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Letter 4281C: what it means and what to do
Got an IRS Letter 4281C? 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 Letter 4281C freeWhat the IRS says this notice is about
You received Letter 4281C because your personal information may have been compromised. The letter explains your rights under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) 7431 and provides resources and information about IRS actions to protect your identity.
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
- Get an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) to use on your future tax returns. The letter will instruct you to either request an IP PIN using the online Get an IP PIN tool , follow the instructions to file an application for an IP PIN PDF or request in-person authentication .
- Place a fraud alert on your credit file by contacting one of the following credit reporting agencies. You only need to contact one of them. The agency you contact will notify the other two.
- Note: spouses and dependents are eligible for an IP PIN if they can pass the identity proofing process.
- Check if a credit file exists for your minor child (under 18) if we told you we lost or disclosed their personal info. Contact one of the three credit reporting agencies listed above to see if a file exists or if your child's identity may have been misused.
Common questions
What if I have questions? (updated Mar. 27, 2026)
Call 866-225-2009 (or + 267-466-0777 , for international callers), to speak to an IRS representative.
Can my power of attorney (POA) contact the IRS about this data loss, theft, or disclosure?
Yes. When filling out Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative PDF , you must specify “IRS breach,” “IRS data loss,” or “IRS information loss” on line 3 as the “Description of Matter.” If you don’t, we can’t discuss this matter with your POA.
Helpful information
- Publication 5027, Identity Theft Information for Taxpayers PDF
- Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit PDF
- Identity Theft Central
- Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft Consumer Information