IRS Letter 5071C for Expats: Why You Got One and How to Verify Your Identity
If you’re a U.S. citizen living abroad and received IRS Letter 5071C, you’re not alone. Many expats are seeing this letter for the first time in 2025. While it might feel concerning, it’s not necessarily a sign of fraud or an audit. It simply means the IRS wants to confirm that you, not someone else, filed your tax return before they issue your refund.
This letter is part of the IRS’s identity protection measures. Quick action can help avoid refund delays.
What Is IRS Letter 5071C?
IRS Letter 5071C is a physical letter sent by mail—not email or text—when the IRS receives a tax return using your name and Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and they need to verify your identity.
It’s important to note: the IRS never sends these letters via email. If you receive an email claiming to be a 5071C notice, it’s likely a scam.
Why Did I Receive This Letter?
You may have received a 5071C if:
- Your return triggered IRS fraud filters
- The information doesn’t match previous years
- The IRS noticed potentially suspicious filing activity
If you did not file a tax return and received this notice, call the IRS right away. Your identity may have been used fraudulently.
What Is CP5071? Is It Different?
You may also see the term CP5071—especially in your IRS online account or if speaking with an IRS agent. While the formatting and channel may vary, both CP5071 and Letter 5071C mean the same thing: the IRS needs to verify your identity.
| Feature | IRS Letter 5071C | IRS Notice CP5071 |
| Format | Paper letter | System-generated IRS notice |
| Delivery | Physical mail only | May appear online or in IRS records |
| Function | Identity verification | Same |
| Action | Verify your identity | Same |
How to Verify Your Identity with the IRS
There are two ways to complete the identity verification process: online or by phone.
Option 1: Online Verification (Recommended First Step)
Visit idverify.irs.gov and follow these steps:
- Log in or create an IRS account (or ID.me account).
- Enter the 14-digit control number from your letter.
- Provide details from your most recent tax return.
- Upload a valid government-issued photo ID.
If you’re new to ID.me, follow these setup instructions to complete your identity verification.
ID.me may not work reliably with foreign-issued IDs or when accessing the site from a non-U.S. IP address. If you’re abroad and face issues during verification, skip to the phone option below.
Option 2: Verify by Phone
Call the IRS using the number listed on your 5071C letter. Be ready with:
- Your 5071C letter
- The tax return in question
- A previous year’s return, if available
- Supporting income documents (e.g., W-2s, 1099s)
Verification by phone may take longer, especially during peak tax season, and may require follow-up documents.
After You Verify: What Happens Next?
Once the IRS verifies your identity, it’ll resume processing your return. In most cases, refunds are issued within up to 9 weeks of verification. You can track the status using the IRS Where’s My Refund? tool.
The IRS may pay interest on delayed refunds. While it doesn’t speed things up, it’s helpful to know.
Can You Prevent This in the Future?
Yes. A few steps can reduce the chance of identity verification delays next year:
Apply for an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)
An IP PIN is a six-digit code the IRS gives you to use on your tax return. This makes it much harder for anyone else to file a return using your SSN. You can request one through your IRS online account.
Monitor Your IRS Account
Check your IRS.gov account periodically to catch any suspicious activity early.
File Early
Submitting your return early reduces the risk of someone else using your SSN before you do.
Need Assistance?
If you’re unsure about the verification process or need help, consider reaching out to a tax professional service like Greenback Expat Tax Services, which is experienced in handling IRS identity verification issues. We can guide you through the steps and help ensure that your tax matters are resolved efficiently.
Receiving a Letter 5071C can be concerning, but it’s a crucial step in protecting your identity and ensuring the accuracy of your tax records. Prompt action will help minimize delays in receiving your tax refund.
Have questions about the process or next steps? Contact us, and one of our Customer Champions will happily address all your concerns.
