TAP RECOMMENDATION
ID 2854
We received a tax return for tax year [04 4Y] using your name and Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). We received a tax return for tax year [04 4Y] using your name and Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) and your tax return has been selected for the Taxpayer Protection Program (TPP). The opening sentence does not explain the reason for the letter. The second paragraph instructs the taxpayer to verify their identity online, with no mention of the TPP.
The TPP proactively identifies and prevents the processing of identity theft tax returns and assists taxpayers whose identities are used to file such returns.
ID 2854
Not Adopted
The 5071C CRX letter will be obsolete for 2024.
TAP RECOMMENDATION
ID 2855
We’re sending you this letter again because you contacted us but haven’t completed the entire tax return verification process Remove, or update to be more specific (see next column) Line B in this sequence provides that the taxpayer created an online account but didn’t complete the verify return questions. This provides the taxpayer with the actions they have taken and the remaining items that need to be completed. The Line A message is vague and provides no instruction on what the taxpayer has completed and what items still remain.
ID 2855
Not Adopted
The 5071C CRX letter will be obsolete for 2024.
TAP RECOMMENDATION
ID 2856
If you DID file: Verify your return online at IRS.gov/ VerifyReturn. We need more information from you to verify your identity and tax return information so we can continue processing your tax return and issue a refund, or credit any overpayments to your next year’s estimated tax. We can’t process your return until we hear from you. Bold text (if possible) and start paragraph on separate line.
If you DID file: Verify your return online at IRS.gov/VerifyReturn.
We need more information from you to verify your identity and tax return information so we can continue processing your tax return and issue a refund or credit any overpayments to your next year’s estimated tax. We can’t process your tax return until you complete the verification process. Helps digest the content. Separating provides the taxpayer with the direct action they must take then provides why this is required. It also specifies that the IRS can’t process the return until the verification is completed, as opposed to “until we hear from you”. The current language creates confusion where the taxpayer may think they need to contact the IRS, driving up call volume.
Include IRS TPP phone number for those who cannot access online
ID 2856
Not Adopted
The 5071C CRX letter will be obsolete for 2024.
TAP RECOMMENDATION
ID 2857
If you DID file: Verify your return online at IRS.gov/ VerifyReturn. We need more information from you to verify your identity and tax return information so we can issue the full or remaining refund. This includes crediting any overpayments to your next year’s estimated tax. We can’t process your return until we hear from you. Bold text (if possible) and start paragraph on separate line.
If you DID file: Verify your return online at IRS.gov/VerifyReturn.
We need more information from you to verify your identity and tax return information so we can issue your full or remaining refund or credit any overpayments to your next year’s estimated tax. We can’t process your refund until you complete the verification process.
Include IRS TPP phone number for those who cannot access online Helps digest the content. Separating provides the taxpayer with the direct action they must take then provides why this is required. It also specifies that the IRS can’t process the return until the verification is completed, as opposed to “until we hear from you”. The current language creates confusion where the taxpayer may think they need to contact the IRS, driving up call volume.
ID 2857
Not Adopted
The 5071C CRX letter will be obsolete for 2024.
TAP RECOMMENDATION
ID 2858
If you DIDN’T file: Report this at IRS.gov/VerifyReturn immediately to confirm that you did not file a tax return, as you may be a victim of identity theft. If you DIDN’T file: Report this at IRS.gov/VerifyReturn immediately to confirm that you did not file a tax return.
Include IRS TPP phone number for those who cannot access online I lean towards removing the line “as you may be a victim of identity theft”. While IDT could be the case, I don’t know if this should be introduced to all taxpayers who receive this letter. Open to push back on this if it makes sense, but I’m working towards making recommendations that are more specific in nature and less generalities.
ID 2858
Not Adopted
The 5071C CRX letter will be obsolete for 2024.
TAP RECOMMENDATION
ID 2859
When you contact us, you must refer to control number [05 17V]. Remove from this section This is vague and could lead taxpayers to believe they have to contact the IRS, driving up call volume.
ID 2859
Not Adopted
The 5071C CRX letter will be obsolete for 2024.
TAP RECOMMENDATION
ID 2860
Most taxpayers in your situation successfully verified their identity and tax return online within a few days, enabling us to process their tax returns immediately Most taxpayers in your situation successfully verified their identity and tax return online, enabling us to process their tax returns. Remove “within a few days”. This can read as it takes a long time to verify their ID online or could signify the taxpayer has to come back multiple times to complete the verification process. If a taxpayer thinks it will take multiple days to complete the process this could also drive call volume.
Remove “immediately”. Later in the letter it states it could take up to 9 weeks to receive the refund. This could lead to taxpayers expecting their refund much sooner than 9 weeks, prompting call volume since Where’s My Refund only contains minimal information.
ID 2860
Not Adopted
The 5071C CRX letter will be obsolete for 2024.
TAP RECOMMENDATION
ID 2861
IMPORTANT: We won’t be able to process your tax return until you answer the tax return questions. If you verified your identity, but didn’t answer the tax return questions, you must sign in again at IRS.gov/ VerifyReturn and answer the questions. Move this paragraph after the next paragraph “To complete the verify your return questions…” This creates a straightforward transition – the paragraph before states the taxpayer will be asked questions about the tax return. Then continue with what the taxpayer will need to complete the questions. Then end with the IMPORTANT
content.
ID 2861
Not Adopted
The 5071C CRX letter will be obsolete for 2024.
TAP RECOMMENDATION
ID 2862
To complete the verify your return questions, you’ll need:
This letter
The Form 1040-series tax return for the tax year shown above (Forms W-2 and 1099 aren’t tax returns) To complete the verify your return questions, you’ll need:
This letter
The Form 1040-series tax return for the tax year shown above (Forms W-2 and 1099 aren’t tax returns)
Add guidance for taxpayers who do not have a copy of their tax return. Online Account requires the taxpayer to verify their ID so this would be the most secure way to direct them. Add guidance for taxpayers who do not have a copy of their tax return. Online Account requires the taxpayer to verify their ID so this would be the most secure way to direct them.
ID 2862
Not Adopted
The 5071C CRX letter will be obsolete for 2024.
TAP RECOMMENDATION
ID 2863
Two pages of providing sources for assistance and information on how to protect your identity. Could this be part of the Stuffers project where we take a look at condensing some of the information on notices and letters? Potential to remove all of this content and make available by request AND online.
ID 2863
Not Adopted
The 5071C CRX letter will be obsolete for 2024.
