procedure

Level 15
Apr 7, 2022 5:25:43 PM


@intcj0417 wrote:

My return was rejected so I opted to file by mail. I received 5071c letter only in my name when I filed jointly. Is this standard procedure


The letter is sent to the taxpayer listed first on the return.

Level 1
Apr 7, 2022 5:52:08 PM

I am not listed first

Level 15
Apr 7, 2022 7:20:14 PM

Unusual.  Only the IRS that sent the letter could tell you.

Level 3
Jun 4, 2025 7:19:02 PM

Do both taxpayers have to verify identity of just one?

Employee Tax Expert
Jun 6, 2025 4:52:42 PM

Unfortunately, it's hard to determine as this is a public forum.  Please see this FAQ for more details on how to confirm who the letter is for as well as next steps that you should take to respond to the notice.

 

@dablakley88