IRS CP5071 or 5071C Letter: How to Verify Your Identity
Last reviewed by Calculus Tax in-house Settlement Officer
A CP5071, 5071C, or CP5071F means a Form 1040 return was filed under your Social Security number or ITIN and the IRS needs you to verify your identity and the return. If you filed it, verify so the IRS can continue processing. If you didn't, tell the IRS during verification, because you may be a victim of identity theft.
Quick answer
A CP5071 or 5071C letter means a Form 1040 return was filed under your Social Security number or ITIN, and the IRS needs you to verify your identity before processing it. Follow the notice instructions, online at irs.gov/verifyreturn if offered. Have that year's return, a prior-year return, and supporting documents ready. If you didn't file, say so.
| Notices in the series | CP5071, 5071C, CP5071F |
|---|---|
| Why you got it | A Form 1040 return was filed under your SSN or ITIN |
| Online verification | irs.gov/verifyreturn, if your notice offers it |
| Have ready | That year's return, a prior-year return, and W-2s, 1099s, or schedules |
| Form 14039 | Not needed if you verify, unless the IRS tells you |
| Prevent future fraud | Get an Identity Protection PIN |
What the CP5071 Series Means
The CP5071 series includes the CP5071, 5071C, and CP5071F. The IRS sends one when a Form 1040-series return is filed under your SSN or ITIN and it needs to confirm that you are the person who filed it before it continues processing.
If You Filed the Return
Verify your identity and the return so the IRS can continue processing it. Follow the instructions on your notice exactly; the method and contact information depend on which version you received.
If You Did Not File the Return
Tell the IRS during the verification process. You may be a victim of identity theft, and the IRS will work with you to address the fraudulent return. See IRS identity theft tax issues for next steps.
How to Verify
Follow the instructions on your notice. If the notice offers online verification, begin at irs.gov/verifyreturn. The contact information on the notice is for identity and return verification only, so other account questions, such as refund status, may not be answered there.
What to Have Ready
Have the notice and your tax records available. If you filed the return, the IRS says you will need the tax return for the year on the notice, a prior-year return if you filed one, and supporting documents such as W-2s, 1099s, and Schedules C or F.
Do You Need Form 14039?
If you verify your return, you do not need to file Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, unless the IRS tells you to. Follow the notice and the verification instructions first.
Is the Letter Real?
Look up the notice number on IRS.gov. If it does not appear or looks suspicious, call 800-829-1040. The IRS does not email or text you without your permission, so be wary of electronic messages asking you to verify. See how to spot IRS scams.
Protect Yourself Going Forward
To help prevent someone from filing a return with your SSN or ITIN, get an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) from the IRS. If you are not sure what an IRS letter means, start with got a letter from the IRS? what to do first, or contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did I get a 5071C letter?
A Form 1040 return was filed under your Social Security number or ITIN, and the IRS needs to verify your identity and the return before processing it.
Can I verify my identity online?
If your notice offers online verification, you can begin at irs.gov/verifyreturn. Otherwise, follow the instructions on the notice.
What documents do I need to verify?
The notice, the return for the year listed, a prior-year return if you filed one, and supporting documents such as W-2s, 1099s, and schedules.
Do I need to file Form 14039?
Not if you verify your return, unless the IRS tells you to.
What if someone else filed a return using my SSN?
Tell the IRS during verification. You may be a victim of identity theft, and an IP PIN can help prevent it in future years.
Can I ask about my refund at the number on the notice?
The contact information on the notice is for identity and return verification only. Other account information, such as refund status, may not be available there.
Sources
What can change the answer
Notice type, issue date, filing history, account status, deadlines, and current agency procedures can change the available next step. Bring the complete notice and account records to a qualified review.
Tax rules and collection procedures can change and depend on the account. Federal claims should be checked against current IRS guidance; California claims should be checked against the California Franchise Tax Board. See our editorial methodology for sourcing and update standards.
Results depend on your facts and on IRS or state decisions. Calculus Tax, Inc. is not affiliated with the IRS or any government agency.
When professional help may make sense
Calculus Tax, Inc. can review notices, organize financial information, explain available paths, and communicate with the IRS or California agencies when representation is appropriate. The right next step depends on your facts, deadlines, filing history, and ability to pay.
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