Why was I asked to verify my identity? (2024)

FAQs

Why am I being asked to verify my identity? ›

More In Help. The IRS proactively identifies and stops the processing of potential identity theft returns. You may receive a notice or letter asking you to verify your identity and tax return information with the IRS. This helps prevent an identity thief from getting your refund.

As of January 29, 2023, for those taxpayers who receive a letter asking them to authenticate their identity and return information online, they can go into their online account, which will tell them they need to verify information on their tax return before it can be processed.

The most frequent scam is when thieves use a person's name and Social Security number to file a fraudulent return and steal a tax refund. When the IRS suspects a return is fraudulent, the agency will request identity verification from the person whose name and address is listed on the return.

In most places around the world, identity verification uses data such as name, DOB and address to prove an identity is real. We do this because, without it, we can't trust that someone is a real identity, exposing businesses to exposed risk.

The IRS sends a 5071C letter when it receives a tax return with your name and tax identification number, but believes the return to be fraudulent. A Letter 5071C will ask you to complete an online identity verification process to confirm your identity.

Verifying in person

The most common way to verify identity is to see the person and a government-issued, photo ID card (e.g., driver's license, state ID card, or Passport). This is “something you have” and “something you are” factors.

Social Security numbers and birth dates for those who were named on the tax return. An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number letter if the you have one. Your filing status. The prior-year tax return.

IRS Masked Social Security Number

The masked SSN displays only the last four digits of an individual's identifying number and is shown in the format XXX-XX-1234 or ***-**-1234. IRS masked and/or removed SSNs on numerous taxpayer-sensitive collection and enforcement-related notices and letters.

What happens after I successfully verify? We'll process your tax return. It may take up to 9 weeks to receive your refund or credit any overpayment to your account. However, if we find other problems, we'll contact you again and this may delay your refund.

Key Takeaways. The IRS uses a combination of automated and human processes to select which tax returns to audit. Not reporting all of your income is an easy-to-avoid red flag that can lead to an audit. Taking excessive business tax deductions and mixing business and personal expenses can lead to an audit.

Why is the IRS reviewing my tax return? ›

Why is my return being reviewed? While we accept most tax returns as filed, we select some for examination. The IRS examines some federal tax returns to determine if income, expenses, and credits are reported accurately.

Some government applications require identity verification. This additional layer of security requires you to prove you are you - and not someone pretending to be you.

Identity verification ensures that there is a real person behind a process and proves that they are who they claim to be. This prevents anyone from carrying out a process on other people's behalf without authorization, creating false identities, or committing fraud.

Prevention Theft and Fraud

By verifying SSNs, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of identity theft and financial fraud that could cause significant financial loss. This process ensures that the person is who they claim to be, thereby securing the business against fraudulent activities.

This is an important security feature that helps to protect your account from unauthorized access.

Digital identity verification works by examining a variety of data sources, ID documents, and even selfie videos to ensure a person is who they say they are. These data sources are difficult to fake, making them the most secure and reliable way to verify identity online.

Google uses this information to verify your identity, and to protect you and us from fraud and abuse.

Open your Google Account. In the "Security" section, select 2-Step Verification. You might need to sign in. Select Turn off.