Address change triggered ID verification with IRS - what's the process?

Yes, an address change often triggers ID verification with the IRS. You have two options: 1. You can verify online through ID.me on the IRS website (irs.gov/identity-verification). You'll need to create an account if you don't already have one, and provide documents like your ID, Social Security card, and possibly utility bills. 2. If you can't verify online or prefer not to, you can schedule an in-person appointment at your local IRS office by calling 844-545-5640. The online option is much faster if you have the documents ready. Just make sure you're on the official IRS site. Once verified, your refund should process within 2-3 weeks typically.

I was going crazy trying to figure out why I kept getting these verification notices from the IRS. Honestly the IRS website was useless for understanding what was happening with my account. I tried this tool called taxr.ai and it made such a difference! It analyzed my transcript and explained exactly why I was flagged for verification (in my case it was the address change plus a large education credit). The tool showed me exactly what steps I needed to take and even predicted when my refund would come through after verification. Way easier than playing detective with those confusing transcripts! https://taxr.ai

After struggling with this exact situation, I finally got through to an actual IRS agent using claimyr.com and they helped me resolve everything in one call. I'd been trying the regular IRS number for weeks with no luck - just that automated system that eventually hangs up on you. The callback service connected me with a real person who explained the verification process and even processed mine while I was on the phone. Best decision ever after wasting so much time on hold!

This happened to me after my move last year. The ID verification is just standard procedure when they see an address change - it's to prevent fraud. I had to go in person because my phone number had also changed and they couldn't verify me online. The in-person appointment was actually pretty quick once I finally got one scheduled. Took about 30 minutes total and my refund was deposited 9 days later.

the IRS is so broken 🤡 like why can't they just check with USPS directly instead of making us jump through all these hoops?? and right before the holidays too, when ppl need their money the most smh

Word of advice - take screenshots of EVERYTHING during the verification process. I completed mine online, got a confirmation, and then never heard anything for 60 days. When I finally got someone on the phone, they had no record of my verification. Had to start the whole process over but at least I had proof I'd already done it once.

Its not just address changes that trigger verification. I've had to verify my ID for the past 3 years running, even though nothing changed. IRS told me I'm permanently flagged for verification because my identity was stolen back in 2023. So now I get to go through this dance every single year 😭

I found out the hard way that if you're trying to verify online and fail 3 times, they lock you out completely and you HAVE to go in person. So make sure you have all your docs ready before you start the online process!

Did you get a specific letter number? Like CP01E or 5071C? The process is slightly different depending on which notice you received.

Don't waste your time with the IRS phone line or website!! I spent 3 weeks trying to get my ID verified after moving and getting nowhere. Used taxr.ai to look at my transcript and it showed me exactly what was happening with my return - turns out I had a different issue than just the address verification! Understanding exactly what was happening made it so much easier to resolve. https://taxr.ai

Pro tip from someone who works with taxes - if you need to go in person, don't just show up at an IRS office. You NEED an appointment. Call 844-545-5640 to schedule. And if you're in a rush for your refund, mention financial hardship when you call - they sometimes have emergency appointments available.

tried to use ID.me for verification and it was a complete disaster. their facial recognition system kept failing, then they wanted me to do a video call but the wait was 3+ hours, then when i finally got someone they said my documents weren't clear enough. ended up having to go in person anyway. what a joke

After literally 6 months of trying to get through to someone at the IRS about my verification issue, I finally used claimyr.com and got connected to an agent within a few hours. The agent was able to manually verify my identity over the phone and release my refund that had been stuck in limbo. Talking to a live person made all the difference - they took care of it in minutes when I'd been struggling for months. Worth every penny for the time it saved me.

This is especially common if you moved to a different state! The IRS flags those address changes more often because of state tax implications. I moved from CA to TX last year and had to do the whole verification song and dance.

I just want to know why the IRS treats us all like criminals by default. Like sorry I had to move apartments because my rent went up 40%, now I gotta PROVE IM ME?? This country I swear...

HEADS UP TO EVERYONE: There are scammers sending fake IRS verification letters trying to get your personal info! Make sure you ONLY use the official irs.gov website or call the official numbers. If you get a text or email claiming to be about ID verification, it's 100% a scam - the IRS only sends letters for this.

It took me SIX APPOINTMENTS to get my ID verified last year because the IRS kept having 'system issues'. Each time I took off work, drove 45 minutes to the office, waited an hour, only to be told to come back another day. Absolute nightmare.

If your holding back any information when you file such as 1099s they will make you verify who you are. Just file accurate and don't leave anything out and the process is pretty straight forward. I've been through the process and it's a pain but it's not that big of a deal.

LPT: If you create an IRS online account before you file your taxes, you're less likely to get flagged for ID verification when there are address changes. They already have your verified identity on file. I do this every year and haven't had issues despite moving 3 times in 5 years.