What This Letter Means

Letter 5193 is a real IRS letter. It goes only to employers. The IRS is asking you, as the employer, to verify wage and withholding information.

The IRS does not publish a sample of this letter because of the sensitive information it involves. So don't expect to find a copy online to compare against. Read the one you received carefully.

This is a request for information. Nothing in it is a bill.

What to Do

  • Find Form 14528, Income/Withholding Fax Verification Reply. It comes with the letter.
  • Follow the instructions in the letter to complete Form 14528.
  • Fax the completed form to the fax number in the letter. You can use a fax machine or an online fax service.
  • Keep a copy of the letter, the completed form, and your fax confirmation.

If you use an online fax service, read its privacy and security policies first. You are sending wage and withholding data. Protect it.

Check the Fax Number Before You Send Anything

The IRS uses four fax numbers to receive these replies from employers. They end in 8057, 8058, 8059, or 8104. Make sure one of those numbers appears in your letter before you fax.

The IRS phone numbers for this letter end in 4430, 4431, 4432, or 4433.

If the fax or phone number in your letter doesn't match, stop. Don't send payroll data until you confirm the letter is genuine.

Timing

Respond promptly, and meet any response date the letter gives. Answer only what the letter and Form 14528 ask for, and make sure the figures match your payroll records.

Getting Help

If you want a representative to handle IRS contact for your business, you can authorize one with Form 2848.

If your business received Letter 5193 and you have questions about responding, call us at (813) 229-7100.