The first move
Verify only through IRS.gov or a phone number you found on IRS.gov, never one that appears only in the letter. Then do it promptly; the refund is held until you do.
What these letters have in common
When the IRS's filters flag a return as possibly fraudulent, it stops processing and sends a 5071C (verify online or by phone), 4883C (call), 5747C (verify in person), or a similar letter. Nothing happens to the return until you respond. If you did not file the return the letter describes, that is the identity theft path: say so, and the IRS will remove the fraudulent return and send instructions.
The CP01 series is for taxpayers already marked as identity theft victims: CP01A delivers your annual Identity Protection PIN, CP01 confirms the marker was placed, and others report account status. Keep the IP PIN; a return filed without it is rejected.
Scammers copy these letters. The IRS never asks for payment or bank details to verify identity. Check the letter number and instructions against the IRS page for that letter before acting.
What to gather
- The letter itself; it contains a control number you will need
- The return the letter references, if you filed it
- Prior year return
- Photo ID and Social Security card for in-person or online verification
- Your IP PIN if you have one
How to write back
Letters in this family are usually answered by phone, online, or with the specific form the notice names rather than a letter. Where a written response helps, the document cover letter covers it.
Notices in this family
| Notice | What it means |
|---|---|
| CP01 | Identity theft indicator placed on your account |
| CP01A | Your annual Identity Protection PIN |
| CP01B | Additional information needed to process your identity theft claim |
| CP01E | Employment-related identity theft: someone used your number to work |
| CP01F | You can request an IP PIN |
| CP01H | Account locked because Social Security records show the taxpayer as deceased |
| CP01L | Data breach exposed your information; you can get an IP PIN |
| CP01R | Identity theft claim resolved |
| CP01S | Identity theft claim received |
| CP01U | IP PIN reminder or update |
| CP301 | Confirmation that you created an online IRS account |
| Letter 4883C | Verify your identity by phone before the return is processed |
| Letter 5071C | Verify your identity online or by phone |
| Letter 5216C | Identity theft case correspondence |
| Letter 5447C | Verify your identity; taxpayer has a foreign address |
| Letter 5747C | Verify your identity in person at a Taxpayer Assistance Center |
| Letter 6167C | Identity verification for a business return |
| Letter 6330C | Verify your identity to process the return |
| Letter 6331C | Verify your identity online, by phone, or in person |
When to get help
If you did not file the return in question and someone has used your number, follow the identity theft steps on IRS.gov (Form 14039) and consider a credit freeze. Professional help is rarely needed for verification alone.
Before you send anything
This is general information, not tax advice. Situations differ. Check with your tax advisor before you send anything. Nothing on this page creates a client relationship.