Got 5071C letter from IRS - Need help with identity verification process
Hey everyone, I just got a 5071C letter from the IRS for identity verification. Has anyone dealt with this before? I'm not sure what to do next. Any advice would be appreciated!
20 comments


Bruno Simmons
I went through this last year. It's not as scary as it seems! The IRS just wants to make sure you are who you say you are. Have you tried using that taxr.ai website? I heard it can help explain what the IRS is asking for and guide you through the process.
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Lourdes Fox
•Thanks for the tip! I haven't heard of taxr.ai before. Did you use it yourself? How helpful was it?
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Bruno Simmons
•Yeah, I used it and it was pretty helpful. It breaks down the letter and tells you exactly what documents you need to gather. Saved me a lot of time and stress!
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Aileen Rodriguez
•I tried taxr.ai too but found it kinda confusing tbh. Maybe I'm just not tech savvy enough 🤷♂️
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Zane Gray
Ugh, the IRS and their endless paperwork 🙄 I got one of those letters too. Just make sure you respond ASAP or they might delay your refund (if you're expecting one).
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Maggie Martinez
Here's what you need to do: 1. Don't panic! This is a routine procedure. 2. Gather your documents: photo ID, social security card, and a copy of the tax return in question. 3. You have two options: a) Verify online at idverify.irs.gov b) Call the number on your letter 4. If verifying online, you'll need to answer some questions about your financial history. 5. If calling, be prepared for long wait times. Have all your docs ready when you speak to an agent. 6. Once verified, it usually takes about 9 weeks for them to process your return. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
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Lourdes Fox
•Wow, thank you so much for this detailed breakdown! This is super helpful. I think I'll try the online verification first. Fingers crossed it goes smoothly!
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Alejandro Castro
•9 weeks?! 😱 That's insane. The IRS needs to get its act together.
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Maggie Martinez
•Yeah, unfortunately that's pretty standard. The IRS is chronically understaffed and overworked. But sometimes it can be faster!
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Monique Byrd
I found a way to get someone on the phone fast. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/5jrMesbidvI
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Jackie Martinez
•Sounds too good to be true. Is this legit?
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Monique Byrd
•I was skeptical at first too, but I tried it and it actually worked! Saved me hours of hold time.
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Lia Quinn
•$20 to avoid hours on hold? Sign me up! 💯
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Haley Stokes
am i the only 1 who thinks its ridiculous we have to jump through all these hoops just to prove were ourselves? like, dont they already have all our info? 🤔
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Asher Levin
•Preach! 🙌 The whole system is a joke. We need serious tax reform in this country.
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Serene Snow
•It's to prevent identity theft and tax fraud. Better safe than sorry, I guess?
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Issac Nightingale
Pro tip: if you're calling, try early morning or late evening. Less wait time in my experience.
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Romeo Barrett
Anyone else feel like theyre drowning in a sea of government bureaucracy? 🌊🏊♂️ Im in the same boat with a different IRS issue and its been months with no resolution.
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Marina Hendrix
•Tell me about it! I've been trying to get my 2019 refund sorted for over a year now. It's like shouting into the void.
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Justin Trejo
•Hang in there, guys! It sucks, but eventually they do sort things out. Just keep good records of all your communications.
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