If you received IRS Letter 4883C, you must complete an identity verification process with the Internal Revenue Service before your tax return can be processed. This verification confirms that you are the rightful taxpayer who filed the return in question.
Why Identity Verification Is Required
The IRS requires identity verification when it cannot confidently match a tax return to the taxpayer’s records. This process is designed to prevent identity theft and fraudulent refunds and must be completed before the IRS resumes processing your return.
Ways to Complete Identity Verification
IRS Letter 4883C explains which verification methods are available to you. Depending on your situation, verification may be completed online or by phone. The IRS selects the available options based on the information it needs to confirm.
What Information the IRS Will Ask For
During identity verification, the IRS asks questions based on personal and tax-related information already on file. This may include details from prior tax returns and other identifying data. A detailed overview of required information is available in the guide on what information the IRS asks for.
Online and Phone Verification Differences
Some taxpayers can verify their identity online, while others must complete verification by phone. The differences between these options and what to expect from each method are explained in online vs phone identity verification.
Timing and Deadlines
Identity verification should be completed as soon as possible after receiving IRS Letter 4883C. Delays can significantly extend processing times and refund issuance. Information about response timing is explained in the IRS Letter 4883C response deadline.
What Happens After Verification
Once identity verification is successfully completed, the IRS resumes processing your tax return. What typically happens next and how long processing may take is explained in what happens after identity verification.
Related Guidance
This page explains how to verify your identity after receiving IRS Letter 4883C. For a full overview of the letter and how it fits into the tax process, return to the main guidance page.
IRS Letter 4883C: what it means and how to respond
For the official description of the notice and its role within the tax system, see the document overview.
IRS Letter 4883C. Potential Identity Theft During Original Processing