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Letter 5747C: what it means and what to do
Got an IRS Letter 5747C? 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 5747C freeWhat the IRS says this notice is about
We received a federal income tax return, Form 1040-series, filed under your Social Security number (SSN) or individual tax identification number (ITIN). To protect you from identity theft, we need you to verify your identity and the tax return so we can continue processing it. If you didn't file a tax return, you must let us know.
You may need to visit a Taxpayer Assistance Center, so we can verify your identity and the tax return.
What you need to do
If you DIDN’T file a tax return:
Call the Taxpayer Protection Program hotline on your letter to tell us you didn't file a tax return.
If you DID file a tax return:
Call our Taxpayer Assistance Center toll-free at the number on your letter to schedule an in-person appointment.
Note: An authorized third party can represent the taxpayer, however, the taxpayer must be present at the appointment to authenticate their identity. Visit IRS.gov/f2848 for more information. If you're acting as a fiduciary for an individual, a descendant's estate, or a trust, complete and send us Form 56, Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship PDF . For more information about Form 56, visit About Form 56 .
Bring the following to your appointment:
- The 5747C letter
- The Form 1040-series tax return referenced in the letter (Forms W-2 and 1099 aren't tax returns)
- If additional verification is required, a prior year tax return, other than the year in the letter, if available (Forms W-2 and 1099 aren't tax returns)
- Supporting documents for each year's tax return you filed (Form W-2, Form 1099, Schedule C or Schedule F, etc.)
Bring the following identity verification documents to your appointment:
- A valid federal or state government-issued picture identification, such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport
At least ONE of the following forms of identification:
- Current federal or state government-issued identification that is different from the first document provided
- U.S. Social Security card
- Mortgage statement with current address
- Lease agreement for a house or apartment with current address
- Car title
- Voter registration card (not the voter registration application)
- Utility bill matching address on ID
- Birth certificate (the IRS no longer accepts Puerto Rican birth certificates issued before July 1, 2010)
- Current school records
If we don't hear from you:
We won't be able to process your tax return, issue a refund, or credit any overpayments to your account.
Note: The letter applies to identity and tax return verification ONLY. No other tax-related information, including refund status, is available at the telephone numbers shown on your letter.
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.
Common questions
What if I'm incarcerated?
Once we verify your identity and confirm you submitted the tax return, we'll continue processing your return. It may take up to 9 weeks to process.
What else can I do to protect my identity?
Publication 5027, Identity Theft Information for Taxpayers PDF , or visit Identity Theft Central .
Getting an IRS Identity Protection PIN can help prevent misuse of your taxpayer identification number on fraudulent federal income tax returns.
Learn more at Get an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) .
Get my response letter for Letter 5747C