TAP RECOMMENDATION
ID 2745
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 TPP proactively identifies and prevents the processing of identity theft tax returns and assists taxpayers whose identities are used to file such returns.
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.
ID 2745
Adopted
Will be implemented on or before Oct 2024
TAP RECOMMENDATION
ID 2746
If you DID file: Call our Taxpayer Protection Program hotline at 800-830-5084 between [05 5V] a.m. to [06 5V] p.m., [07 15V]. 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
Bold text (if possible) and start paragraph on separate line.
If you DID file: Call our Taxpayer Protection Program hotline at 800-830-5084 between [05 5V] a.m. to [06 5V] p.m., [07 15V]
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 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 2746
Adopted
Will be implemented on or before Oct 2024
TAP RECOMMENDATION
ID 2747
If you DID file: Call our Taxpayer Protection Program hotline at 800-830-5084 between [05 5V] a.m. to [06 5V] p.m., [07 15V]. 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.
Bold text (if possible) and start paragraph on separate line.
If you DID file: Call our Taxpayer Protection Program hotline at 800-830-5084 between [08 5V] a.m. to [09 5V] p.m., [10 15V]
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.
Helps digest the content. Separating provides the taxpayer with the direct action they must take then provides why this is required. It also specifies 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 2747
Adopted
Will be implemented on or before Oct 2024
TAP RECOMMENDATION
ID 2748
If you DIDN’T file: Call our Taxpayer Protection Program hotline at 800-830-5084 between [11 5V] a.m. to [12 5V] p.m., [13 15V]. immediately to confirm that you did not file a tax return, as you may be a victim of identity theft.
Bold text (if possible) and start paragraph on separate line.
If you DIDN’T file: Call our Taxpayer Protection Program hotline at 800-830-5084 between [11 5V] a.m. to [12 5V] p.m., [13 15V].
Call immediately to confirm that you did not file a tax return.
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 removing content that is vague or that could apply to the taxpayer.
ID 2748
Partially Adopted
This particular letter programming cannot process bold writing. The remaining recommendation will be implemented on or before Oct 2024.
TAP RECOMMENDATION
ID 2749
Most taxpayers in your situation successfully verified their identity and tax return within a few days by calling us, enabling us to process their tax returns immediately
Most taxpayers in your situation successfully verified their identity and tax return by calling us, 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, 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 2749
Adopted
Will be implemented on or before Oct 2024
TAP RECOMMENDATION
ID 2750
When you call you MUST have all of the following:
• This letter
• The Form 1040-series tax return for the tax year shown above (Forms W-2 and 1099 aren’t tax returns)
• A prior year tax return other than the year shown above, if you filed one (Forms W-2 and 1099 aren’t tax returns)
• Supporting documents for each year’s ax return you filed (e.g., Form W-2, Form 1099, Schedule C, Schedule F, etc)
When you call you MUST have all of the following:
• This letter
• The Form 1040-series tax return for the tax year shown above (Forms W-2 and 1099 aren’t tax returns)
• A prior year tax return other than the year shown above, if you filed one (Forms W-2 and 1099 aren’t tax returns)
• Supporting documents for each year’s ax return you filed (e.g., Form W-2, Form 1099, Schedule C, Schedule F, etc)
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 2750
Not Adopted
There are different identity verification procedures for online vs phone that is based on the data that is available in each process. In both instances, they must also verify the tax return and the tax return is necessary.
TAP RECOMMENDATION
ID 2751
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 2751
Completed and closed by TAP Committee
(IRS responded to the question submitted by the NCC) Yes, the LTR 4883C and LTR 6330C clearly communicates appropriate guidance to the public. NOTE: LTR4883C will be converted from a CRX letter to a CP notice as part of IRS Strategic Operating Plan Initiative 2.3: Develop Taxpayer-Centric Notices. The two pages providing sources for assistance and information on how to protect your identity will be condensed similar to the 5071C TPP Pilot Letter.
