Responding to a Verification Request From OTR

Why We Verify Returns

The Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) wants to protect you from identity theft and tax fraud. We use a Return Verification process to do this. The Return Integrity Unit (RIU) runs this process. uses a Return Verification process which is administered by the Return Integrity Unit (RIU).

If you received a verification letter from OTR, you must respond through MyTax.DC.gov before we can process your return. Check your notice, then follow the steps below.

Three Types of Verification Notices

1. Notice for Identity Verification PIN

If you received this notice you will need:

The letter we sent you
Your last name
The verification PIN from the letter
The refund amount you requested on your return

Click HERE to Respond to an Identity Verification PIN Notice.

2. Notice for Identity Verification Quiz

If you received this notice, you will need:

The letter we sent you
The notice number printed on the letter
The last four digits of your Social Security Number
The refund amount you requested on your return

Click HERE to take the Identity Verification Quiz.

3. Additional Verification Documents Notice(s)

Sometimes we ask you to send extra documents. These documents help us confirm parts of your tax return. We might ask about your income, identity, or other items. These letters may have different names, but they all need the same response.

You will need:

The letter we sent you
The Letter ID number printed on the letter
The documents we requested in the notice

Click HERE to submit Verification Documents.

Why We Ask for This Information

DC law gives OTR the power to administer taxes and protect public funds. The law also lets us request extra information to enforce tax laws.

We use data tools to check if a refund request is real or part of an identity theft scheme. If your refund needs extra verification, we will send you a request.

We take these steps to keep your information safe and stop fraud. But sometimes you might have trouble providing what we ask for. If this happens, contact OTR to talk about your situation one-on-one.

Questions? Call the Return Integrity Unit at (202) 741-8629.

What Happens if I Don’t Respond?

If you don't respond to our verification request, we will not release your refund. You will get a denial notice. We will also "reverse" your return. This means:

We could not confirm your return was real
Your return will not be posted to your account
Your return will not count as "filed" for that tax year

What If I Disagree With the Denial?

File an Appeal

If we denied your refund, you can file an appeal with the DC Superior Court.

Visit https://www.dccourts.gov/superior-court for more information.

Important deadline. You must file your appeal within 6 months from the date on your Notice of Refund Denial. Follow the instructions in the notice carefully. File your appeal before the deadline runs out.

Ask OTR to Reconsider

If you have more documents, you can ask OTR to look at your case again. Contact the Return Integrity Unit at (202) 741-8629 to find out what documents you need.

Warning. Calling RIU or working with an OTR representative will not give you more time to file your court appeal. The appeal deadline stays the same.

Not Sure if Your Refund Needs Verification?

You can check your status by:

Logging into your MyTax.DC.gov portal
Calling our Customer Service Center at (202) 727-4TAX.

DC Code Sections that apply

DC Code § 47-2866(c)

DC Code §§ 1-204.24c (10) and (11)