The IRS sent me a letter asking me to verify my Identity Why??

[KatyeH · Accepted solution]

If the IRS suspects that a tax return with your name on it is potentially the result of identity theft, the agency will send you a special letter, called a 5071C Letter. This letter is to notify you that the agency received a tax return with your name and Social Security number and it believes it may not be yours. The letter asks you to take specific steps to verify your identity and confirm whether or not the return is actually yours.

Here's how to handle those requests:

• Online at the IRS Identity Verification Service website
• By phone at the toll-free number listed on your 5071C Letter

The IRS prefers that taxpayers use the online system; because phone callers may experience delays due to the high volume of calls the IRS receives. The phone number on your letter can be used only for verification purposes, not for any other tax issues.

The ID Verify website or phone system asks questions that only you can answer correctly. What you will need:

1. Your previous year's tax return
2. Your current year's tax return
3. All supporting forms and schedules

If the verification proves you are the person named on the return and that you personally filed the return, the return will be processed. After successful verification, it takes about 6 weeks to complete processing.

The return will be rejected and investigated as identity theft/tax fraud if:

• Verification fails to confirm your identity or that you filed the return
• If the verification process is not completed, or can't be completed

Respond to all requests from the IRS to validate your identity in order to avoid automatic rejection of what could be a valid tax return.

[dsparr]

They do not want you to complete anything on the web site.  They want you to call 800-830-5084

[sisstucker]

What if I haven't worked for 7 years

[akhan151987]

I filed on April 11 accepted  on 13th April 

bars disappeared on 16th was told they need to check something in my 2

w2 on July 28 was send a id verification letter  verified identity on 4th August. Was told 9 weeks wait today on 8th August my

bars are back up with DD 12 August could be sooner I guess

[Clytnjms]

How long did it actually end up being? I filed my taxes late and just had to verify my identity too. 

[webbchristian7]

What if I didn’t file the previous years taxes? 

[CassLO]

@webbchristian7 If you didn't file a 2018 federal tax return, enter 0 as your AGI. Please see the link below for more information:

How do I get my AGI if I don't have a prior year tax return?

[Dougster2]

The reason the IRS is requesting I verify my ID is due to address conflicts with what is in my personal information entered into TurboTax Deluxe on-line and what is shown on my w2.

The software did not address this issue, it did not ask if there were any differences in the addresses on the W-2 and my current address. All it asked for was the address of the Payer for my W2 and 1099 for  401k distribution. and Now it is causing me an additional six week delay minimum, in getting my refund. Additionally my Stimulus check is being delayed as well. 

 Of course Turbo Tax wants to charge me another $60 to get any support for an issue they should have been aware of in their program. TurboTax Deluxe. But of course they won't offer to help with the IRS delay either.

This is why I am never using TurboTax again, and will not recommend it to anyone I know.

[Armajm]

Ive misplaced the letter...what do i do now?

[Dougster2]

Why isn't any Turbotax support person answering my questions and addressing my needs

[Dougster2]

Id like to get some guidance and assistance from a TurboTax support person in getting this matter cleared up with the IRS.

I depended on the program to cover all the bases but their omission of a way to identify address conflicts between mailing address and addresses on W2's has caused a 6 week delay, minimum, in receiving my refund as well as my stimulus check. 

How can they sit by and cause this sort of delay and not offer any assistance?

[Dougster2]

my issue isn't solved by this reply

[macuser_22]

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@Dougster2 wrote:

Id like to get some guidance and assistance from a TurboTax support person in getting this matter cleared up with the IRS.

I depended on the program to cover all the bases but their omission of a way to identify address conflicts between mailing address and addresses on W2's has caused a 6 week delay, minimum, in receiving my refund as well as my stimulus check. 

How can they sit by and cause this sort of delay and not offer any assistance?

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This is a user forum - not TurboTax support, but what is your problem?

If you received a IRS letter to verify your information then that is common, but getting it to the IRS currently might not be possible during the shutdown.

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**NOTE*** Due to the Corona virus the IRS is operating short staffed. All field offices are closed and some processing centers are all but closed. Any tax return that requires hand processing will probably have long delays. Mailed returns are not being processed at all at this time. Most phone service has been curtailed.
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations-during-covid-19-mission-critical-functions-continue
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[Analexander7510]

I have recently filed my federal taxes and I'd received a letter telling me to identify myself. How can I identify myself online if I have no student loan,no credit card,no home equity? The IRS are close and aren't accepting calls at this time.