Got a letter from the IRS asking you to verify your identity? That doesn’t mean you messed up. It means the IRS wants to make sure you’re actually you so a scammer can’t steal your refund.

Fraudsters have filed fake returns using stolen Social Security numbers. The verification step blocks that. Follow the steps below to get cleared fast.

• No IRS.gov account yet: Plan for 20–25 minutes to verify your identity and your tax return.
• Already have an IRS.gov account: With your tax return handy, the whole thing is usually done in 10 minutes or less.

This applies when you get a CP-5071 series notice or Letter 5447C from the IRS about verifying your identity/return.

• Have your IRS notice and the tax return for that year handy. If you didn’t file, be prepared to state that.
• Under 18? You may need to contact the IRS directly per the instructions on your notice.

• Visit irs.gov/idverify.
• Click Sign In or Create an Account.
• If you already use ID.me for IRS/other agencies, log in. Otherwise, create an account.
  

     

IRS e-service sign-in screenshoot

Timing matters: If you don’t already have an IRS.gov account, the full setup + verification process takes about 20–25 minutes. If you already have an account and your tax return is handy, expect 10 minutes or less.

The system locks your email and phone to your account. Here’s what happens:

• Email check: You’ll get an email with a link. Click it to prove you own that inbox. No click = no progress.
• Text check: You’ll get a 6-digit code by SMS. Enter it. This ties your phone to your account so nobody can log in without your device.
• Future logins (MFA): Every sign-in needs a fresh code (text or authenticator app). This stops hackers even if they guess your password.

Now you’ll verify with a government ID + selfie. Do it this way to avoid getting stuck:

• Select Self-Service Upload with your driver’s license, state ID, or passport.
• Important (iPhone): If you tap the SMS link in Messages, it opens in your default browser (usually Safari). That often breaks the upload flow and forces you to return to the original setup browser and request a new text. Avoid that loop.
• Real Shortcut: Long-press the SMS link → Copy the full URL → open Google Chrome on your mobile device → paste the link and continue. Chrome is more reliable for the camera/upload steps.
• Lighting hack: Put your ID flat on a dark, non-glare surface with good light. Fewer glare/focus errors = faster approval.
• Full URL hack: If the text link looks cut off, don’t tap—long-press to copy the entire link, then paste into Chrome so you don’t hit a broken URL.
• You’ll take a selfie. The system matches the selfie to your ID photo to confirm it’s you.

After your ID is accepted, confirm details from your return:

• Your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) — line 11 on Form 1040.
• Your refund amount and how you requested it (direct deposit or paper check).
• The 14-digit control number from your IRS letter.

Ignore “Do Not File” on your PDF copy. That’s normal for preparer copies. The IRS uses its own record—not your file.

Once your ID is uploaded, the IRS verification system asks a series of questions about your tax return. Be prepared with these details, and remember: your answers must match exactly what was transmitted to the IRS, not just what’s on a draft or preparer copy.

• Did you already file a tax return?
• Were you due a refund?
• Did you pay someone to prepare your return?
• Did you receive an IRS notice with a 14-digit control number? (You’ll need to enter this code.)
• Adjusted Gross Income (AGI): Located on line 11 of Form 1040. Have the exact dollar amount ready.

Members sometimes ask whether they’ll get another letter for a business return. The IRS verifies the individual return only, since business activity (like partnerships or S-Corps) flows through to your personal return.

Once verified, the IRS processes your return and releases your refund.

• Start checking refund status about 2–3 weeks after verification.
• Processing can take up to ~9 weeks after verification.

If automated identity checks fail, follow the instructions in your CP-5071/Letter 5447C. You may be directed to mail documents or call the IRS help line listed on your notice.

Set up your IRS.gov account. It’s your control center for identity checks, transcripts, and notices:

• Future ID checks: Verify instantly by logging in.
• Mortgages/loans: Download tax return transcripts immediately.
• Income check: Pull your wage & income transcript (all W-2s/1099s reported under your SSN for a year).
• Account: See balances, payments, and IRS notices.