You filed your return. You were expecting a refund, or at least a normal processing timeline. But instead, the IRS flagged your return and sent you a letter asking you to verify your identity. Or worse, they told you that someone else had already filed using your Social Security number.
Now you’re stuck in a system moving through molasses along with millions of others.
Here’s what’s really going on—and more importantly, what you can do right now to start moving things forward.
Why Is This Taking So Long?
IRS identity theft cases are now taking 18 to 24 months on average to resolve.
And there’s a reason for that:
- Over 387,000 unresolved identity theft cases are sitting in a backlog.
- The IRS has lost over 25% of its workforce, and departments like the one that handles ID theft cases are feeling those effects.
- Each year brings new fraud filters, but they’re being layered onto outdated systems that still rely on legacy infrastructure.
- There are 1.5 million taxpayers who didn’t respond to identity verification letters. If your return is behind theirs, you wait.
Even if you’ve verified your identity, your return still has to clear multiple levels of review before the IRS processes it. This means your refund—and your peace of mind—could be tied up for months or longer unless you’re proactive.
A Quick Real-World Example
Let me tell you about one of my DuPage clients.
Marie filed her tax return in February. By mid-March, she received a 5071C letter from the IRS asking her to verify her identity. She figured it might be a scam, so she set it aside. Six weeks later, her refund still hadn’t arrived, and now she was starting to worry.
When she finally reached out, we pulled her IRS transcript and saw a 570 code—the return was frozen. Because she waited, the IRS flagged her file for additional review, extending the delay.
We took immediate action:
– Verified her ID by phone
– Filed a Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit)
– Sent everything via certified mail
– Enrolled her in the IP PIN program to protect next year’s return
Her refund was finally released ten weeks later. But if she’d waited any longer, we’d be looking at a six-month delay—or worse.
What To Do If You’re in This Situation
Step 1: Read the IRS Letter Carefully
Watch for codes like 5071C, 4883C, or 4464C. They mean your return has been flagged for identity verification, not that you did anything wrong.
Step 2: Respond Within the Deadline (Usually 30 Days)
Use the IRS Identity Verification Tool if offered. If the letter asks you to call, call—even if you have to wait on hold.
Step 3: File IRS Form 14039 (if Required)
This is the Identity Theft Affidavit. File it if the IRS says to, or if someone else filed under your SSN. Include a government-issued ID and send it by certified mail. Keep proof.
Step 4: Pull Your IRS Transcript
Use your IRS Online Account to review your Account Transcript. Watch for:
- 570: Return frozen
- 971: Notice issued
- 571: Freeze lifted
(If you see 570 with no follow-up, it’s time to escalate.)
Step 5: Protect Your Return Moving Forward
Once your identity is verified, enroll in the IP PIN program. It adds a 6-digit code to your return that blocks unauthorized filings.
What I Do for Clients Caught in IRS Identity Theft Delays
This is not a set-it-and-forget-it situation. It requires monitoring and follow-up. Here’s what I handle for my Naperville clients:
- I decode and respond to every IRS notice (the right way, the first time)
- I track IRS transcripts monthly for movement or warning signs
- I escalate stalled cases to the Taxpayer Advocate Service when needed
- I implement fraud-prevention steps (like the IP PIN) to prevent repeat issues
- I give you peace of mind knowing you don’t have to figure this out alone
FAQ: Common Questions About IRS Identity Theft Cases
How long will this actually take?
Right now, 18–24 months is the average. But acting quickly can reduce your wait time. Delay can make it worse.
Can I still file next year if this year isn’t resolved?
Yes. But you’ll want to lock down your return with an IP PIN to avoid new problems.
What if I missed the deadline to verify?
You’re not out of options, but the delay will be longer. I can still help get your file back in review.
Will I lose my refund?
No. But it could take months (or longer) to receive it if your case stalls.
Can the IRS take my refund while this is happening?
Not for identity theft cases specifically, but other debts (like back taxes or offsets) may apply once the return is processed.
The Bottom Line
If your return has been flagged, frozen, or rejected—and you’re dealing with IRS identity theft—you can’t afford to wait this out and hope it gets resolved. That’s how people stay stuck for months or even years.
Let’s get this moving.
Schedule a call with me so we can break down your case, check your transcript, and take the steps that will actually move your file forward.
Don’t wait for the IRS to call you back. They won’t. Let’s fix this—together.