The LTR 227C requests account or identity verification. It's part of the IRS's broader identity protection program and may appear when the IRS needs to confirm account ownership, verify your identity before making account changes, or authenticate you before releasing sensitive information.
What the IRS Needs
The letter specifies the verification method. Common requirements include answering identity-proofing questions online or by phone, providing copies of identification documents by mail, verifying personal information that only the account holder would know, or visiting a Taxpayer Assistance Center with photo ID.
Don't Ignore This
If you don't complete verification, the IRS may freeze your account, hold your refund, or refuse to process account changes you've requested. The verification process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. The delay from ignoring it can last months.
Security Considerations
Before completing verification, confirm the LTR 227C is legitimate. The IRS sends verification letters by mail, never by email or text. If you're unsure, call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 to verify the letter before providing personal information.
If you need help with account verification, call us at (813) 229-7100.