IRS Letter 4883C: Identity Verification Required — Phone Verification

The IRS needs you to call and verify your identity before processing your return.

Your deadline

Call as soon as possible — your return is not processed until verification is complete

Your return is in a suspended state until you call. The longer you wait, the longer you wait for your refund.

How soon to act: High priority

What this notice means

Letter 4883C is similar to 5071C but uses phone verification instead of online verification. It means your return was flagged by the IRS's fraud detection system, and the IRS wants to speak with you by phone to confirm that you filed the return.

This letter does not have the online verification option available with 5071C. You must call the number provided in the letter during business hours. The call typically takes 20–30 minutes and requires you to answer questions about your identity and the return.

Like 5071C, receiving 4883C does not mean you did something wrong. It means the IRS's filters flagged your return for manual identity confirmation.

How it works

1
Call the IRS at the number on your letter — have the letter, your prior year return, and your current return available
2
Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status ready
3
If you did not file the return you are being asked to verify: do not confirm it — report it as fraud immediately

Other options

After verification, allow 9 weeks for refund processing

If you do nothing

Hold your return and refund in suspended status indefinitely until the call is completed
Mark your account for enhanced fraud monitoring

Which sounds like you?

Tax Preparation

Professional filing reduces the likelihood of fraud flags

Common questions

What do I need for the 4883C phone call?

Have your 4883C letter, your most recently filed tax return (prior year), and your current year return. The IRS will ask you to verify specific line items from these documents.

What if I didn't file the return they're asking about?

Tell the IRS agent that you did not file the return. They will mark it as fraudulent, protect your account, and issue you an Identity Protection PIN for future filings.