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Letter 6167C: what it means and what to do
Got an IRS Letter 6167C? 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 6167C freeWhat the IRS says this notice is about
Letter 6167C tells you we need to verify your identity to process a federal income tax return filed with your name and taxpayer identification number.
What you need to do
- Call the Taxpayer Assistance Center toll-free at the number on your letter.
- If you are out of the country, mail your response with the requested information within 30 days.
Bring the following to your appointment:
- The 6167C letter.
- The income tax return referenced in the letter (Form 1040, 1040-A, 1040-EZ,1040-PR, 1040-NR, etc.). Note: A Form W-2 or Form 1099 is not a tax return.
- A previous year’s income tax return, other than the year in the letter (Form 1040, 1040-A, 1040-EZ,1040-PR, 1040-NR, etc.). Note: A Form W-2 or Form 1099 is not a tax return.
- Supporting documents that you filed for each year’s income tax return (Form W-2, Form 1099, Schedule C or F, etc.).
Bring the following identity verification documents to your appointment:
- A valid U.S. 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 U.S. federal or state government-issued identification that is different from the first document above;
- 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 with current address;
- Birth certificate (the IRS no longer accepts Puerto Rican birth certificates issued before July 1, 2010);
- Current school records.
Your deadline
The IRS page for this notice mentions 30 days. Always use the date printed on your own notice.
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.
You may want to
- Review this notice with your tax preparer.
- Contact Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) if you’re experiencing an economic hardship or need help in resolving problems. You can reach TAS at 877-777-4778 or TTY/TTD 800-829-4059 .
What if you don't respond
We may not be able to process your return, issue refunds, or apply overpayments to next year’s estimated tax.
Common questions
What happens after my appointment or after I have mailed the documentation?
Once we verify your identity and confirm you submitted the tax return, we’ll continue processing your return. It will take about nine weeks to process.
What if I didn’t file the tax return?
Someone else may have filed it for you without your consent. Send us a completed and signed Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit PDF . You may want to read our Identity Theft Central page while we review your Form 14039.
Get my response letter for Letter 6167C