Can't Find 14-Digit Control Number on IRS Identity Verification Notice to Access sa.www4.irs.gov Portal

The IRS Identity Verification portal screenshot shows you're at the critical entry point where you need to provide the 14-digit control number. The page presents two options: entering the control number or requesting a new notice. The control number requirement is specific - it must be 14 digits and doesn't need spaces. This number should be on your 5071C letter, typically in the upper portion. Since you're having trouble locating it, this could indicate you've received a different type of IRS notice instead of the required 5071C. The portal's warning about the 14-day waiting period for new notices is important - if you filed your return within the past week, you'll need to wait at least 2 weeks before requesting a new notice. Your immediate options are: 1. Double-check that you have a 5071C letter specifically 2. Contact the IRS Identity Verification hotline at 800-830-5084 for direct assistance 3. Use the "No, please resend the notice" option if you're willing to wait the additional time The key detail here is ensuring you have the correct notice type (5071C), as other IRS notices won't have the required 14-digit control number.

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in the same boat rn... been waiting 3 months just to verify my identity smh

The IRS is such a joke fr 🤡 Why they gotta make everything so complicated

pro tip: take a pic of the control number and save it in your phone. I lost my notice once and had to wait another 2 weeks for a new one 😭

For anyone else who might run into this - the 4883C letter is for "Potential Identity Theft" rather than return verification, which is why it doesn't have the 14-digit control number. You'll need to follow the specific instructions on your 4883C letter instead of trying to use the sa.www4.irs.gov portal. The 4883C typically directs you to either call the IRS directly or visit an IRS office in person with documentation to verify your identity. It's a completely different process from the online verification portal.

@Zoe Dimitriou - glad you figured out the letter mix-up! Just wanted to add that the 4883C process is actually pretty straightforward once you know what to do. You'll typically need to call the number on your letter with your Social Security card, driver's license, and a copy of your tax return. They'll walk you through the verification steps over the phone. It's actually faster than the online portal in most cases since you don't have to wait for additional notices. The phone reps are usually pretty helpful with 4883C cases too.

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact same confusion last year! The letter mix-up between 5071C and 4883C is super common - I did the same thing and spent forever looking for a control number that didn't exist. One thing to add to what others have mentioned: when you call the number on your 4883C letter, make sure you have your prior year tax return handy too (not just the current year). They sometimes ask questions about previous filings to verify your identity. Also, if you're calling during peak season (Jan-April), expect longer wait times but don't give up - the phone verification really is much faster than going through the mail process. The good news is once you complete the 4883C verification, your account gets flagged as resolved and you're less likely to get these notices in the future. Hope this helps!