To avoid problems related to identity theft, the IRS monitors tax returns for signs of fraud. If the IRS suspects that a tax return is fraudulent, it will request identity verification from the person who filed that return. Learn how to verify your identity with the IRS in case you need it.
When is it necessary to verify my identity?
Generally, you will need to verify your identity if:
- You received one of the following letters: 4883C letter, 5071C letter, 5747C letter, 6330C letter, 6331C letter or 5447C letter.
- An IRS representative asked you to do it.
What do I need to verify my identity?
When verifying your identity, you should have the following on hand:
- Photo ID, such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport.
- Social Security numbers and birth dates for those who were named on the tax return.
- A mobile phone with a camera.
- The Form 1040-series tax return for the year shown on the letter.
- Any IRS letters or notices you received.
- Your mailing address from your previous year’s tax return.
How do I verify my identity with the IRS?
To verify your identity, the IRS provides three main alternatives: online, by phone or in person.
If you have received a 4883C letter or 6330C letter, then you must contact the IRS by phone. But if you have received a 5071C letter, 5747C letter, 6331C letter or 5447C letter and your financial and phone information is based in the U.S., then you can verify your identity online by using the IRS Identity Verification Service (IVS).
Online Verification
This is the easiest way to verify your identity with the IRS. You just need to follow the steps bellow:
- Go to IRS.gov and access the Identity Verification Service section. Then scroll down and click on “Verify Your Identity Now”.
- Sign in with ID.me or with an existing IRS username. If you are a new user, create a new account with ID.me.
- Select a verification method by choosing which photo ID you would like to upload.
- After submitting your document photo, take a video selfie.
- Enter all other requested information and confirm if it’s accurate.
- Select “Allow and continue” to finish your identity verification process.
*Tip: if you just filed a tax return with a new address, enter the address from the previous year when using the IVS. It does not matter if it’s not your current address, the IRS will use this information for identity verification
Other ways to verify your identity
If you cannot verify your identity via online, you can call the IRS at the phone number listed on the letter.
However, if the IRS cannot verify your identity over the phone, it may ask you to schedule an appointment at your local IRS Office in order to verify your identity in person.