irs.gov/verifyreturn | Identity and Tax Return Verification Service IRS
IRS’s Identity and Tax Return Verification Service at irs.gov/verifyreturn is a security measure the IRS uses to protect taxpayers from identity theft and fraud. You may receive a notice or letter asking you to verify your identity and tax return information with the IRS.
Here’s what you need to know:
Why the IRS might ask you to verify your identity:
• Suspicious activity: The IRS may have flagged your tax return for potential identity theft. This could be due to various reasons, such as inconsistencies in your return or information matching someone else’s.
• Protecting your refund: This verification process helps prevent identity thieves from receiving your tax refund.
• Accessing online services: You may need to verify your identity to access certain IRS online tools and applications, like:
- Child Tax Credit Update Portal
- Online Account
- Get Transcript Online
- Get an Identity Protection PIN
- Online Payment Agreement
How the verification process works:
1. Notice or letter: The IRS will send you a notice or letter (like a 5071C, 6331C, 5747C, or 5447C letter) if they need you to verify your identity. This notice will include instructions and a unique website address.
2. Online verification: You’ll need to go to the provided website and verify your identity using ID.me, a trusted technology provider. This involves:
-
- Providing a photo of a valid government-issued ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport).
- Taking a selfie with a smartphone or computer with a webcam.
3. Answering questions: After verifying your identity with ID.me, you’ll need to answer IRS questions about your tax return.
Important points:
- Only use the official website: Only use the website address provided in the IRS notice or letter. Be cautious of phishing scams.
- Keep your information safe: Protect your personal and tax information. Don’t share it with anyone you don’t trust.
- If you didn’t receive a notice: If you haven’t received a notice or letter from the IRS, you don’t need to use this service.
If you need help:
- ID.me Help Site: Visit the ID.me IRS Help site for assistance with the verification process.
- IRS website: Check the IRS website for FAQs and more information about identity theft and fraud prevention.
