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CP01 notice: what it means and what to do
Got an IRS CP01 notice? Here is what it means, your deadline, what to check before you answer, and how to reply. Check your own letter free: it stays on your phone.
Check my CP01 notice freeWhat the IRS says this notice is about
We verified your identity theft claim. We placed an indicator on your tax account and will monitor it to help prevent future fraud.
What you need to know
No additional action is needed on your part. Keep filing your tax returns by the deadline as required.
You’ll need to use an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) when you file your future tax returns . It’s a 6-digit number assigned to eligible taxpayers to help prevent the misuse of their taxpayer identification number (TIN) on fraudulent federal income tax returns. The IRS will send you a new IP PIN each year.
If you prefer to receive an IP PIN sooner than early December for the upcoming processing year, you can request an IP PIN online . Once you request it online, you’ll be automatically enrolled in paperless IP PIN assignment. You’ll need to sign into your account annually to retrieve your new IP PIN.
Your deadline
Answer by the date printed on your notice. If there is no date, answer as soon as you can, and call the number on the notice if you need more time.
What to check before you answer
Is this letter really from the IRS?
The IRS writes first by mail. A real letter shows a notice or letter number, your name and part of your tax ID number. The IRS does not ask for payment by gift card, crypto or wire transfer. If in doubt, sign in to your IRS online account, where many notices are listed.
You may want to
- Review the IRS Identity Theft Central page for more information.
- Visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov for guidance.
- Monitor all your personal financial accounts and credit report for suspicious or unauthorized activities.
- Request, or have your authorized third-party request, a redacted copy of the fraudulent tax return that was filed using your name and TIN. See Instructions for requesting copy of fraudulent returns .
- File a complaint with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov or call 877-438-4338 , TTY: 866-653-4261 , if you think your dependent’s personally identifiable information (PII) was compromised.
Common questions
What does the identity theft indicator mean for my account?
The indicator doesn’t affect your ability to file your tax return, make payments or get a refund. Whenever your account has the identity theft indicator, you’ll need to use an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) when you file your tax return.
How long will the indicator stay on my account?
The indicator will stay on your account until you specifically request that we remove it.
What happens if someone tries to file a fraudulent tax return with my taxpayer identification number?
If someone other than you attempts to file a tax return using your taxpayer identification number, it won’t be processed. We’ll detect it and alert you to potential identity theft.
Who can I contact for help with identity theft?
You can call 800-908-4490 for help with identity theft problems related to your account. You can also find the phone number on the notice we sent you.
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