Letter 5747C: Verify Your Identity In Person

Why you might get this

• A tax return (a Form 1040-series return) was filed using your Social Security number (SSN) or ITIN, which is your individual taxpayer ID number.
• The IRS flagged the return for identity checks to protect you from someone filing a fake return in your name.
• They can't keep processing the return or release any refund until you confirm the return is really yours.
• This letter usually asks you to verify in person at a Taxpayer Assistance Center, not just online.

The deadline

There isn't a strict legal penalty deadline, but you should act by the timing described in your letter. Until you verify your identity, the IRS will hold your return, so responding promptly keeps things moving.

This notice doesn't carry a fixed response deadline, but it still deserves attention — see what to do below.

What to do

1. Do NOT file Form 14039 (the Identity Theft Affidavit) — this letter replaces that step.
2. If you did NOT file this return, call the Taxpayer Protection Program hotline printed on your letter right away to report it.
3. If you DID file it, call the toll-free number on your letter to schedule an in-person appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center.
4. Bring the 5747C letter itself and the actual tax return it mentions (W-2s and 1099s don't count as the return).
5. If asked, bring a prior-year tax return and supporting documents like W-2s, 1099s, or Schedule C/F.
6. Bring a valid government photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport) plus at least one more ID document from the letter's list.
7. You must attend the appointment yourself to prove your identity, even if someone represents you (see Form 2848 at IRS.gov/f2848).
8. If you're acting for someone else, an estate, or a trust, complete and send Form 56 (Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship).

What happens if you ignore it

If the IRS doesn't hear from you, they can't process your tax return, can't issue any refund, and can't apply any overpayment (extra money you paid) to your account. Everything stays on hold until you verify.

If you need help, you may qualify for free support from the Taxpayer Advocate Service or a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic. You can also ask for the letter in Braille or large print. To help prevent future fraud, consider getting an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN).

What Letter 5747C Means

Getting Letter 5747C means the IRS received a federal income tax return filed under your Social Security number or ITIN, and they want to make sure it's really you before they finish processing it. This is an identity-protection step, not an accusation — it helps stop someone else from filing a fake return in your name.

Here's the key thing: don't file Form 14039, the Identity Theft Affidavit. This letter takes its place. Instead, follow the letter's instructions. If you didn't file the return, call the Taxpayer Protection Program hotline on your letter. If you did file it, call the number on the letter to set up an in-person appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center.

Bring your 5747C letter, the tax return it names, supporting documents, and two forms of ID (one with your photo). You'll need to show up in person to prove who you are.

Until you respond, the IRS holds your return and any refund. Acting by the timing in your letter keeps things moving.

Solace can keep an eye on your IRS account and let you know when your return starts processing again.