It’s the worst feeling in tax season. You check “Where’s My Refund” expecting a deposit date, but instead, you see the vague “Action Required” message. Then, a few days later, a thin envelope arrives from the Department of the Treasury: Letter 5071C.
I panicked when I got mine for the 2026 filing season. I thought I was being audited. I wasn’t. The IRS just wanted to make sure I was the one who filed the return.
Here is the Bottom Line Up Front: You do not need to spend 4 hours on hold with the IRS to fix this. Most people can resolve a 5071C letter online using the specific id.verify tool. Once verified, your refund usually processes within 9 weeks (though often much faster, around 2-3 weeks).
The “Secret” Verification Portal
The letter tells you to call a specific number, but the phone lines are jammed. The better option is the URL listed in the text: IRS.gov/idverify.
Warning: Do not Google “IRS verify.” Scammers buy ads for fake verification sites to steal your SSN. Only use the official .gov link.
When I logged in, I needed two things immediately:
- The 5071C Letter: It has a specific 14-digit “Control Number” at the top. You cannot proceed without this.
- My 2025 Tax Return (The one I just filed): They asked for the exact Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and refund amount.
The “Trick Question” That Trips People Up
The system is smart. It asks “knowledge-based” questions to prove you are you.
- “Which of these cars did you finance in 2021?”
- “What is the monthly payment on your mortgage?”
Pro Tip: If you see a question about a loan you never took out, the answer is likely “None of the Above.” Don’t guess. The system often throws in fake data to trap identity thieves. If you fail these questions twice, the online tool locks you out, and you must call.
Know Your Letter Number (It Matters)
Not all letters are the same. If you received a different code, the online tool might not work for you.
| Letter Code | What It Means | Can You Fix Online? |
| 5071C | Potential ID Theft / Verification | YES (Use id.verify) |
| 4883C | High-Risk ID Verification | NO (Must Call in person) |
| 5747C | In-Person Verification Required | NO (Must visit Taxpayer Center) |
| 6331C | Return Received? | Sometimes (Check instructions) |
What Happens After You Verify?
Once I hit “Submit,” the screen gave me a success message. It stated: “We have verified your identity. Processing will resume.”
Do not file a second return. That will only flag your account for fraud and delay your money for months.
If you successfully verify online today, check your transcript in about two weeks. You are looking for the freeze code (570) to disappear and be replaced by Code 846 (Refund Issued).
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Always consult official government resources.
Evan Cole Editor-in-Chief | Breaking News & Public Policy
“From Washington to Wall Street, and Main Street to Hollywood—Evan Cole connects the dots.”
As the Editor-in-Chief at Newskilo, Evan leads a dynamic team of journalists dedicated to uncovering the truth behind the headlines. With over 15 years in digital media, Evan has a reputation for cutting through the noise.
While he is widely recognized for his deep analysis of U.S. fiscal policy (IRS & Stimulus), Evan’s expertise extends to global current events, corporate accountability, and cultural trends. Whether he is breaking down a complex government bill, exposing a tech giant’s failure, or analyzing the societal impact of a viral celebrity moment, Evan’s goal is simple: To tell the stories that shape our world with clarity, accuracy, and integrity.