IRS asks taxpayers to help thwart ID theft

Part of its efforts to stop identity theft, the IRS is flagging suspicious tax returns and asking taxpayers to verify their identities. If you receive such a written request, the fastest way to resolve the issue is online at idverify.irs.gov.

The IRS said it sends 5071C letters asking for ID verification when it receives a tax return with a taxpayer’s name and Social Security number, but there are indications of possible identity theft.

The IRS said its Verification Service website asks a series of questions that only a specific taxpayer can answer. Once identity is verified, taxpayers can confirm whether or not they filed the return in question. If they did not file the return, the IRS can take steps to assist them.

The IRS said it does not request personal information via email, nor will it call a taxpayer in advance of sending a 5071C letter. The IRS also has a toll-free phone number for taxpayers to use, but due to high call volumes, it recommends using the online “idverify” service.

This story was originally published March 23, 2015 at 1:25 PM with the headline "IRS asks taxpayers to help thwart ID theft."