What Is IRS 4883C Letter?
If a taxpayer receives a 4883C letter from the IRS, this means the IRS has received a 1040 tax return with your Tax Identification Number (TIN) or Social Security Number (SSN). The IRS requests that you call to verify your identity before they process this return in case you are a victim of tax identity theft.
You may receive IRS Letter 6330C instead of 4883C. It is essentially the same letter and asks you to call the IRS within 30 days to verify your identity.
If I Received a 4883C Letter, Does it Mean I’m a Victim of Tax Identity Theft?
Not necessarily. It simply means that the IRS suspects someone may be using your Social Security or Tax Identification number to obtain a refund in your name. Calling the IRS to verify your identity as soon as possible is the best way to resolve a 4883C Letter issue.
Do I need to File Form 14039 if the IRS Sends Me a 4883C?
When a taxpayer believes or knows for a fact that someone is using their personal information to file a fraudulent tax return, they need to send Form 14039 Identity Theft Affidavit to the IRS.
However, if you simply receive Letter 4883C asking you to verify your identity due to suspected tax theft, you do not need to send 14039 to the IRS.
Note that the IRS has an Identity Protection (IP) PIN tool on its website that assigns an IP PIN to taxpayers. An IP PIN protects you against tax-related identity theft by adding an extra layer of protection to your personal information.
How Should I Contact the IRS to Verify My Identity and Tax Return?
Your 4883C Letter will have a toll-free number for the Taxpayer Protection Program department that you must call to verify your identity.
When you call, make sure you have the tax return identified in your 4883C letter, a previous year’s return, and any W-2s, 1099s, and tax return schedules.
What Do I Have to Provide to the IRS for Verification If I Receive a 4883C?
When you call the IRS to verify your identity, have copies of your most recent 1040 tax return, tax return schedules, W-2s, and 1099s that will help answer questions asked by the IRS agent on the phone. This is the primary method used by the IRS to verify a taxpayer’s identity.
If your identity cannot be verified over the phone, you will have to visit your local IRS taxpayer assistance center. Take your picture ID with you as well as your 4883C and requested verification documents.
When the IRS finds that a taxpayer’s identity has been stolen and used fraudulently to obtain a refund, they will not process the tax return. If the IRS verifies the return is the taxpayer’s, they will go ahead and process it.
Once a taxpayer is found to be a victim of tax identity fraud, the IRS will flag that taxpayer’s account to help protect them from future identity theft.
What Happens If I Don’t Respond to an IRS 4883C?
You have 30 days to call the IRS after receiving Letter 4883C. Failing to respond to the letter means that if you did file the tax return in question and are waiting for a refund, you will not get it until you verify your identity.
In addition, there could be penalties, filing fees, and other consequences for not responding.
Finally, it is possible the person or entity behind the tax identity theft could continue using your personal information to file another federal tax return, attempt to withdraw money from your bank account or sign up for credit cards in your name.
Are IRS Letters 4883C and 5071C the Same?
The only difference between IRS letters 4883C and 5071C is that 5071C specifically requests documentation showing that your SSN belongs to you. Both letters inform taxpayers that they may be victims of identity theft.
You do not need to call the IRS when you receive a 5071C. Simply mail the requested documents within 30 days of receiving the letter to verify who you are. Not responding to Letter 5071C results in the same consequences as above for Letter 4883C.
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