IRS Notice LTR5071C: Identity Verification

What does an IRS LTR5071C notice mean?

A 5071C letter means the IRS received a tax return with your name and Social Security number but needs to confirm that you actually filed it before processing it. It is a fraud-prevention measure designed to stop identity thieves from claiming refunds in your name. Until you verify, your return and any refund are on hold.

Why did you receive a LTR5071C?

The IRS's filters flagged the return as potentially suspicious — for example, a change in filing patterns, address, or income — and routed it for identity verification. Receiving this letter does not mean you did anything wrong.

How to respond to a LTR5071C notice

Verify your identity promptly using the IRS identity-verification website (idverify.irs.gov) or by calling the dedicated number on the letter. Have the letter, the tax return it references, a prior-year return, and supporting identity documents ready. If you did not file the return, tell the IRS so during verification — you may be an identity-theft victim.

What happens if you ignore it?

Your return will not be processed and any refund stays frozen indefinitely. If the return was fraudulent and you never respond, resolving the resulting identity-theft case later is far more difficult.

Common resolutions

• Verify identity online at idverify.irs.gov
• Call the number on the notice

Related IRS notices

• LTR5747C — Identity Verification — In Person
• CP01A — Identity Protection PIN Assigned
• CP01C — Incorrect IP PIN Used
• CP01H — Identity Theft — Case Resolved