Letter 5591A: Steps to Secure Your Payment Explained

Last updated 11/01/2024 by

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Summary:

Letter 5591A is sent by the IRS as part of the verification process for taxpayers who may have been flagged for suspicious activity on their tax account. This letter aims to protect taxpayers from identity theft and prevent fraudulent tax filings. Upon receiving this notice, taxpayers must verify their identity either online or by phone to confirm their legitimate tax return and avoid delays in tax processing and refunds.

Receiving IRS Letter 5591A can be unsettling, especially when it involves verifying your identity. This notice is often issued when the IRS suspects potential identity theft or other irregularities related to your tax return. The IRS uses this letter as a safeguard to ensure that the person filing the return is indeed the rightful taxpayer. While it may feel alarming to receive such a notice, acting quickly and following the instructions is crucial to protect yourself from tax fraud and ensure your tax return is processed smoothly.

In this article, we’ll guide you through what IRS Letter 5591A is, how it affects you, and the steps you need to take to resolve the issue.

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What is IRS Letter 5591A?

IRS Letter 5591A is a notice sent to taxpayers when the IRS detects possible fraudulent activity or identity theft concerning their tax account. It is part of the IRS’s broader identity theft prevention measures, ensuring that tax returns are legitimate and that refunds are paid to the correct individual. This letter typically requests that the taxpayer verify their identity before their tax return can be processed.

The primary reason you may receive Letter 5591A is that the IRS has flagged your account due to inconsistencies or suspicious behavior, such as multiple returns filed under the same Social Security Number (SSN) or unusual patterns in your tax history. While these flags may result from legitimate tax actions, the IRS sends this notice to safeguard your account and reduce the risk of fraudulent tax filings.

How IRS Letter 5591A affects you

When you receive Letter 5591A, your tax return is temporarily on hold until you verify your identity. This delay can impact both your refund and your ability to file future tax returns until the issue is resolved. While the notice serves as an important security measure, failing to respond promptly could lead to longer processing times, potential interest charges, or other complications with your taxes.

The good news is that Letter 5591A is not an indication of wrongdoing. Instead, it’s a preventive measure to protect your account from fraud. Once you verify your identity and provide the necessary information, the IRS will unlock your account and process your tax return as usual.

Pro tip

Act immediately to avoid delays. The sooner you respond to Letter 5591A, the faster your Economic Impact Payment will be processed.

What should you do when you receive IRS Letter 5591A?

If you receive Letter 5591A, here are the steps you should take:

Review the letter carefully: Understand why your account has been flagged and what actions the IRS requires from you. Pay close attention to deadlines.
Gather your documents: Have your Social Security Number (SSN), last year’s tax return, and government-issued identification (such as a passport or driver’s license) ready for the verification process.
Verify your identity online: The fastest way to resolve the issue is to use the IRS’s online identity verification tool. You’ll need to create an account and answer security questions.
Alternatively, verify by phone: If you prefer, you can call the IRS using the phone number provided in the letter to verify your identity.
Mail additional documentation: In some cases, the IRS may request additional documentation. Follow the instructions in the letter carefully to ensure everything is submitted correctly.

Once your identity is confirmed, the IRS will process your return, and any refund due will be issued. Be sure to respond promptly to avoid delays in receiving your refund or facing further complications with your tax return.

How to respond to IRS Letter 5591A

Steps to take when responding to IRS Letter 5591A

When responding to IRS Letter 5591A, it’s crucial to act quickly to avoid delays in processing your tax return or potential penalties. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved:

1. Review the notice carefully: The letter will provide specific instructions on how to verify your identity and resolve the issue. Take note of any deadlines.
2. Choose your verification method: The IRS offers two main ways to verify your identity—online or by phone. If you choose to verify online, you’ll need to create an account on the IRS’s website and answer several security questions.
3. Prepare your documents: Before beginning the verification process, gather all required documentation. This typically includes your Social Security Number, a government-issued ID, and last year’s tax return.
4. Submit any requested documents: In some cases, the IRS may require you to send additional documents, such as copies of your identification or tax forms, to verify your identity fully.

By following these steps promptly, you can help the IRS resolve the issue and process your tax return more quickly.

Additional steps to protect your account

In cases where identity theft is suspected, you may want to take extra precautions to protect your tax account. Here are some additional steps you can consider:

1. Enroll in the Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) program: This program provides an extra layer of security by giving you a unique PIN that you will need to file your tax return. This helps prevent anyone else from filing a return using your SSN.
2. Monitor your credit report: Since identity theft can affect other aspects of your finances, consider checking your credit report regularly for any suspicious activity.
3. Freeze your credit: If you believe your identity has been stolen, freezing your credit can prevent further misuse of your information.

These steps can help protect your financial security and prevent further fraudulent activity on your tax account.

Pro tip

Double-check all your information. Ensure that the personal details you submit, such as your Social Security number and address, match the IRS records to prevent additional issues.

Further support options for addressing IRS Letter 5591A

If you’re unsure how to proceed or need additional assistance, several resources are available:

Consult a certified tax professional, such as a CPA or tax attorney, who can help guide you through the verification process and ensure everything is submitted correctly.
Visit the IRS website for more detailed instructions or use their online tools to get help with verifying your identity.
Contact the IRS directly by phone if you have specific questions or need clarification on the steps outlined in the letter.
Reach out to your local IRS office or the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) if you’re facing difficulties in resolving the issue.

Having professional support can be particularly useful if the issue is more complicated, such as in cases of identity theft or if you’re unsure about the verification process.

Potential penalties or next steps if you don’t respond

Ignoring IRS Letter 5591A or failing to respond within the required timeframe can result in several consequences, including:

Delays in processing your tax return: Until your identity is verified, your return will not be processed, which can delay any refunds you are owed.
Additional penalties and interest: If your tax return remains unprocessed for an extended period, you may face penalties and interest charges.
Enforcement actions: In some cases, the IRS may take more severe measures, such as placing a hold on your account, garnishing wages, or levying fines.

To avoid these penalties, it’s important to act as soon as you receive the letter. By promptly verifying your identity, you can ensure your tax return is processed efficiently and without further complications.

Pro tip

Use the IRS non-filer tool if you’re not required to file taxes. This tool can streamline the process, ensuring you don’t miss out on your payment.

What potential outcomes are possible?

Once you respond to IRS Letter 5591A, the following outcomes are possible:

If you provide sufficient evidence: Your account will be unlocked, and your tax return will be processed as normal.
If the IRS identifies an error: The IRS will correct their records, removing any flags from your account.
If your identity was compromised: The IRS may take further steps to protect your account, such as issuing an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) to prevent future fraudulent filings.

In all scenarios, timely action will help resolve the issue quickly and minimize any disruption to your tax filings.

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Frequently asked questions

Why did I receive IRS Letter 5591A?

You received IRS Letter 5591A because the IRS detected suspicious activity related to your tax return. This letter serves as a precautionary measure to verify your identity before processing your return.

How do I verify my identity?

To verify your identity, follow the instructions provided in the letter. You can either complete the process online using the IRS identity verification tool or call the number listed in the letter.

What happens if I ignore IRS Letter 5591A?

Ignoring the letter may lead to delays in processing your tax return, withholding of any refunds due, and potential penalties. It’s essential to respond promptly to avoid these complications.

Can I resolve the issue online?

Yes, you can often resolve the issue online by using the IRS’s secure identity verification tool. This is the fastest and most efficient way to unlock your account and ensure your tax return is processed.

Need help understanding other IRS letters and notices? Visit our comprehensive guide to IRS Letters and Notices or search for the document you received in the table below.

IRS Letter or Notice Number

Notice Description

CP01	The IRS verified your claim of identity theft and will monitor your account.
CP01H	The IRS received a tax return with a social security number that belongs to a dead person.
CP02H	Money is due on an amended return based on a grant received due to Hurricane Katrina, Rita, or Wilma.
CP03C	You received the First-Time Homebuyer Credit for a house you purchased.
CP04	You may be eligible for tax deferment because either you or a spouse served in a combat zone, a qualified contingency operation, or a hazardous duty station during the tax year specified on your notice.
CP08	You may be entitled to additional money due to the Additional Child Tax Credit.
CP10	Your tax return changed due to a miscalculation, and the refund you wanted to apply to an estimated tax payment has changed.
CP10A	Your tax return changed due to a miscalculation of the Earned Income Credit, and the refund you wanted to apply to an estimated tax payment has changed.
CP11	You owe money because the IRS amended your return due to a miscalculation.
CP11A	Your tax return changed due to a miscalculation of the Earned Income Credit, and the refund you wanted to apply to an estimated tax payment also changed.
CP11M	Your tax return changed due to a miscalculation of the Making Work Pay and Government Retiree Credit, and the refund you wanted to apply to an estimated tax payment has changed.
CP12	You are due a bigger refund because the IRS corrected one or more mistakes on your tax return.
CP12A	The IRS made changes to correct the Earned Income Credit (EIC) claimed on your tax return.
CP12E or CP12F	The IRS corrected a miscalculation on your return.
CP12M	The IRS made changes to the computation of the Making Work Pay and/or Government Retiree Credits on your return.
CP12R	The IRS made changes to the computation of the Rebate Recovery Credit on your return.
CP13	The IRS made changes to your return due to a miscalculation. There is no refund or amount due. Your balance is zero.
CP13A	The IRS made changes to your return due to a miscalculation of the Earned Income Credit. There is no refund or amount due. Your balance is zero.
CP13M	The IRS made changes to your return due to a miscalculation of the Making Work Pay credit or the Government Retiree Credit. There is no refund or amount due. Your balance is zero.
CP13R	The IRS made changes to your return due to a miscalculation of the Recovery Rebate Credit. There is no refund or amount due. Your balance is zero.
CP14	You owe money on unpaid taxes.
CP16	The IRS made changes to your return due to a miscalculation. The refund you were due was applied to other tax debts.
CP21A	You owe money due to the changes you requested that the IRS make on your tax returns.
CP21B	You are due a refund due to the changes you requested that the IRS make on your tax returns. The money should arrive within 2 to 3 weeks.
CP21C	The IRS made the requested changes to your tax return. You will not receive a refund, and there is no tax due. Your balance is zero.
CP21E	As a result of your recent audit, the IRS made changes to your tax return, and you owe money as a result of those changes.
CP21I	The IRS made changes to your tax return relating to the Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) taxes. You owe money due to the changes.
CP22A	The IRS made the changes you requested, and you owe money as a result.
CP22E	As a result of your recent audit, the IRS changed your tax return, and you now owe money.
CP22I	The IRS made changes to your tax return relating to the Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) taxes. You owe money due to the changes.
CP23	The IRS changed your return because there was a difference between the amount of estimated tax payments listed on your tax return and the amount actually posted to your account. You owe taxes due to these changes.
CP24	The IRS changed your return because there was a difference between the amount of estimated tax payments listed on your tax return and the amount actually posted to your account. This resulted in an overpayment of estimated taxes.
CP24E	The IRS changed your return because there was a difference between the amount of estimated tax payments listed on your tax return and the amount actually posted to your account. This resulted in an overpayment of estimated taxes.
CP25	The IRS changed your return because there was a difference between the amount of estimated tax payments listed on your tax return and the amount actually posted to your account. You are not due a refund, nor do you owe any money. Your balance is zero.
CP31	You need to update your address because your refund check was returned to the IRS.
CP45	The IRS was unable to apply your overpayment to your estimated tax as you requested.
CP49	The IRS used all or part of your refund to pay a tax debt.
CP53	Your refund check will be sent by mail because the IRS can’t provide your refund through direct deposit.
CP57	The bank declined your payment, so the IRS was unable to draft funds from your bank account.
CP71	A reminder of the amount you owe in tax, penalty, and interest.
CP71A	A reminder of the amount you owe in tax, penalty, and interest.
CP71C	A reminder of the amount you owe in tax, penalty, and interest.
CP71D	A reminder of the amount you owe in tax, penalty, and interest.
CP88	The IRS is holding your refund because you haven't filed one or more tax returns, and it believes you will owe tax.
CP90	The IRS is notifying you of its intent to levy certain assets for unpaid taxes. You have the right to dispute the levy in a Collection Due Process hearing.
CP91	The IRS will levy up to 15% of your social security benefits for unpaid taxes.
CP120	The IRS needs documentation of your tax-exempt status.
CP120A	Your organization’s tax-exempt status has been revoked because it failed to file a Form 990 series return for three consecutive years.
CP130	You may no longer need to pay the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) because your tax return filing requirements changed.
CP152	The IRS received your return.
CP153	The IRS will send your refund by mail because your direct deposit did not go through.
CP161	You have an unpaid balance due to the IRS.
CP166	Your monthly payment to the IRS did not go through due to insufficient funds in your bank account.
CP178	You may no longer owe excise tax because your tax return filing requirements changed.
CP231	You need to update your address because your refund was returned to the IRS.
CP259	You did not file the business tax return identified in the notice.
CP259A	You should have filed these forms but did not – Form 990/990-EZ, Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax, or Form 990-N (e-Postcard).
CP259B	The IRS requires you to file these forms but did not – Form 990-PF, Return of Private Foundation or Section 4947(a)(1) Nonexempt Charitable Trust Treated as a Private Foundation.
CP259C	The IRS believes that you are a private foundation, but did not file the required Form 990-PF, Return of Private Foundation or Section 4947(a)(1) Nonexempt Charitable Trust Treated as a Private Foundation.
CP259D	You must file this form, but you did not – Form 990-T, Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return.
CP259E	You should have filed this form, but you did not – Form 990-N (e-Postcard) or Form 990/990-EZ, Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax.
CP259F	The IRS requires you to file this form but did not – Form 5227, Split-Interest Trust Information Return.
CP259G	The IRS requires you to file this form, but you didn’t – Form 1120-POL, U.S. Income Tax Return for Certain Political Organizations.
CP259H	As a tax-exempt political organization, you must file this form, but you did not – Form 990/990-EZ, Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax.
CP276A	You submitted your tax liability schedule incorrectly. The IRS typically charges a Federal Tax Deposit (FTD) penalty for this but did not this time.
CP276B	The IRS did not receive the correct amount of tax deposits. It normally charges a Federal Tax Deposit (FTD) penalty but did not this time.
CP297	The IRS is notifying you of its intent to levy certain assets for unpaid taxes. You have the right to dispute the levy at a Collection Due Process hearing.
CP297A	The IRS has levied your assets for unpaid taxes. You have the right to dispute the levy at a Collection Due Process hearing.
CP298	The IRS notifying you of its intent to levy up to 15% of your social security benefits for unpaid taxes.
CP501	You have a balance due on one of your tax accounts.
CP503	You have an unpaid balance on one of your accounts, and the IRS has not heard from you.
CP504	You have an unpaid amount due on your account. If you do not pay immediately, the IRS will levy your state income tax refund to apply it to the amount you owe.
CP504B	You have an unpaid amount due on your account. If you do not pay immediately, the IRS will levy certain property or rights to property to apply it to the amount you owe.
CP521	A reminder that you have an installment agreement payment due.
CP523	You have defaulted on your payment agreement. Therefore the IRS is terminating the agreement and will levy your assets.
CP601	Usted tiene un saldo pendiente de pago (dinero que le debe al IRS) en una de sus cuentas contributivas.
CP603	No hemos recibido respuesta de parte de usted y todavía tiene un saldo sin pagar en una de sus cuentas contributivas.
CP604	Usted tiene un saldo sin pagar en su cuenta. De no pagar esta cantidad inmediatemente, el IRS embargará cualquier reembolso de impuestos estatales al que tenga derecho y aplicarlo al pago de su deuda.
CP604B	Usted tiene un saldo sin pagar en su cuenta. De no pagar esta cantidad inmediatemente, el IRS embargará ciertas propiedades o derechos de propiedad y lo aplicará al pago de su deuda.
CP621	Este aviso es para notificarle que usted tiene un plan de pagos a plazos vencido. Por favor, envíe el pago inmediatamente.
CP623	Este aviso es para informarle nuestra intención de cancelar su plan de pagos a plazos y confiscar (embargar) sus bienes. Usted incumplió en su acuerdo.
CP711	Nosotros realizamos cambios a su planilla debido a que entendemos que hubo un cálculo erróneo. Como resultado de estos cambios, usted adeuda dinero por sus contribuciones.
CP721	Hicimos el(los) cambio(s) que usted solicitó a su declaración de impuestos para el año tributario que aparece en su aviso. Como resultado de éste(estos) cambio(s) usted debe dinero en sus impuestos.
CP722	Hicimos el(los) cambio(s) que usted solicitó a su declaración de impuestos para el año tributario que aparece en su aviso. Como resultado de éste(estos) cambio(s) usted debe dinero en sus impuestos.
CP771	Usted recibió este aviso para recordarle sobre la cantidad que adeuda en contribuciones, multas e intereses.
CP772	Usted recibió este aviso para recordarle sobre la cantidad que adeuda en contribuciones, multas e intereses.
CP773	Usted recibió este aviso para recordarle sobre la cantidad que adeuda en contribuciones, multas e intereses.
CP774	Usted recibió este aviso para recordarle sobre la cantidad que adeuda en contribuciones, multas e intereses.
CP959	Usted no radicó su planilla de contribución de negocios identificada en este aviso.
CP2000	The income or payment information on file doesn’t match your tax return. The discrepancy may result in an increase or decrease in your tax due.
CP3219A	The IRS has received information that is different from what you reported on your tax return. This may result in an increase or decrease in your tax.
CP3219N	The IRS didn’t receive your tax return, so it calculated your return based on the information received from employers, financial institutions, and others. If you want to challenge the proposed tax, you have 90 days from the date of this notice. If you are outside the country, you have 150 days.
Letter 0012C	The IRS needs additional information to process your tax return.
Letter 0484C	The IRS wants a completed
Letter 0525	Updates you on proposed changes after an IRS examination. Any changes are explained and details the refund due or taxes owed.
Letter 531	IRS Notice of Deficiency. The information the IRS received about you was different from what you reported on your return.
Letter 0668D(LP 68)	The IRS released their levy.
Letter 0549C	Your tax bill was paid.
Letter 0681C	The IRS accepted your payment proposal. However, this is not a formal Installment Agreement.
Letter 0757C	You did not adhere to the terms of your Installment Agreement.
Letter LT 11	The IRS plans to seize your property or rights to property.
Letter 1058	The IRS has not received your payment. It plans to seize your property or rights to property.
Letter 1615 (LT 18)	You must respond to the IRS within 10 days of this notice regarding past due tax returns.
Letter 1737 (LT 27)	Complete and sign Form 433F, Collection Information Statement.
Letter 1961C	Your application for a Direct Debit Installment Agreement was declined. It explains why and what you need to do to qualify.
Letter 1962C	Your application for a
Letter 2050 (LT 16)	The IRS is trying to collect unpaid taxes from you from returns that have been filed or from returns that have not been filed.
Letter 2257C	The IRS is providing the payoff amount that you requested.
Letter 226-J	An IRS letter to large employers notifying them that they may be liable for an Employer Shared Responsibility Payment (ESRP).
Letter 2271C	A request for an Installment Agreement has been approved. It explains the fees and how to qualify for a Low Income Fee Reduction. The letter may also request missing information.
Letter 2272C	An IRS letter explaining why your request to pay the balance due in installments was declined.
Letter 2273C	A confirmation letter of your request to pay the balance due in installments. It contained the amount to pay, fees charged, and where to send payment. Instructions on how to apply for the Low Income Fee Reduction included.
Letter 2318C	A response to a request to pay taxes due to payroll deductions. It also explains the fees that are charged.
Letter 2357C	The IRS is admitting that it did not send you the balance due notices that it should have.
Letter 2603C	The IRS accepted your installment agreement. The IRS will file a Notice of Federal Tax Lien on your personal property.
Letter 2604C	The IRS has accepted your request for installment payments. This IRS letter provides the monthly payment, the address where to send it, and the fees charged. The letter also provides instructions on how to apply for the Low Income Fee Reduction.
Letter 2761C	The IRS is requesting your combat zone service dates to ensure that it provides you with the special provisions and protection of the combat zone deferment. Copies of military orders or other documentation to support your time served may be requested. Civilians working in support of the Armed Forces may be required to provide a Letter of Authorization or a letter from their employer.
Letter 2789C	An annual reminder notice, as required by law, of the balance due to the IRS. It explains that penalties and interest continue to accrue until the balance is fully paid.
Letter 2840C	Confirms your Installment Agreement request and includes the payment amount and due date. This IRS letter explains the fees charged for paying monthly and explains how to apply for the Low Income Fee Reduction (if you qualify).
Letter 3030C	Provides an explanation of the tax, penalty, and interest still due on your account.
Letter 3127C	A confirmation of your request to make a change to your Installment Agreement. This IRS letter explains the fees for the change. Changes can be to the payment amount or due date, or it can include additional liabilities.
Letter 3174	A reminder of taxes due after the IRS has sent a Notice of Intent to Levy.
Letter 3217C	The IRS has accepted your request to pay the balance in installments. This IRS letter provides your payment amount, the due date, and fees charged. The letter also provides instructions on applying for the Low Income Fee Reduction (if you qualify).
Letter 3228 (LT 39)	A request to pay the balance due within 10 days using the envelope provided.
Letter 3500	The IRS has received your documents, and it needs additional time to review them.
Letter 3572	Your Federal Income Tax Return has been selected for examination. The IRS auditor requests that you call to schedule an audit appointment.
Letter 4883C	The IRS received your federal income tax return but needs more information to verify your identity in order to process your tax return accurately.
Letter 4903 (LT 26)	You must file your tax returns immediately. The IRS has previously contacted you, but it did not receive a response.
Letter LP 47	The IRS is trying to locate the person identified in the letter and is requesting that you provide their new address.
Letter LP 59	The IRS has not received a response to the notice of levy it previously sent.
Audit Letter 2205	The IRS manages audits either by mail or through an in-person interview to review your records. The interview may be at an IRS office (office audit) or the taxpayer’s home, place of business, or accountant’s office (field audit).
Letter 915	You recently underwent an audit, and the IRS informs you that you now owe taxes.

Key takeaways

IRS Letter 5591A is sent when the IRS detects potential identity theft or irregularities in your tax account.
Respond promptly by verifying your identity online or by phone to avoid delays in processing your tax return.
Failing to respond could result in penalties, delayed refunds, and possible enforcement actions.
Consider enrolling in the Identity Protection PIN program for additional security if identity theft is suspected.

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