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Level 2
posted Feb 14, 2020 9:20:35 AM

Letter 5071C

I received a letter wanting me to verify my identity, Has anyone gone through this and had to wait the full 9 weeks to get there refund? 

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18 Replies
Returning Member
Feb 14, 2020 10:07:25 AM

I received this letter last year. I did the verification over the phone and they released my refund right away. I think I got it maybe a week or so later.

Level 1
Feb 24, 2020 3:56:58 PM

I also received this letter for the first time this year and verified over the phone. I HOPE it doesn't take the full 9 weeks.

Intuit Alumni
Feb 24, 2020 4:06:36 PM

After successful verification, it takes about 6 weeks to complete processing. For more information please click the link below.

 

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/how-irs-id-theft-victim-assistance-works

Level 2
Feb 24, 2020 4:55:49 PM

I verified on 2/16 and I checked WMR yesterday and I’m getting my refund the 26. Hope you get yours as well. 

Level 2
Feb 25, 2020 9:12:58 AM

I verified my identity on 2/18, I originally filled on 1/28 thought. WMR still shows “your refund is processing” no dates are showing or anything. I don’t know if I should continue to keep checking the website or not because this is the first year I got that letter due to me moving. I really can’t afford to wait 9 weeks.

Level 1
Feb 25, 2020 9:20:58 AM

@Misjasmine88 @Yeah, I verified on 2/13 and WMR still shows it processing. I just hope it’s not the full 9 weeks :(

Level 2
Feb 25, 2020 9:44:34 AM

Me too, I’m wondering if we will even see a date since the verification threw everything off some people see there dates some don’t.

Intuit Alumni
Feb 25, 2020 10:11:23 AM

@Misjasmine88

 

This is something Turbo Tax will not know.

You can review these IRS website for more information.

 

Understanding Your 5071C Letter https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-5071c-letter CPEO

 

Individual Identity Verification for Responsible Individuals

https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/cpeo-individual-identity-verification-for-responsible-individuals

Level 2
Feb 25, 2020 10:46:10 AM

I’m aware of this but it doesn’t help with the question I asked and I’m aware this is not a turbo tax thing it’s irs 

Returning Member
Feb 25, 2020 3:16:03 PM

Why is it next to impossible to get information that should be simple and accessible on the IRS website? I got a "5071c" letter in the mail claiming it was from the IRS so I immediately try to verify the phone number that they want me to call by going to the IRS website and searching for the number (800 830 5084). No luck, it didn't seem to exist anywhere on the site. All the IRS website says is "Call the number on the letter" which is horrible advice if you don't know if the letter is legitimate or not. So after a lot of frustration I go ahead and call the number and give them the info they ask for, but this starts to bother me so once again I try searching online for mentions of this number and stumble on a forum of some sort stating that it's fake. So panic sets in and I try for over 4 hours to find a legitimate number and human being to ask. I finally get someone at (800 908 4490) which I "assume" is the IRS Identity Protection Division and they confirm the number, but at this point I don't even know if that was a legit number either.

Level 6
Feb 27, 2020 11:26:49 AM

@Misjasmine88  Girl PLEASE! Keep me updated I haven't even received my letter yet. They said the sent it out on 2/20 which was last Thursday and now I'm just waiting. About how long did it take your letter to come?

Level 6
Feb 29, 2020 8:08:18 PM

@adw89 Never received my letter either and they said mailed 2/17. Had to get a Tax Advacate who finally told me had to prove HOH and that my nephew's who I've claimed before live with me for at least six months. Just faxed today. I asked for hardship and it being expedited and she said that's what it is when you talk with a tax advocate and it still takes 5 weeks or more

Intuit Alumni
Feb 29, 2020 8:16:30 PM

Here is some additional information regarding the 5071C Letter:

Understanding Your 5071C Letter

What happens after I verify online or after I call?

We’ll continue processing your return. It will take approximately nine weeks to process.

 

I got a 5071C letter from the IRS

Returning Member
Mar 5, 2020 2:45:08 PM

 @CassLO You posted a link to the page that I was talking about. On that page that you linked to it says, "Call the toll-free IRS Identity Verification telephone number in the 5071C letter." which is horrible advice to give someone who isn't sure that the letter they received was legitimate. If it's a scam letter then the website it telling you to call the scam number instead of just telling you what the legitimate number is to call. Do you understand what I mean now? I couldn't find the number in the letter anywhere on the website to verify that it's legitimate.

 

Also, thank you for posting the second link with information on the Intuit site, I could not locate this when I  had this question. That information is very helpful.

 

Level 15
Mar 5, 2020 2:51:58 PM


@rozmere wrote:

I don't understand your response @CassLO You posted a link to the page that I was talking about. On that page that you linked to it says, "Call the toll-free IRS Identity Verification telephone number in the 5071C letter." which is horrible advice to give someone who isn't sure that the letter they received was legitimate. If it's a scam letter then the website it telling you to call the scam number instead of just telling you what the legitimate number is. Do you understand what I mean now? The number in the letter can not be found anywhere on the website to verify that it's legitimate.


Your concern about receiving a scam letter is understandable since this is a common letter the IRS sends to taxpayers.  The IRS website you referenced has valid information.

However, to verify the veracity of the IRS letter you received, call the IRS main phone number.

 

Call the IRS: 1-800-829-1040 hours 7 AM - 7 PM local time Monday-Friday
When calling the IRS do NOT choose the first option re: "Refund", or it will send you to an automated phone line.
So after first choosing your language, then do NOT choose Option 1 (refund info). Choose option 2 for "personal income tax" instead.
Then press 1 for "form, tax history, or payment".
Then press 3 "for all other questions."
Then press 2 "for all other questions."
- When it asks you to enter your SSN or EIN to access your account information, don't enter anything.
- After it asks twice, you will get another menu.
Then press 2 for personal or individual tax questions.
It should then transfer you to an agent.

Intuit Alumni
Mar 5, 2020 2:54:23 PM

 

@rozmere  I am sorry if I worded improperly, please see this link I got a 5071C letter from the IRS for the correct contact information as DoninGA Level 15 posted above.

Returning Member
Jul 24, 2021 12:20:14 PM

I received a letter 5071C to verify myself I followed the letter and the directions and I do not have one document that they will except what should I do

 

Level 15
Jul 24, 2021 12:28:22 PM


@mcmorgan723 wrote:

I received a letter 5071C to verify myself I followed the letter and the directions and I do not have one document that they will except what should I do

 


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

If you can't verify your identity online or don't have the required documentation, please contact us using the toll-free number listed on your letter.

To expedite the process when calling, you must have:

  • Your 5071C letter, 5747C letter, 5447C letter, or 6331C letter
  • The income tax return (form 1040,1040-PR, 1040-NR, 1040-SR, etc.) for the year shown on the letter 
    • Note: A Form W-2 or 1099 is not an income tax return
  • Any other prior year income tax return
  • Any supporting W-2's, 1099's, Schedule C, Schedule F, etc.

You can contact your local IRS office. See this IRS website for local IRS offices - http://www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-Your-Local-IRS-Office-1 or call 1-844-545-5640 to set up an appointment