Hi,
Every year, thousands of taxpayers either panic over a real IRS letter or fall for a fake one.
Scammers are getting better at looking official, and the IRS sends identity-verification letters that look alarming but are easy to handle once you know what to expect. We want to make sure you can always tell the difference.
Identity theft usually shows up quietly: a refund that never arrives, a return that won’t e-file, or a tax form from a company you’ve never heard of. When the IRS spots something suspicious, it pauses your return and mails you a letter. Here’s what each one means and what to do:
- Got a 5071C or CP5071? The IRS wants to confirm you filed the return. You can verify your identity online using the IRS authentication tool.
- Got a 4883C? Same purpose, but you’ll, or your representative will, need to call the IRS Taxpayer Protection Program Hotline listed in the letter. Have last year’s return handy.
- Got a 5747C? You’ll need to verify in person at a local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center, so book the appointment early.
- Living abroad and got a 5447C? You can verify online or by phone from outside the U.S.
- Got a call, text, or email instead of a letter? That’s almost certainly a scam. The real IRS contacts you by mail first.
Some scammers attempt to impersonate the IRS with letters. Be careful about calling or visiting websites. Only call numbers listed on IRS.gov. And remember, the real IRS will never demand payment by gift card, crypto, wire transfer, or payment app, and will never threaten you with arrest.
The best protection is an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). It’s a free 6-digit number that only you and the IRS know. Once you have one, no one can file a federal return under your Social Security number without it, even if they have your personal information. A new PIN is issued every year, and any taxpayer who can verify their identity can get one.
The catch is that most identity issues only become a problem when nobody is watching. A delayed refund, a strange letter, or a mismatched form can sit for months before anyone notices. That’s why having one team that knows your file matters:
- A second set of eyes on every letter: forward us any IRS notice and we’ll tell you if it’s real and what to do next.
- IRS representation when you need it: we respond to notices, verification requests, and audits on your behalf.
- Returns that match what the IRS sees: we reconcile your W-2s, 1099s, and 1099-DAs before filing, so there are fewer reasons for a letter.
- Books and payroll that back you up: monthly or annual bookkeeping and full-service payroll, so your records are ready if questions ever come up
- Estimates that keep you current: quarterly payments calculated for you, so balances and notices don’t pile up
- Personal and business returns in one place: prepared by the same team that already knows your history
If you’ve already received a letter you’re unsure about, from the IRS or a state, reply to this email by sending us a photo of all pages and we’ll take a look. Then we’ll schedule a 15-minute call to explain the letter and your options on how to resolve the issue.
Sincerely,
—
George Dimov, CPA
Licensed and Insured
(833) 829-1120 toll free
(212) 994-8081 Fax
www.dimovtax.com