If the IRS suspects someone may have filed a return using your name and Social Security number, it can hold your refund until you prove you are who you say you are. That process is called IRS identity verification, and the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) has published guidance to help taxpayers understand why it happens and what to do next.
The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization inside the IRS that helps people resolve problems with the agency. According to TAS, identity verification exists to stop refund fraud and to protect taxpayers whose personal information may have been stolen.
Below is a plain-language breakdown of how the process generally works, based on the Taxpayer Advocate Service guidance.
Why did the IRS flag my tax return for identity verification?
The IRS uses fraud filters to screen returns before issuing refunds. When a return shows signs that it might not have been filed by the real taxpayer, the system pauses it. This does not mean you did anything wrong.
Calculate Your 2026 COLA Increase →Common reasons a return gets flagged include:
- Possible identity theft: Someone may have used your Social Security number to file a fraudulent return.
- Unusual filing patterns: Information on the return may not match what the IRS has on record.
- Data-security concerns: Your personal details may have been exposed in a breach.
The Taxpayer Advocate Service notes that verification is a protective step. Once the IRS confirms your identity, it can continue processing your return.
How do I complete IRS identity verification?
The IRS will contact you by mail if it needs you to verify your identity. It typically sends a letter, such as a 5071C or similar notice, explaining that a return was filed and asking you to confirm whether it was really you.
Because scammers often impersonate the IRS, this point matters: the IRS starts identity verification by letter, not by an unsolicited phone call, text, or email. If you get a call or message out of the blue claiming to be the IRS, treat it with caution.
Once you receive a genuine notice, you generally have a few ways to respond:
- Verify online: The IRS operates a secure identity verification service you can use with the information from your letter.
- Verify by phone: The notice includes a dedicated phone number for identity verification.
- Verify in person: In some cases you may be asked to visit an IRS office.
The exact method depends on the letter you receive. The Taxpayer Advocate Service guidance directs taxpayers to follow the specific instructions printed on their notice rather than assuming one path fits every case.
What documents do I need to verify my identity?
When you verify, be ready to confirm details the IRS already has on file. The raw guidance does not list every accepted document, but taxpayers are generally expected to have on hand:
- The IRS letter: It contains a control or reference number you will need.
- The tax return in question: The one the IRS is asking about.
- A prior-year return: Useful for confirming past details.
- Supporting identity documents: Such as a Social Security number and other personal information the IRS requests.
For example, if you filed your 2025 return and later got a letter asking you to confirm it, you would use the notice number plus your 2025 and 2024 return details to complete the check.
What happens after I verify my identity?
If you confirm that you did file the return, the IRS resumes processing it. TAS advises that this can still take time, and your refund may be delayed while the review finishes.
If you tell the IRS you did not file the return, that signals possible identity theft. In that situation the IRS treats it as a fraud case, and you may need to take further steps to protect your account, such as filing an identity theft affidavit.
What if the delay is causing me financial hardship?
The Taxpayer Advocate Service exists precisely for cases where taxpayers are stuck. If an identity verification hold is causing a serious financial problem, or if you have tried to resolve the issue and cannot, TAS may be able to step in.
You can read the full guidance and reach the Taxpayer Advocate Service through its official site at taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov. Because TAS is independent within the IRS, its help is free.
How can I protect myself from tax-related identity theft?
Prevention reduces the odds of a return being flagged in the first place. Practical steps include:
- File early: Submitting your return before a thief can beat you to it lowers the risk.
- Guard your Social Security number: Share it only when truly required.
- Consider an IRS IP PIN: This six-digit number adds a layer of protection to your return.
- Respond promptly to real IRS letters: Delays can extend how long your refund is held.
The core message from the Taxpayer Advocate Service is straightforward. Identity verification can feel alarming, but it is designed to protect your refund. Follow the instructions on your official notice, confirm your identity through the channel the IRS provides, and contact TAS if the process leaves you stuck.
