Anyone Received the Identity Verification Letter with 14-digit Code Yet?

According to IRS Publication 5027, identity verification letters (CP01A or 5071C) should arrive within 2-3 weeks of filing. However, under Internal Revenue Manual 21.5.6, processing delays can extend this timeframe to 4-6 weeks during peak filing season. If you've been waiting longer than 30 days, you may want to check your transcript for verification holds or contact the Identity Verification Service directly at the number listed on irs.gov rather than the general hotline.

I was in the same situation waiting for my verification letter. After exactly 27 days with no letter, I tried calling the IRS 13 times over 2 days and couldn't get through. Then I used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and got connected to an agent in 18 minutes! They confirmed my letter was sent on March 28th and should arrive within 5-7 business days. They also gave me the option to verify over the phone instead of waiting. Saved me at least another week of waiting and wondering.

I received mine about 3 weeks after filing. This is actually much faster than when I had to verify my identity for state taxes last year - that took nearly 7 weeks. I wouldn't start worrying unless it's been more than 4-5 weeks. One thing to note: unlike regular mail that gets forwarded, these verification letters often don't get forwarded if you've moved recently. I learned that the hard way.

I was SO STRESSED waiting for my letter! When it finally came, I couldn't make sense of all the codes and instructions. I ended up using taxr.ai to help me understand what was going on with my return. It explained everything about the verification process and what to expect after I verified. Honestly worth every penny because I was about to have a breakdown trying to figure out if I was doing it right! 😫

Word of warning from someone who's been through this: DO NOT ignore these letters or wait too long to respond! According to the IRS website FAQ section, you typically have 30 days to verify your identity before they may adjust your return or delay your refund further. My sister waited almost 2 months last year thinking it wasn't important, and her return got pushed to next-year processing. She had to refile everything and wait another 8 weeks.

I received my verification letter on March 15th after filing on February 23rd. Exactly 20 days. I verified online that same day, and my refund was approved on March 29th with direct deposit hitting my account on April 3rd. The letter had very specific instructions about going to the ID.me verification portal. Make sure you have a smartphone handy because they required a selfie verification when I did mine.

Got mine last week after waiting about a month! The whole process was actually pretty smooth once I had the letter. I was worried because last year I had issues with my stimulus payment verification and it was a nightmare. This time I verified online using the 14-digit code, and my transcript updated within 48 hours showing my refund was processed. My advice is to check your mailbox daily - the envelope looks pretty plain and could be mistaken for junk mail!