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CP5071 notice: what it means and what to do
Got an IRS CP5071 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 CP5071 notice freeThis page covers: CP5071 notice, CP5071F notice.
What the IRS says this notice is about
The CP5071 series notices include: CP5071 5071C CP5071F
A federal income tax return, Form 1040 series, was filed under your Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN).
We sent you a CP5071 series notice because we need you to verify your identity and the return:
- If you didn’t file a return : Verify with us. You may be the victim of identity theft.
- If you did file a return : Verify so we can continue processing your return.
What you need to do
Follow the instructions on your notice to verify your identity and the tax return.
If your notice provides online verification, you can begin at: irs.gov/verifyreturn
Have your notice and tax records available when you begin the verification process.
- If you filed a return - you will need: The tax return for the tax year listed on the notice
- A prior year tax return (if you filed one and have it available),
- Supporting documents for each return (W-2, 1099, Schedule C, F, etc.).
- If you didn’t file a return - be prepared to inform us during the verification process.
The contact information on your notice is for identity and tax return verification only. Other tax account information, such as refund status, may not be available through that contact method.
How to protect your identity
To prevent someone from filing a return with your Social Security Number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), get an identity protection (IP) PIN .
If you verify your return, you don’t need to complete Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, unless we tell you.
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
Verify your identity before the date
Use the online service or phone number printed on your letter. Have the letter, your tax return for that year, and the one for the year before. Your return is not processed until you verify.
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.
Get my response letter for CP5071 notice