I need to schedule an appointment but I cannot get through on the phone. I am supposed to get a refund but ID.Me blocks me from accessing IRS.gov so I decided to do my own taxes and mail them off. I got a CP5071 notice from the IRS and I cannot respond on the web or by telephone. What can I do about getting an appointment to clear my identity? The very reason I filed by mail was because they never asked anyone for identification via mail, but here I am. Please help.

It’s incredibly frustrating to be caught in this loop of identity verification issues, especially when you’re trying to resolve a tax matter and get a refund. The fact that the method you chose to avoid online verification is now leading to this CP5071 notice is certainly not ideal.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can do to try and get an in-person appointment to clear your identity with the IRS:

Understanding the CP5071 Notice:

• This notice means the IRS suspects identity theft and needs you to verify your identity to process your tax return.  
• The notice typically provides instructions on how to verify online or by phone. Since you’re blocked from online verification due to ID.me and having trouble by phone, an in-person appointment is likely your best option.  

Steps to Get an In-Person Appointment:

1. Call the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) Appointment Line: The IRS website specifically states that if you need to verify your identity in person, you should call to schedule an appointment. The dedicated number is: 844-545-5640.
   • Be Persistent: Keep trying this number. Phone lines can be busy, so try calling at different times of the day.
   • Explain Your Situation Clearly: When you get through, explain that you received a CP5071 notice and cannot verify your identity online due to ID.me issues and have had trouble by phone. Emphasize that the notice requires you to verify your identity for them to process your return.
   • Mention the CP5071 Notice: Have the notice with you when you call, as they may ask for information from it.
2. Prepare for Your Appointment: If you are able to schedule an appointment, make sure you bring the necessary documentation. The IRS usually requires:
   • The CP5071 notice itself.
   • Your current government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport).
   • A copy of the tax return you filed that is referenced in the notice (your 2024 tax return).
   • If possible, bring a copy of a prior year’s tax return for additional verification.
   • Any supporting documents you used to prepare your tax return (W-2s, 1099s, etc.).
   • Any documentation you have related to the identity theft that is blocking your access to other services.
3. If You Still Can’t Get Through by Phone:
   • Visit Your Local TAC in Person (Without an Appointment): While appointments are preferred, you might be able to get some assistance by visiting a local Taxpayer Assistance Center directly. Be prepared for a potentially long wait and understand that they may prioritize those with appointments. You can find the location of your nearest TAC on the IRS website using the “Contact Your Local IRS Office” tool.  
   • Contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS): The TAS is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers resolve problems that they haven’t been able to resolve through normal IRS channels. If you’ve made repeated attempts to contact the IRS and are still facing difficulties, you can reach out to the TAS for assistance. You can contact them by phone at 877-777-4778 or through their website. Explain your situation, including the CP5071 notice and your inability to verify your identity.  

Important Considerations:

• ID.me Issues: While you need to resolve the CP5071 issue with the IRS directly, you might also want to address the underlying ID.me problem separately if it continues to affect your access to other government services. You may need to contact ID.me support directly to understand why your identity verification is failing on their platform.
• Be Patient: Resolving identity verification issues with the IRS can sometimes take time. Be prepared to follow up and keep detailed records of all your interactions.
• Don’t Ignore the Notice: It’s crucial to respond to the CP5071 notice as instructed, even if you have to do so in person. Failure to respond will likely result in further delays in processing your return and receiving your refund.

It’s unfortunate that the very reason you chose to file by mail (avoiding online ID verification) has now led to this in-person verification requirement. Stay persistent in your efforts to schedule an appointment, and hopefully, you can get your identity cleared and your refund processed soon.