Identity and Tax Return Verification Service

The IRS proactively identifies and stops the processing of potential identity theft returns. You may receive a notice or letter asking you to verify your identity and tax return information with the IRS. This helps prevent an identity thief from getting your refund.

Only taxpayers who have received a notice or a letter that included this website address will be able to use it.

What to do if you did file a tax return

1. You will need the following to answer IRS questions about the tax return:
   1. The Form 1040-series tax return for the year shown on the notice or letter.
   2. The notice or letter you received.

   What to do if you didn't file a tax return

   1. You can use your IRS account to sign-in. If you’re a new user, have your photo identification ready. More information about identity verification is available on the sign-in page.
   2. Click on the “Sign in to Verify your identity and tax return” button to continue.
   3. You must let us know that you didn't file a tax return. If you don’t see this option, come back to this page and sign in again.

   Accessibility notes for identity verification online

   There are compatibility issues with some assistive technologies. Refer to the Identity Verification Service Accessibility Guide for help if you use a screen reader, screen magnifier or voice command software.

   Other ways to resolve your account

   If you can't verify your identity online or don't have the required documentation, please contact us using the toll-free number listed on your notice or letter.

   To expedite the process when calling, you must have:

   • Your 5071C notice, 5747C letter, or 5447C letter.
   • The Form 1040-series tax return for the year shown on the notice or letter, if you filed one
     • Note: A Form W-2 or 1099 is not tax return

     If we can't resolve your account over the phone, we may ask you to schedule an in-person appointment at your local IRS office.

     Frequently asked questions

     Who may use the Identity and Tax Return Verification Service? (added Feb. 2, 2024)

     Taxpayers who received one of the following 5071C notice, 5447C letter, or 5747C letter.

     Who can’t use this service? (added Feb. 2, 2024)

     If you received a 4883C letter, follow the instructions in the letter. If the letter you received didn’t include this website, or you didn’t receive a letter at all, you can’t use this online service.

     How do I get a copy of my tax return if I don’t have it? (added Feb. 2, 2024)

     Individuals can check with their software provider or tax preparer for a copy of their tax return.

     Can taxpayers with an ITIN complete the registration process to access their IRS online account? (added Oct. 6, 2023)

     Taxpayers with an ITIN can complete the registration process to access their IRS online account, which provides balance due, payment history, payment plans, tax records, and more.

     ITIN holders must verify their identity through the video chat process and will need a valid email address, proof of ITIN, one primary document and one secondary document. One of the documents must provide proof of address.

     I completed a video chat with ID.me, authenticated, and received an email after I verified my identity. Do I need to do anything else? (added May 24, 2022)

     Yes, you must come back to this page and sign in to answer questions about your tax return.

     I received one of the letters listed above, but I didn’t file a tax return. Can I still use this online service? (added March 30, 2022)

     Yes. You can use this service to tell us that you didn’t file or submit a tax return. This helps prevent an identity thief from getting your refund.

     What mailing address should I enter when creating an ID.me account? (added May 11, 2022)

     Enter your current address when verifying your identity with ID.me, even if this isn’t the same address that you used on your tax return. ID.me must be able to verify your address as part of the identity verification process. After verifying your identity, you must also answer IRS questions about your tax return. If you don’t see these questions after verifying your identity, come back to this page and sign in again.

     Should I file a Form 14039 to report identity theft if I received one of the letters above? (added March 30, 2022)

     No, you don’t need to file a Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit. Instead, use this service to tell us that you didn’t file or submit a tax return.

     Once I successfully complete this service, when will I receive my refund? (added March 14, 2022)

     After you verify your identity and tax return information using this service, it may take up to nine weeks to complete the processing of the return. Visit Where’s My Refund? or use the IRS2Go mobile app 2-3 weeks after using this service to check your refund status.

     I’m under 18 years old. Can I use this service to verify my identity and tax return information? (added July 7, 2022)

     No. The ID.me system does not allow access by anyone under 18 years old. To verify your identity and tax return information, please call the phone number on the IRS letter that you received.