If you filed the return
Call the number shown on Letter 4883C with the letter, the referenced return, an available prior-year return, and supporting tax documents. Be prepared to answer questions about the return.
IRS Letter 4883C • Potential Identity Theft
Received IRS Letter 4883C?
The IRS received a federal tax return filed under your Social Security number or ITIN and needs to verify your identity and that return before processing can continue.
Call the Taxpayer Protection Program Hotline shown on your letter. Follow the exact instructions and timing printed on Letter 4883C.
There is no fee to book the call. No documents are required when booking. A TaxDecoders call can help you prepare, but it does not complete or replace the IRS identity-verification call.
Sonya D. Bright, EABaytown-BasedVirtual Nationwide Service
What Letter 4883C Means
The IRS paused processing to confirm who filed
The IRS uses Letter 4883C when a Form 1040-series return filed under a taxpayer’s SSN or ITIN needs identity and return verification.
The letter does not automatically mean identity theft occurred. It means the IRS will not finish processing the return, issue a refund, or credit an overpayment until verification is completed.
What To Do
Your next step depends on whether you filed the return
If you did not file the return
Call the number on the letter immediately and tell the IRS you did not file it. Someone may have used your SSN or ITIN to submit a fraudulent return.
Prepare For The Call
Use complete returns—not only wage statements
The 4883C letter
Keep the complete letter in front of you, including its reference information and phone instructions.
The affected return
Have the complete Form 1040-series return identified in the letter. Forms W-2 and 1099 alone are not the tax return.
A prior-year return
Have a return from a different year if you filed one and it is available, plus supporting records for each return.
Avoid Delays
Common mistakes after Letter 4883C
- Calling without the complete returns and supporting records
- Using a general IRS number instead of the number on the letter
- Trying an online verification option not provided by Letter 4883C
- Filing Form 14039 even though the IRS says not to after this letter
- Ignoring the letter because the return appears correct
- Filing a duplicate return without IRS instructions
Representation
An authorized representative can assist, but preparation matters
Power of attorney
An authorized representative may call when a completed Form 2848 is on file. The IRS encourages the taxpayer to be available to help verify identity.
No Form 2848 yet
A person assisting you may join the call, but you must call together and participate. The IRS must still authenticate the taxpayer and return information.
Frequently Asked Questions
IRS Letter 4883C questions
Is Letter 4883C an audit?
No. It is an identity and tax-return verification request during processing.
Can I verify online?
Letter 4883C directs taxpayers to call. Use the method and phone number printed on your actual letter.
What if the IRS cannot verify me by phone?
The IRS may ask you to schedule an appointment and bring the listed records to a local IRS office for in-person verification.
Should I file Form 14039?
No. The IRS says not to file Form 14039 after receiving Letter 4883C; follow the letter unless the IRS later instructs you otherwise.
Is there a fee to book?
No. There is no fee to book the call. Professional work requires a separate written engagement.
Can TaxDecoders complete the verification?
The IRS must authenticate the taxpayer and return. TaxDecoders can help you understand the letter, organize records, and prepare for the required IRS call.
Verified Resources
Official information
This page was reviewed on July 28, 2026. Always follow the dates and instructions printed on your actual letter.
Understanding Letter 4883C
Identity theft letters
Taxpayer rights
Prepare for your Letter 4883C verification call.
Book a call with TaxDecoders. Have the complete letter, affected return, an available prior-year return, and supporting records ready during the call.
Book a Call