Scam letter?

[FRAZZLED]

Client brought in a letter with IRS letter head. Saying "we received your form 1040 for the tax year listed above (2014)" , but client hasn't filed her return yet.
It goes on saying they need more info to process her return. She can respond by either "1: our secure website ( idverify.irs.gov) or 2: a toll free IRS telephone number(1-800-830-5084).
" The IRS may use a third-party credit reporting company to help us confirm your identity and portect your privacy. We do this to make sure your tax information is coming from and going out to only you."
My question is scam or real letter?

[kathyc2]

That phone number is listed as IRS:

http://www.irs.gov/irm/part25/irm_25-025-006r.html

About 3/4 way down.

[tpnl]

Is this new?

Is this a new program the IRS has?

Ohio has an "Identity Confirmation Quiz." This is a new program for the 2014 filing season. About half of the the returns will be selected. A MFJ return will generate two quizzes, one for each spouse.

[TaxprepP]

This letter from IRS sounds ligit. IRS is seeking information due to someone already filed a tax return for the year. The client should follow the instructions in “Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft” at http://www.irs.gov/uac/Taxpayer-Guide-to-Identity-Theft
There appears to be quite a bit of identity theft this year.

[taxea]

I would get a POA and call the Priority Hotline to verify that a return has been filed. Scammers have a way of routing phone numbers so that even one that says online that it is an IRS number may not be. Do not call that number.

[JudyL]

Client brought in a letter with IRS letter head. Saying "we received your form 1040 for the tax year listed above (2014)" , but client hasn't filed her return yet.
It goes on saying they need more info to process her return. She can respond by either "1: our secure website ( idverify.irs.gov) or 2: a toll free IRS telephone number(1-800-830-5084).
" The IRS may use a third-party credit reporting company to help us confirm your identity and portect your privacy. We do this to make sure your tax information is coming from and going out to only you."
My question is scam or real letter?

If it is letter 5071C, it's listed as a legit letter on the IRS website with that idverify.irs.gov website. Two others have posted questions about this over on the unofficial ATX forum too. Here's the link to the page at the IRS site: http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Emplo...r-5071C-Letter

Another letter someone asked about was letter 12C, also listed on the IRS site and is another one that implies identity theft may be in play because the IRS is asking for confirmation of the taxpayer's identity.

More info from CPA Practice Advisor site, a couple of years old, says some taxpayer's have had limited success with the website and ended up calling the phone number provided: http://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/bl...nt-opportunity