On the paper
Locate the Taxpayer Protection Program hotline number printed in your letter. Only use the number on the letter itself.
Find the date printed on your notice or letter. The paper notice and the current official IRS instructions control, even where this page differs.
General next steps
- Have the letter, the referenced tax return, a prior-year return if available, and supporting documents such as W-2s and 1099s in front of you when you call.
- If you did file, verify so the IRS can continue processing your return.
- If you did not file, tell the IRS during the call; you may be a victim of identity theft.
Timing
The IRS asks you to call promptly using the number in the letter. Your letter controls the instructions.
What this page cannot tell you
This explanation cannot complete the verification for you or confirm whether the return filed under your number was genuine.
Official sources
If anything on this page differs from your notice or from current IRS instructions, follow the notice and the IRS.