What is a 4883c letter?

Understanding your 4883c letter 

The IRS needs to verify your identity so they can process your tax return.

Type of Notice

Request for information

Why you received the notice

You have received a 4883c letter from the IRS because they received a tax return in your name and they need to verify your identity before processing your return.

Likely next steps

As always, read the notice carefully. If you did not file a tax return, you need to contact the IRS immediately because you could be a victim of tax identity fraud. 

If you did file a return, you need to contact the IRS at the IRS Identity Verification number listed in the letter. You need to have the right forms ready for the call:

• Call the IRS Identity Verification number on your letter.

• Have the following available when you call:

  • The 4883C letter (this letter)

  • The income tax return referenced in the letter (Form 1040 or 1040-SR). Note: A Form W-2 or Form 1099 is not a tax return.

  • A previous year’s income tax return, other than the year in the letter (Form 1040, 1040A, 1040-EZ, 1040-SR, etc.). Note: A Form W-2 or Form 1099 is not a tax return.

  • Supporting documents that you filed with each year’s income tax return (Form W-2 or Form 1099, Schedules C or F, etc.).

If we can't verify your identity over the phone, we may ask you to schedule an appointment at your local IRS office to verify in person.

Notice deadline

Immediately.

If you miss the deadline 

There is no penalty for not responding immediately but your return may not be processed.

About the Author

Mark Steber is Senior Vice President and Chief Tax Officer for Jackson Hewitt. With over 30 years of experience, he oversees tax service delivery, quality assurance and tax law adherence. Mark is Jackson Hewitt’s national spokesperson and liaison to the Internal Revenue Service and other government authorities. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), holds registrations in Alabama and Georgia, and is an expert on consumer income taxes including electronic tax and tax data protection.

More about Mark Steber Our Editorial Policy