I received a letter from the IRS form 5071C asking to verify my identity. I have never seen or heard of this. I can on-line or by phone w a third party present,if I want

[photolab5764]

the letter even said if I choose to do it on the phone I can have a third person, power of attorney present.  What the heck...Im kind of freaked.....no one else in my family got one of these

[DoninGA]

See this IRS website for the 5071C letter you received - https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Employees/Understanding-Your-5071C-Letter

[SteamTrain]

while there is some slight reason for concern, there is no reason to get freaked-out.

There have been so many instances of tax fraud, and compromised SSN's over the past few years (even at the IRS)...that they IRS is checking the ID of people who submit tax files far more often than they used to.  This is as much for your protection as anything else...

Just make sure you have the documents ready at hand that they want information for, and proceed following the directions on the letter, or at the website DoninGA posted. 

[davidandrews_andrews44]

Am trying to get ideas on this letter reply.  May call the IRS for help, but am asking for ideas in this message. Appreciate any ideas.  Thanks!

[xmasbaby0]

@davidandrews_andrews44 Sometimes the IRS chooses returns randomly to request verification of identity and sometimes there is something on the return that triggers the request.  No matter why the IRS has required you to verify your identity, you need to follow their instructions in order to receive your refund.  If you do not verify your identity you will not get your refund.

I HAVE TO VERIFY MY IDENTITY

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/security/tips-for-handling-identity-verification-requests-from-...

https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/identity-verification-for-irs-letter-recipients