SACRAMENTO, Calif., March 27, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Are you one of the many taxpayers who recently received Letter 5071C from the IRS requesting that you verify your identity? This letter is just the latest effort by the IRS to tackle the problem of identity theft and prevent tax fraud.
You may have received a Letter 5071C if the IRS stopped a suspicious tax return they suspect may be identity theft containing your name and/or social security number. Letter 5071C is mailed through the U.S. Postal Service to the address on the return. The letter number is found in the upper corner of the page. It asks the taxpayer to verify their identity in order for the IRS to complete processing the return if the taxpayer did file it, or reject the return if the taxpayer did not file it. Remember, the IRS NEVER requests personal or financial information via email, text messages or social media channels, nor will the IRS call a taxpayer directly to ask for this information without mailing you a letter first.
The letter gives you two options to contact the IRS. You may visit the IRS-sponsored website, www.idverify.irs.gov, or call a toll-free number on the letter.
"CSEA recommends taxpayers immediately consult their tax advisor upon receiving a Letter 5071C. Then, taxpayers should go to www.idverify.irs.gov as a safe and quick option to verify their identity with the IRS," says CSEA Executive Vice President Scarlett Vanyi.
The website will ask a series of questions that only the real taxpayer can answer. Once your identity is verified, you can confirm whether or not you filed the return in question. If you did not file the return, the IRS can take steps at that time to assist you. If you did file the return, the IRS will move forward with processing the return and issuing a refund, which will take approximately six weeks.
Tax scams happen all year round. How can you avoid falling victim? Your best defense is the expertise of an Enrolled Agent (EA) tax professional, who can advise you on all tax matters throughout the year, not just during tax season. With today's constant threat of identity theft, even taxpayers who routinely prepared their own taxes in past years should consider utilizing the services of an EA.
Enrolled Agent status is the highest credential the IRS awards. Individuals who obtain this elite status must adhere to ethical standards and complete 72 hours of continuing education every three years. To find an Enrolled Agent in your area, call 800-TAXPRO-5 or visit the California Society of Enrolled Agents website at www.csea.org and click on "Find an Enrolled Agent Near You."
About the California Society of Enrolled Agents
The California Society of Enrolled Agents (CSEA) is a non-profit association of more than 3,500 federally licensed tax professionals that offers Californians guidance in choosing a tax professional to assist them with tax planning, preparation and representation. Enrolled Agents (EAs) advise and represent their clients on all matters of taxation throughout the year, not just during tax time. If you have tax questions, your Enrolled Agent can assist you in ensuring that you do not pay too much, and help you minimize your risk of an audit. Visit www.csea.org or call 1-800-TAXPRO-5 to find an Enrolled Agent near you.
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SOURCE California Society of Enrolled Agents
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