Letter 5747C, Potential Identity Theft During Original Processing – TAC AUTH ONLY, is mailed to a taxpayer to notify them that the IRS received an income tax return using their name and Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number.
The first thing to do is to check the return address on the letter to be sure it’s from the IRS.
To protect you from identity theft, the IRS needs to verify your identity and your tax return so they can continue processing it. If you didn’t file a tax return, let the IRS know. You may need to visit a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC), so the IRS can verify your identity and your tax return.
The IRS received an income tax return using your name and Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number.
Call the Taxpayer Protection Program hotline phone number listed in your letter to tell the IRS you didn’t file a tax return. You don’t need to visit a TAC if you didn’t file the tax return, but you must contact the IRS to confirm that you may be a tax-related ID theft victim.
You do not need to file a Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit. Follow the letters instructions to provide all needed information.
You can make an in-person appointment by calling toll free 1-844-545-5640.
Note: Authorized third parties may assist taxpayers, but the IRS must have a completed Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative, on file for the representative. Otherwise, you must also be present at the appointment. If you’re acting as a fiduciary for an individual, a descendant’s estate, or a trust, complete and send the IRS a Form 56, Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship. For more information about Form 56, visit About Form 56.
A valid federal or state government-issued picture identification, such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport.
At least ONE of the following forms of identification:
Once you have successfully verified your identity, the IRS will continue processing your tax return. It may take up to nine weeks for you to receive your refund plus any applicable interest, or apply the overpayment to next year’s estimated tax. You can visit Where’s My Refund? on irs.gov or on the IRS2Go mobile app after two – three weeks from verifying your identity. However, if there are other issues, you may receive a notice asking for more information and this may delay your refund.
Understanding your notice or letter
For more specifics on your notice, visit Understanding your IRS Notice or Letter on IRS.gov
Get Help topics
Browse common tax issues and situations at TAS Get Help
If you still need help
The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS. TAS helps taxpayers resolve problems with the IRS, makes administrative and legislative recommendations to prevent or correct the problems, and protects taxpayer rights. TAS helps all taxpayers (and their representatives), including individuals, businesses, and exempt organizations. You may be eligible for free TAS help if your IRS problem is causing financial difficulty, if you’ve tried and been unable to resolve your issue with the IRS, or if you believe an IRS system, process, or procedure just isn’t working as it should.
TAS has offices in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. To find your local advocate’s number:
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) assist individuals whose income is below a certain level who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS. They also provide education, outreach, and information on taxpayer rights to individuals who speak English as a second language. LITCs represent taxpayers in disputes before the IRS and courts and help taxpayers respond to IRS notices and correct account problems. Services are offered for free or a small fee. LITCs are independent from the IRS and TAS. For more information or to find an LITC near you, see the LITC Page or Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List. You can also request Pub. 4134 by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
View our Interactive Tax Map
Let us help you navigate your way through the IRS. Visit our interactive tax map to see where you are in the tax process.
Taxpayer Roadmap
The taxpayer Bill of Rights is grouped into 10 easy to understand categories outlining the taxpayer rights and protections embedded in the tax code.
It is also what guides the advocacy work we do for taxpayers.
