Skip to main content

Plainly is a free tool. It is not part of any government agency.

Plainly.
IRS

Your IRS Identity Verification Letter (5071C or 5747C), Explained

5071CFederal noticeChecked against an official source

Also called: Letter 5071C, 5747C, Letter 5747C, CP5071

Last reviewed 2026-07-11

Holding this letter?

Plainly reads it with you and shows what to send and when. It is free.

Read my letter with me

What this notice usually means

A federal tax return was filed using your Social Security number or ITIN. The IRS sends Letter 5071C or Letter 5747C so you can confirm it was really you. Letter 5071C usually lets you verify online at irs.gov/verifyreturn or by phone. Letter 5747C is different. It asks you to bring the letter, your tax return, and a photo ID, which points to an in-person visit rather than an online or phone option. The IRS's general online verification tool covers CP5071-series notices and a separate letter called 5447C, but not Letter 5747C.

What to do now

  1. 1

    Check which letter you received

    Letter 5071C often lets you verify online or by phone. Letter 5747C asks for an in-person visit instead.

  2. 2

    For Letter 5071C, verify online or by phone

    Check whether your notice offers online verification. If it does, start at irs.gov/verifyreturn. If not, call the phone number on your letter.

  3. 3

    For Letter 5747C, bring your documents in person

    Bring the letter and the tax return it references. Also bring a prior year return if you have one, supporting documents, and a government photo ID.

  4. 4

    Have your paperwork ready either way

    Have the tax return for the year listed and supporting documents such as a W-2, a 1099, or a Schedule C or F.

  5. 5

    Call the hotline if you did not file the return

    If someone else filed using your information, call the hotline on your letter. It is the Taxpayer Protection Program hotline.

Plainly can build this list with you, using your own letter. Start with my letter

Deadline

Letter 5747C says processing can take up to 9 weeks after you verify in person. Letter 5071C does not list a specific processing time on the IRS page. Check your own letter for any date it shows.

We did not verify a general deadline for this letter. Your letter shows the real date.

Wondering which date applies to you? Check it with Plainly

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-07-11

Related notices

IRS

Your IRS CP01A Notice (Identity Protection PIN), Explained

Got a letter like this?

Paste or upload it and Plainly reads it for you, checks it against the published rules, and builds your proof checklist. Free.

Start with your letter

Back to all notices