Ignoring IRS Letter 4883C means that the Internal Revenue Service will not continue processing your tax return until your identity is verified. The letter is not optional, and no action by the IRS will move forward without completing the required verification.
Tax Return Processing Is Paused
When IRS Letter 4883C is issued, the IRS places the associated tax return on hold. If the letter is ignored, the return remains in a pending status and is not finalized. This pause continues indefinitely until identity verification is completed.
Refunds Are Delayed
If a refund is expected, it will not be issued while identity verification remains incomplete. Ignoring the letter does not cancel the refund, but it prevents the IRS from releasing it.
No Automatic Penalties for Ignoring the Letter
IRS Letter 4883C does not automatically trigger fines, penalties, or enforcement actions if it is ignored. However, unresolved verification can cause long-term delays and may require additional IRS contact later to resolve the issue.
Future IRS Follow-Up
If identity verification is not completed, the IRS may eventually send additional notices or request verification through other channels. These follow-up actions are meant to resolve the stalled return, not to penalize the taxpayer.
Why Ignoring the Letter Is Not Recommended
Failing to respond prolongs uncertainty and delays resolution of the tax return. Completing verification as soon as possible allows the IRS to resume normal processing and reduces the risk of extended delays.
Related Guidance
This page explains the consequences of ignoring IRS Letter 4883C. For information on response timing, see the IRS Letter 4883C response deadline.
For instructions on completing verification, review how to verify your identity.
To return to the main overview of the letter and response process, visit the guidance hub.
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