Identity Verification Letter (5071C) - Automatically Sent or Need to Request?

The IRS *should* automatically send the letter if they need you to verify your identity, but... well, let's just say the IRS and 'automatic' don't always play nicely together! 😅 In my experience, if you've been accepted on 2/1 and it's been 8 weeks with no letter, something might be stuck in their system. Usually these verification letters go out within 2-3 weeks after they determine verification is needed. You can actually be proactive and check if you need to verify by going to https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/identity-verification-for-irs-letter-recipients and using the IDVerify tool. You don't need to wait for a letter to start the process if verification is indeed what's holding things up. The system will tell you if verification is required for your return.

I'm wondering if you've checked your WMR status or online transcript? Sometimes, but not always, you might see code 570 (refund hold) or code 971 (notice issued) if they're sending a verification letter. It could possibly give you a hint about whether they've already initiated the verification process without you having to call them directly.

This is very similar to what happened with my business partner's return last year. Unlike regular processing delays, ID verification issues can be particularly frustrating because you're essentially in limbo until you complete the verification. In his case, he never received the letter despite the IRS claiming they sent it twice. After weeks of failed attempts to reach someone at the IRS, he used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to get through to an agent. Compared to his previous attempts where he spent hours on hold or got disconnected, the service connected him to an IRS representative in about 15 minutes who confirmed the verification requirement and helped him complete it over the phone. His refund was processed within 2 weeks after that call.

FYI - there are actually 3 ways to verify your identity if needed: 1. Online thru ID.me (fastest) 2. By phone (if u can get thru) 3. In person at a TAC office (need appt) Don't wait for the letter if it's been 8 wks. Just try the online verification portal first. Most ppl don't know this but the system actually knows if u need to verify before the letter even goes out. If verification isn't required for ur return, the portal will just tell u that.

I'm in a similar situation and wondering if anyone knows what happens if you move after filing? I filed in January and then had to change addresses in February. I'm worried that if they sent a verification letter, it might have gone to my old address, just like what happened with my state tax refund last year.

Just to clarify something that hasn't been mentioned yet - if you do need to verify and decide to call instead of using the online portal, make sure you're calling the specific number for identity verification (800-830-5084). That's different from the general IRS number, and the hold times are usually shorter. When I called in March, I only waited about 35 minutes, which is practically lightning speed for the IRS.