What to Do If You Receive IRS Letter 6457

An identity verification letter from the IRS is a protective measure. The IRS sends notices, such as Letter 5071C, Letter 5747C, or Letter 5447C, when it needs you to verify your identity before processing your tax return. This correspondence serves as a security checkpoint to ensure the person who filed the tax return is you, which prevents fraud and protects your potential refund.

Why You Received an Identity Verification Letter

An identity verification letter is triggered by automated IRS systems that detect when a tax return deviates from established patterns. This does not mean you have made an error or are under suspicion. It is a precautionary step taken when a return’s data is inconsistent with prior years.

Several factors can lead to this request. A significant change in your reported income, filing from a new address, or altering the number of dependents claimed might trigger the system. A change in your bank account information for direct deposit can also be a reason. These are often legitimate life changes, but they can also mirror fraudulent activity, prompting the IRS to seek confirmation.

Preparing for Identity Verification

Before you begin, gather the required documents. You will be asked questions based on these items to confirm your identity. You will need:

• The IRS letter you received, as it contains a required control number.
• A copy of the tax return (Form 1040 series) for the tax year on the letter.
• The tax return you filed for the immediately preceding tax year.
• All supporting income documents for the return, such as Forms W-2 and 1099.
• Your bank account routing and account numbers if you used direct deposit.

Be prepared to reference specific figures, like your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).

Completing the Verification Process

The IRS provides two verification methods: online or by telephone. Your letter will contain the website address for the Identity Verification Service, idverify.irs.gov, and a toll-free number to call. The online tool is the faster option, as call volumes can lead to phone delays.

For online verification, you will go to the IDVerify website and enter the control number from your letter. The system will then ask questions based on the information in your current and prior-year tax returns.

If you choose to verify by phone, an IRS agent will ask you similar questions over the call to confirm your identity.

If you did not file the tax return in question, you must report this during the verification process. Informing the IRS representative or indicating this on the website allows the agency to block the fraudulent return and begin an identity theft case.

After you successfully verify your identity, the IRS will continue processing your tax return. The agency advises that it can take up to nine weeks to complete the processing and issue any refund you are owed.