What your clients should do if they get an identity theft letter from the IRS

Tax pros can help their clients understand issues concerning fraud and security, especially when it involves ID theft. When a thief steals someone’s Social Security number, they can use it to file a fraudulent tax return. This is tax-related identity theft.

The IRS scans tax returns for possible fraud, so if a return is flagged as suspicious, the agency will pull it for more review. Then, the IRS will send the taxpayer a letter notifying them of potential ID theft. The suspicious tax return won’t be processed until the taxpayer responds to the letter.

Here are the identity fraud letters the IRS may send to taxpayers—for you to share with your clients:

• Letter 5071C, Potential Identity Theft during Original Processing with Online Option. This letter asks the taxpayer to use an online tool to verify their identity and tell the IRS if they filed that return.
• Letter 4883C, Potential Identity Theft during Original Processing. This letter asks the taxpayer to call the IRS to verify their identity, and tell the IRS if they filed that return.
• Letter 5747C, Potential Identity Theft during Original Processing – TAC AUTH ONLY. The IRS sends this letter to people who have been a victim of a data breach. This letter may ask the taxpayer to verify their identity in person at a Taxpayer Assistance Center.

Taxpayers should follow the steps in the letter exactly. If the IRS sends a taxpayer an identity theft letter, the taxpayer should follow the steps in the letter. That will provide all the information that the IRS needs. There is no need for the taxpayer to file Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit.