IRS refund identity verification: which letter you have and what to do
When the IRS asks you to verify identity before it releases a refund, your letter sets the method: online, phone or in person. Each letter and its timing.
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Read the full guide: IRS Refund Identity Verification: Letters and Next Steps
Transcript
IRS refund identity verification: which letter you have and what to do
To release a refund held for IRS identity verification, verify using the method your letter names: online at irs.gov/verifyreturn for the CP5071 series (including 5071C) and Letter 5447C, by phone for Letter 4883C, or in person for Letter 5747C.
Online verification site: irs.gov/verifyreturn (CP5071 series and Letter 5447C).
Phone-only letter: Letter 4883C.
In-person-only letter: Letter 5747C.
Look at the upper right corner of the first page, or the bottom corner of each page, for the notice or letter number.
Every route asks for the same core proof: that you know what is on the return and that the return is yours.
After a successful check, the IRS says it may take up to 9 weeks to receive your refund or have an overpayment credited.
Why does the IRS need to verify my identity for my refund? Its fraud filters flagged the return filed under your SSN or ITIN as possibly not yours.
