Is this a legit IRS address I received in the mail? Not sure if I got scammed

Yes, the Kansas City, MO address is a legitimate IRS processing center. The IRS has several campus locations throughout the country, and Kansas City is indeed one of them. That particular zip code (64999-0010) is used for various IRS functions. When the IRS needs to verify your identity or information, they typically send letters like the one you described. These are called CP letters or notices, and each has a specific number in the top right corner (like CP01, CP05, etc.). It's actually a good sign that they included the last four digits of your SSN - that's standard practice for legitimate IRS correspondence.

After dealing with some weird tax issues last year, I found this service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that helped me figure out if my IRS notices were legit. You can upload images of the letters you get, and it scans them to tell you what kind of notice it is, what you need to do about it, and whether there are any red flags that it might be a scam. Saved me a ton of stress when I was getting all these different notices and wasn't sure which ones needed immediate attention.

Just wanted to update - I tried taxr.ai after seeing this thread and it confirmed my letter was legit! I uploaded the CP05A notice my mom received (similar to what OP got) and within minutes it broke down exactly what the notice meant, verified it was legitimate, and even explained what supporting documents we needed to send back. Honestly way clearer than what the IRS website told us. Saved us a call to the IRS that probably would've been an hour on hold.

If you need to actually talk to someone at the IRS (which I recommend for identity verification issues), good luck getting through their phone lines. After trying for DAYS to reach someone about a similar notice, I found this service called Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) that somehow gets you past the IRS phone tree and holds your place in line. They have this demo video (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) showing how it works. I was super skeptical, but they actually got me connected to an IRS agent in about 25 minutes when I'd been trying on my own for a week.

Ok so I need to publicly eat my words. After posting that skeptical comment I was still struggling to get through to the IRS about my own issue (unrelated to OP but also needed to talk to a human). Got so frustrated I tried Claimyr and... it actually worked. Got a call back in about 40 minutes and was connected straight to an IRS agent. Didn't have to deal with the automated system or endless hold music. Considering I had previously spent 3+ hours trying to get through on multiple days, this was honestly worth it. Still surprised it actually works but can confirm it does.

Just FYI - the Kansas City center handles a lot of individual tax returns, especially from certain states. If you're really worried, you can also verify by checking the official IRS website. Go to IRS.gov and search for "Where to File" or look up their official phone numbers there instead of calling whatever's on the letter. Also, real IRS letters always have a notice number (like your CP05A) and they NEVER demand immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfers, etc. If they're asking for weird payment methods, it's definitely a scam.

You can also google the letter code (CP05A) and check the IRS website to see examples of what official notices look like. That way you can compare yours to make sure it matches the format. Most scammers mess up some details if you look closely - weird fonts, slightly off logos, etc.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - if you're still unsure after all this great advice, you can also visit your local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center in person. They can verify if the notice is legitimate and help you understand what you need to do. You can find locations on IRS.gov under "Contact Your Local IRS Office." Sometimes it's worth the peace of mind to have someone look at the actual letter, especially if you're dealing with identity verification issues. Just bring a photo ID and the notice with you.

Another quick way to verify legitimacy is to check if the letter has your correct mailing address and uses the exact name format from your tax return. Scammers often get basic details wrong like spelling your name slightly differently or using an old address. Also, legitimate IRS notices will reference your specific tax year and have consistent formatting throughout - no random font changes or poor quality printing. The CP05A notice you received is very common during tax season when they're processing lots of returns, so don't panic! Just follow the advice others have given about using official IRS contact methods rather than what's printed on the letter.

I went through something very similar last month! Got a CP05A notice from the same Kansas City address and was terrified it was a scam. Here's what I learned: that address is 100% legitimate - it's one of the IRS's main processing centers. The CP05A specifically means they're doing a routine review of your return, which can happen for various reasons like mathematical errors, missing forms, or just random verification. What really helped me verify it was legitimate was comparing it to the sample notices on the official IRS website. The formatting, fonts, and layout matched exactly. Also, legitimate IRS notices will never ask you to provide information via email or text - only by mail or phone through their official numbers. I ended up calling the main IRS line (800-829-1040) with my notice in hand, and they confirmed it was real and walked me through what I needed to do. The whole process took about 3 weeks to resolve, but it was much less scary once I knew it was legitimate. You're definitely right to be cautious though - there are so many scams out there that look incredibly convincing!

Just wanted to share my own experience with CP05A notices since I see you're dealing with one too! I've actually received these a couple times over the years, and they're usually pretty routine. The Kansas City address is definitely legitimate - I've gotten mail from there multiple times. One thing that might help ease your mind: you can actually check the status of your tax return online at IRS.gov using their "Where's My Refund" tool. If there's really an issue with your return that requires the CP05A notice, it should show up there as "under review" or something similar. That's another way to verify the notice is legitimate without having to call anyone. Also, don't stress too much about the timeline. In my experience, CP05A reviews usually take 4-6 weeks to complete, and most of the time they don't need anything from you - they're just cross-checking information. If they do need documents, they'll send another notice with specific instructions. The fact that your notice has the correct formatting and your SSN digits is a really good sign it's real.

I've been through this exact situation before! The Kansas City address is definitely legitimate - it's one of the major IRS processing centers. What really helped me verify my CP05A notice was checking a few key things: the paper quality should be thick and official-looking, the formatting should match examples on IRS.gov exactly, and all your personal details should be correct. One thing I'd add to the great advice already given - if you do need to call the IRS, try calling early in the morning (right when they open at 7 AM) or later in the evening. The hold times are usually much shorter than during peak hours. Also, have your Social Security number, the notice, and your most recent tax return handy when you call. The CP05A is actually pretty common and usually resolves itself without any action needed from you. They're just doing routine verification, often triggered by something as simple as a math discrepancy or missing W-2 information that they're cross-referencing. Try not to stress too much - you're being appropriately cautious by verifying it first!

I've been dealing with IRS correspondence for years through my tax preparation business, and I can confirm that the Kansas City, MO address is absolutely legitimate. That's one of their main processing centers, and CP05A notices are incredibly common - probably one of the most frequent notices they send out during tax season. Here's what I always tell my clients: legitimate IRS notices will have several key features - your correct SSN (last 4 digits), proper notice number (like your CP05A), consistent professional formatting, and they'll never ask for immediate payment through unconventional methods. The fact that your letter has all the right elements is a very good sign. One additional verification method I haven't seen mentioned yet - you can actually call the IRS at their main number (800-829-1040) and ask them to read you the last notice they sent to your address. They'll be able to confirm the CP05A notice and tell you exactly what it says without you having to provide any information from the letter itself. This way you can verify it's real before taking any action based on what the letter says. Most CP05A notices resolve within 30-45 days without any action needed from you - they're just doing routine cross-checking of information. Don't panic, but definitely verify through official channels before responding to anything in the letter.

I work for a taxpayer advocacy organization, and we see questions about CP05A notices all the time. You're absolutely right to be cautious - that's exactly what scammers are counting on, people being too trusting. The good news is that everything you've described sounds completely legitimate. A few additional red flags to watch for with fake IRS letters: they often have urgent language like "FINAL NOTICE" or "IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED" in big red text, they ask for personal information beyond what the IRS already has, or they threaten arrest/legal action for non-compliance. Real IRS notices are typically very dry and bureaucratic in tone. One thing I'd recommend - if you end up needing to send any documentation back to the IRS in response to the CP05A, always send it via certified mail with return receipt requested. That way you have proof they received it if there are any questions later. Keep copies of everything too. The fact that you're being this careful probably means you're going to handle this situation perfectly. Most people who get scammed ignore the warning signs you're already picking up on.

One more verification tip that might help - you can also cross-reference your notice with the IRS's official "Understanding Your Notice" webpage at IRS.gov. They have detailed explanations for each type of notice code, including CP05A. The page will tell you exactly what that specific notice means, what timeline to expect, and whether any action is required from you. Also, if you're still feeling uncertain after checking all these verification methods, consider reaching out to a local VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) site or contacting the Taxpayer Advocate Service if you need help navigating the process. Both are free services that can help you understand IRS correspondence and ensure you're responding appropriately. The fact that you're being this thorough in verifying the notice before taking any action shows you have good instincts about protecting yourself from scams. That caution will serve you well not just with this CP05A, but with any future correspondence you might receive claiming to be from government agencies.

I really appreciate how thorough everyone has been in this thread! As someone who's been through multiple IRS audits and correspondence issues over the years, I want to add one more layer of protection that might help you and future readers. When you do call the IRS (using their official number, not what's on the letter), ask the agent to put a note on your account that you've verified the CP05A notice. This creates a paper trail showing that you were proactive about confirming its legitimacy. Also, if the agent confirms it's real, ask them to explain in plain English what specific part of your return triggered the review - sometimes it's something as simple as a W-2 that hasn't been processed into their system yet. One thing that caught my attention in your original post - you mentioned the letter asks you to "visit a website" to verify your identity. This is actually unusual for a CP05A notice. Most CP05A letters don't require any immediate action from you and definitely don't typically include website verification requests. That might be worth specifically asking about when you call the IRS. Legitimate CP05A notices usually just inform you that your return is under review and tell you to wait for further correspondence. Stay cautious - your instincts to verify everything are spot on!

Based on your description and the excellent detective work from everyone in this thread, I'm now quite concerned about your letter. While the Kansas City address IS legitimate, the fact that your CP05A is asking you to verify your identity via website or phone is a major red flag. Real CP05A notices are typically "sit and wait" letters - they just inform you that your return is under review and that you'll hear back in 30-60 days. They don't usually require any immediate action from you, and they definitely don't ask for identity verification through websites or phone calls. What you're describing sounds more like it could be a CP01A (identity verification) notice disguised as a CP05A, or potentially a sophisticated scam that's mixing elements of different legitimate notice types. Scammers have gotten very good at creating hybrid fake notices that combine real IRS addresses and notice codes with fraudulent requests for information. I'd strongly recommend calling the official IRS number (800-829-1040) immediately and specifically telling them: "I received what appears to be a CP05A notice, but it's asking me to verify my identity via website or phone call, which seems unusual for this type of notice." Have them confirm exactly what notices are on your account and what actions, if any, are actually required. Don't use any contact information from the letter itself, and definitely don't visit any websites mentioned in it until you've verified everything directly with the IRS through their official channels.

I've been following this thread and I'm really glad you're being so careful about verifying this notice! After reading through all the excellent advice here, I wanted to add one more verification step that helped me when I was dealing with questionable IRS correspondence. If you have an online IRS account (you can create one at IRS.gov if you don't already have one), you can actually check your "tax records" section to see all official notices they've sent to you. Any legitimate CP05A would show up there with the exact date it was mailed and a brief description. This is completely separate from the "Where's My Refund" tool and gives you another independent way to confirm whether the IRS actually sent you that specific notice. The identity verification request in your CP05A is definitely suspicious based on what others have pointed out. Most CP05A notices I've seen just say something like "We're reviewing your tax return and will contact you in 30-60 days if we need additional information." They don't typically ask you to take immediate action or verify your identity. When you call the IRS tomorrow, I'd also ask them to confirm the exact mailing date of any notices they've sent to your address. If the date doesn't match what's on your letter, that's another red flag. Good luck with your call - you're handling this exactly the right way!

This thread has been incredibly helpful for understanding how to verify IRS correspondence! As someone who's dealt with tax scams targeting elderly family members, I want to emphasize one more important point: always trust your gut instinct when something feels off. The combination of a legitimate notice code (CP05A) with identity verification requests is exactly the kind of sophisticated tactic scammers use now. They research real IRS procedures and addresses to make their fakes more convincing. The fact that you questioned this and sought verification shows great judgment. When you call the IRS tomorrow, I'd also suggest asking them about any recent scam trends they're seeing that use CP05A notices. Sometimes the agents can give you additional context about current fraud patterns that might help you and others spot similar attempts in the future. One final tip: if this does turn out to be a scam, consider reporting it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at reportphishing@tigta.treas.gov. They track these schemes and use the information to help protect other taxpayers. Good luck with your verification call!