Make sure your dad has the letter in front of him when he calls! The 5071C has a specific verification number he'll need to reference. Also, they'll ask for the exact amount of the refund claimed on the return (if applicable). When I went through this, they asked me to confirm: - My full name and SSN - Address on the return - Filing status - Dependents' names and SSNs - Specific income amounts from W-2s - Last year's AGI

One more tip for your dad - if possible, have him practice saying the key numbers out loud beforehand. When I helped my grandmother with her 5071C call, we went through her SSN, AGI, and refund amount several times so she felt more confident pronouncing the numbers clearly over the phone. Also, if he gets confused during the call, it's totally okay to ask the agent to repeat a question or speak more slowly. The IRS agents are used to working with people who have language barriers and they're generally pretty accommodating. The most important thing is that he has all his documents organized and doesn't rush through the answers. The whole process usually takes about 15-20 minutes once he gets connected to an agent, so it's not as long or scary as it seems!

Its ridiculous we gotta jump through all these hoops just to get our own money back smh

Another option is to try the IRS Get Transcript Online service - you can access it immediately if you can pass their identity verification questions (they ask about previous addresses, loan amounts, etc). It's free and sometimes works even when ID.me is being glitchy. Just go to irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript and try the online option first before paying for anything.

I work at a tax firm and here's what you need to know about verification: - ID.me is fastest but can be glitchy - In-person at IRS office is guaranteed but long wait - Phone verification works if you can get through (try calling right when they open) - Mail verification takes 4-6 weeks minimum Honestly tho, upload your transcript to taxr.ai first. It'll tell you if you actually need verification or if there's another hold up. Seen lots of cases where people think they need verification but actually have a different issue blocking their refund.

Another option that worked for me was using the IRS's video call service if you can schedule it. It's like ID.me but through the IRS directly. You still need good lighting and a clear camera, but I found their system was less glitchy than ID.me. Also make sure you have all your documents ready - they'll want to see your ID, Social Security card, and last year's tax return. The whole process took about 20 minutes once I got connected.

I think it's important to note that the IRS has been increasing these verification requests since they expanded the Child Tax Credit. I've been following the numbers, and they're definitely doing more of these checks than in previous years. From what I understand, they're trying to reduce improper payments while still getting benefits to eligible families. If your documentation is solid, you should be fine, but be prepared for it to take some time. The IRS is still working through staffing shortages from the pandemic.

I went through this exact same thing two years ago with Code 420! The IRS rep was right - it's technically called an "examination" but it's really just verification for your dependents, not a full audit of your entire return. I was stressed about it too, but it ended up being pretty straightforward. I sent in birth certificates, school enrollment records showing my address, and some medical records. The whole process took about 10 weeks from when I mailed everything back to when my refund was released. Just make sure to send everything certified mail and keep copies of absolutely everything. The key is responding quickly with all the documentation they asked for - don't wait or send partial info because that just delays everything. You've got this!

Something else to consider - your brother should check with his bank before receiving the transfer. Some banks have weird policies about large international transfers and might hold the funds for a period of time or ask for additional documentation. My sister sent me money from Australia last year (about $25k) and my bank froze my account for almost a week while they "verified" the source of funds. I had to provide emails between us discussing the gift and even had her send a signed letter explaining the purpose of the money. It was a huge hassle! Each bank handles these differently, so have your brother call his bank's international wire department beforehand to ask what documentation might be needed to avoid delays.

One more thing nobody's mentioned - if you're sending money to help with a house down payment, the mortgage company might ask questions about it. When I got money from my parents abroad for my house purchase, the lender required a "gift letter" stating the money didn't need to be repaid. They were extra cautious because the money came from outside the US. My lender wanted to see documentation of the transfer from origination through receipt, plus a signed letter from my parents confirming it was a gift with no repayment expected. This isn't an IRS issue, but it could be important if your brother is planning to use the money for a home purchase and will be applying for a mortgage.