How to Request an IRS Verification of Non-Filing Letter

A Verification of Non-Filing Letter from the IRS provides official proof the government agency has no record of an income tax return (either a 1040, 1040A, or 1040 EZ form) being filed for a given year. While it doesn’t indicate whether you were required to file a tax return for that year, a Verification of Non-Filing Letter is most frequently needed during the college financial aid application process. Depending on the situation, the student, the parents, or both may need to fill out and submit the appropriate paperwork.

Before we get into the details of how to file for a Verification of Non-Filing Letter, be aware that it may take several weeks to receive the letter. Online requests are only available for the prior three tax years. Fortunately, making the request is free and relatively straightforward. Here’s what you need to know to get the process started.

REQUESTING A VERIFICATION OF NON-FILING LETTER

Online Requests

  1. Navigate to the IRS website.
  2. Hover over “File” on the top navigation bar.
  3. Click on “Individuals.”
  4. On the left panel, select “Your Information.”
  5. Choose “Tax Record (Transcript)” from the submenu and select “Get Transcript Online” after the page loads.
  6. You can log in with your IRS account information. If you don’t have an account, you can create one.
  7. After logging in, choose “Verification of Non-filing Letter” and select the Tax Year field for the year you need.
  8. After you download and print the Verification of Non-Filing Letter, sign it and submit it to the requesting organization.

Paper Requests

If you’d prefer to file your request on paper, or if you need a Verification of Non-Filling Letter for longer than three years ago, here’s how to submit a request.

  1. Download IRS Form 4506 T.
  2. Fill in Lines 1 through 4, following the instructions provided on Page 2.
  3. On Line 3, enter the non-filer’s street address and ZIP code, using the address currently on file with the IRS.
  4. Line 5 offers the option to have your IRS Verification of Non-Filing Letter mailed directly to the third party making the request. Check with the requesting organization to see what they would prefer.
  5. Line 5b allows you to enter a Customer File Number if the third party requests that you use a unique identification number.
  6. On Line 6, enter Tax Form Number 1040.
  7. On Line 7, select the checkbox for Verification of Nonfiling.
  8. On Line 9, write in the tax year for which you are making the request.
  9. Once you receive the letter, the non-filer must sign, date, and fill in a relevant phone number.
  10. Mail or fax the completed form to the address or fax number listed on Page 2 of the form.
  11. Once your information is validated, you should expect to receive the verification letter in five to 10 business days.
  12. When you receive it, sign and submit the Verification of Non-Filing Letter to the requesting organization.

NEED HELP?

If you need any help with the Verification of Non-Filling Letter request process, contact the experts at GJR Consulting. As California’s leading accounting consultants, we’re here to help answer any of your tax-related questions, no matter how big or small.