The CP05 Notice is issued when the IRS detects suspicious activity involving your Social Security number or tax return and needs to confirm your identity before processing your return. This is part of the IRS's identity theft protection measures to ensure your tax information remains secure.

Key Features of the CP05 Notice:

• Request for identity verification before return processing
• Typically allows 30 days to respond
• Includes instructions for verification process
• May delay your refund until verification is complete
• Provides contact information for the Identity Protection Specialized Unit
• Explains next steps after verification

You received a CP05 notice because:

Suspicious Activity Detected

• The IRS suspects your return may be fraudulent or compromised
• Your tax return triggered identity protection filters
• Unusual filing patterns were detected
• Possible identity theft indicators were present

Information Verification Needed

• Discrepancies between your return and IRS records
• Unverifiable income or withholding information
• Possible duplicate filing under your identity
• Other red flags in your tax submission

Step 1: Follow the Instructions Carefully
The notice will guide you to call the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit or verify your identity through other means. Have your notice, tax return, and any supporting documents ready.

Step 2: Respond Promptly
You typically have 30 days to respond. Failure to respond may result in significant processing delays and potential refund holds.

Step 3: Avoid Scams
Respond only through official IRS contact channels. The IRS will never initiate contact via email, text, or social media to request personal or financial information.

Documents You May Need:

• Your CP05 notice
• Social Security cards for yourself and all dependents
• Copy of the tax return referenced in the notice
• Any Forms W-2, 1099, or other income documents
• Any supporting documentation for credits claimed
• Proof of identity (driver's license, passport, etc.)

Immediate Consequences

• Your tax return won't be processed
• Refunds will be delayed or withheld indefinitely
• The IRS may take further steps to verify your identity
• Possible collection actions if taxes are determined to be owed

Long-Term Implications

• Continued account monitoring and future filing complications
• Potential flagging for additional verification in subsequent years
• Possible identity theft if your information has been compromised
• Credit implications if fraudulent activity continues undetected

Proactive Protection Measures

• File your tax return early to reduce opportunity for fraudulent filings
• Use secure methods for transmitting tax information
• Protect your personal information (SSN, birth date, address)
• Request an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) from the IRS if eligible
• Shred documents containing personal financial information
• Monitor your credit reports regularly for suspicious activity

IRS Identity Protection PIN Program
The IP PIN is a 6-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your SSN. The IP PIN is known only to you and the IRS, helping verify your identity when you file your return.