CP5071 notice explained, in the IRS’s own words

Why you received this notice

A federal income tax return, Form 1040 series, was filed under your Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN).

We sent you a CP5071 series notice because we need you to verify your identity and the return:

• If you didn’t file a return: Verify with us. You may be the victim of identity theft.
• If you did file a return: Verify so we can continue processing your return.

What you need to do next

Follow the instructions on your notice to verify your identity and the tax return.

If your notice provides online verification, you can begin at: irs.gov/verifyreturn

Have your notice and tax records available when you begin the verification process.

• If you filed a return - you will need:
• The tax return for the tax year listed on the notice
• A prior year tax return (if you filed one and have it available),
• Supporting documents for each return (W-2, 1099, Schedule C, F, etc.).
• If you didn’t file a return - be prepared to inform us during the verification process.

The contact information on your notice is for identity and tax return verification only. Other tax account information, such as refund status, may not be available through that contact method.

How to protect your identity

To prevent someone from filing a return with your Social Security Number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), get an identity protection (IP) PIN.

If you verify your return, you don’t need to complete Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, unless we tell you.

Related CP notices

• CP5447 series notice
• CP6042 notice