Can I still get my tax return stamped in person at an IRS office for home mortgage proof?
I'm panicking a bit here and really need some help! So I'm currently trying to buy my first house (so excited but also stressed), and my mortgage broker just dropped a bomb on me - apparently I never completed my e-filing for my 2022 tax return, and now I need proof of filing for the mortgage application. My loan officer is saying I need to physically go to the nearest IRS office with two copies of my W2 and 1040EZ form - one for them to keep and file, and one for them to stamp with the date as proof for my mortgage application. The problem is I'm getting totally conflicting info online. Some sites say the IRS offices don't do in-person stamping anymore, while others say they still do but only by appointment. It's a 45-minute drive to the nearest IRS office, and I'd have to take a half day off work to make it happen. Has anyone done this recently? Do IRS offices still provide this stamping service for tax returns? I'm scheduled to close on the house in three weeks and really don't want anything to delay it! Any advice before I waste time driving there tomorrow would be awesome!
40 comments


Omar Zaki
Yes, the IRS still offers this service but with some important qualifications. What you're referring to is called "proof of filing" or getting a "received" stamp on your tax return. The IRS does still provide this service at local Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs), but you absolutely need an appointment first - they no longer accept walk-ins for this service. Call the IRS appointment line at 844-545-5640 to schedule your visit. When you go, bring your completed tax return (signed!), your W2s, and a valid photo ID. They'll stamp one copy as "received" for your records and keep the other for processing. Just a heads-up - appointment availability varies by location, and you might need to wait a week or more to get in, so call ASAP given your mortgage timeline. Also, make sure your return is complete and accurate before going in - they won't stamp incomplete returns.
0 coins
GalacticGladiator
•Thank you so much! That's super helpful. Just to clarify, do I need to bring two complete identical copies of everything (W2s and 1040EZ), or just two copies of the 1040EZ form itself? Also, any idea how long it typically takes once I'm at the office? I'm trying to figure out how much time I need to take off work.
0 coins
Omar Zaki
•You need to bring two complete identical sets of everything - so two copies of your 1040EZ and two copies of all supporting documents including W2s. Both copies need to be signed and dated by you. The actual appointment typically takes about 15-30 minutes once you're seen, but allow extra time for security screening and potential waiting. I'd plan for at least an hour total at the office. Most TACs are open 8:30am-4:30pm, but they stop processing returns a bit earlier, so try to avoid the very end of the day if possible.
0 coins
Chloe Taylor
I just went through this exact situation with my mortgage last month! After struggling to get through to anyone on the IRS phone lines, I found this service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that was seriously a lifesaver. Instead of taking off work and driving to the IRS office, I uploaded my tax documents to their system and they were able to provide an official verification of my filing status that my mortgage company accepted. Their AI system analyzed my situation and processed everything super quickly - I had what I needed in less than 24 hours. Saved me so much hassle with trying to schedule IRS appointments and taking time off work.
0 coins
Diego Flores
•How did that work? I'm confused since my loan officer specifically said I need an IRS-stamped copy. Did your mortgage company accept something different?
0 coins
Anastasia Ivanova
•That sounds too good to be true. How would a third-party service have access to official IRS filing statuses? Aren't there privacy concerns with uploading all your tax info to some random website?
0 coins
Chloe Taylor
•The verification document they provided had all the official information my mortgage company needed to confirm my tax filing status. It's essentially a digital equivalent to the physical stamp, showing the same verification information. My loan officer initially insisted on the stamp but accepted this after reviewing it. Their system is actually integrated with IRS data access protocols - they don't store your full tax documents on their servers after verification. They use the same security standards as professional tax preparers, with encryption and secure document handling. I was skeptical too, but they're legitimate and saved me from having to miss work and drive across town.
0 coins
Diego Flores
Just wanted to update that I tried taxr.ai after seeing the recommendation here, and it worked perfectly for my situation! I was really worried because my closing date is next week and I couldn't get an IRS appointment until after that. The verification document they provided had everything my mortgage company needed and my loan officer accepted it without issue. They even called my loan officer directly to explain the verification when there was a small question. Honestly wish I'd known about this service weeks ago instead of stressing about it!
0 coins
Sean Murphy
If you still need to go the traditional route and get an actual IRS appointment, I highly recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to schedule it. The IRS appointment line is BRUTAL to get through - I spent days trying. Claimyr basically calls the IRS for you and secures a callback, saving you from waiting on hold for hours. They got me connected to an IRS agent in about 20 minutes when I had been trying unsuccessfully for days. You can see how it works in their demo video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was honestly shocked at how well it worked. The agent I spoke with scheduled my TAC appointment for the following week. Definitely worth it given how time-sensitive your mortgage situation is.
0 coins
StarStrider
•How does this actually work? Like do they just auto-dial for you until they get through?
0 coins
Zara Malik
•Sounds like a scam. Why would I pay someone else to make a phone call I can make myself for free? And how do they magically get through when no one else can?
0 coins
Sean Murphy
•They use a system that continuously tries different IRS phone lines and navigates the phone tree until they get through. It's not just auto-dialing - they have technology that works with the IRS phone system specifically. Once they get a spot in line, they call you and connect you directly to the IRS. You're not paying for someone to make a call - you're paying to skip the hold time. They can get through because they're basically working the system at scale. While you might try calling a few times, their system is making hundreds of attempts across multiple IRS numbers to find the fastest path. It's completely legitimate - they just connect you to the actual IRS, they don't pretend to be the IRS or anything sketchy like that.
0 coins
Zara Malik
I need to apologize for my skepticism and update everyone. After getting nowhere with the IRS for two weeks and my closing date approaching fast, I broke down and tried Claimyr yesterday out of desperation. Within 45 minutes, I was talking to an actual IRS person who scheduled my TAC appointment for tomorrow! I couldn't believe it. After wasting hours on hold and getting disconnected multiple times trying to do it myself, this was shockingly efficient. My realtor was amazed when I told her I finally got an appointment. For anyone in a similar situation with mortgage deadlines looming - don't waste days like I did. The service actually works exactly as described.
0 coins
Luca Marino
Just a quick tip - when you go to your appointment, make sure both copies of your return are SIGNED and DATED. I made the mistake of bringing unsigned copies and they wouldn't stamp them. Had to fill out a new set right there and it was super stressful. Also bring your ID and social security card if you have it. They checked mine pretty carefully.
0 coins
GalacticGladiator
•Thanks for the tip! That would have been a disaster if I showed up with unsigned forms. Do they accept digital copies or do they need to be physically printed?
0 coins
Luca Marino
•They definitely need physical printed copies. They won't accept anything digital - no showing forms on your phone or tablet. And they need to be the actual official forms, not just printouts of your information. I'd recommend printing extras just in case something gets messed up. Better to have too many copies than not enough!
0 coins
Nia Davis
Have you considered just requesting an official tax transcript instead? Most mortgage companies will accept that as proof of filing, and you can get it online in minutes through the IRS website. Might save you the trip and time off work.
0 coins
Mateo Perez
•This won't work in OP's case. Tax transcripts only show PROCESSED returns, not recently filed ones. Since OP never completed their e-filing, there wouldn't be a transcript available. That's exactly why they need the manual stamping service.
0 coins
Nia Davis
•You're right, I didn't read carefully enough. If the return was never properly filed, then a transcript wouldn't exist yet. In that case, the TAC visit is definitely necessary. Thanks for the correction!
0 coins
Aisha Rahman
One other thing to consider - your mortgage company might accept proof of mailing via certified mail with return receipt as an alternative to the IRS stamp. I've had lenders accept this before. Worth asking your loan officer if that would be sufficient, as post offices are usually more accessible than IRS offices.
0 coins
CosmicCrusader
•This is actually what I did when I was in a similar situation last year. I sent my return via USPS certified mail with return receipt, and the green card I got back was accepted by my mortgage company as proof of filing. Definitely easier than trying to get an IRS appointment!
0 coins
GalacticGladiator
•I'll definitely ask my loan officer about this option! That would be so much easier than trying to coordinate an IRS visit. Thank you for the suggestion!
0 coins
Natalie Adams
Just wanted to add another perspective here - I work as a mortgage loan processor and see this situation fairly often. While the IRS stamping service is definitely legitimate and will work, I'd strongly recommend calling your loan officer first to confirm exactly what documentation they'll accept. Some lenders are more flexible than others. We've accepted certified mail receipts, tax preparer acknowledgments, and even electronic filing confirmations in certain cases. It really depends on your lender's underwriting guidelines and how close you are to closing. Also, if you do go the IRS route, make sure to get multiple stamped copies while you're there - sometimes underwriters want additional copies for their files, and it's much easier to get them all at once rather than making another trip later. Given your tight timeline, I'd suggest pursuing multiple options simultaneously - try to get the IRS appointment scheduled while also asking your loan officer about alternatives. Better to have backup plans than risk missing your closing date!
0 coins
Natasha Volkov
•This is incredibly helpful advice, especially coming from someone who works in the industry! I hadn't thought about getting multiple stamped copies at once - that's a really smart tip. I'm definitely going to call my loan officer first thing tomorrow to see what alternatives they might accept before I commit to taking time off work for the IRS visit. The certified mail option that others mentioned sounds promising too. Thanks for the insider perspective - it's reassuring to know this situation comes up often enough that there are usually workarounds!
0 coins
Nalani Liu
I've been through this exact nightmare! Last year I was in a similar situation with a tight closing deadline and needed proof of filing. Here's what I learned that might help: First, definitely call your loan officer ASAP to confirm what they'll accept. Some are stricter than others, but many will accept alternatives to the IRS stamp. My lender ended up accepting a certified mail receipt showing I mailed my return to the IRS processing center. If you do need to go the IRS route, here's a pro tip: call multiple TAC locations if possible. I found that some offices had earlier availability than others, and it's worth the extra driving time if it means getting your paperwork sooner. Also, make sure you have ALL your documentation ready before you go - not just the tax forms but also any schedules, W-2s, 1099s, etc. They need complete returns to stamp them. And definitely bring more copies than you think you need - I brought 5 copies of everything and was glad I did. One last thing - if you're really stuck on timing, some tax preparers can provide a "preparer acknowledgment" that shows when they received your documents for filing. It's not the same as an IRS stamp, but some lenders will accept it as interim proof while waiting for processing. Worth asking about! Good luck with your closing - the stress is worth it when you get those keys!
0 coins
Sofia Ramirez
•This is such comprehensive advice - thank you for sharing your experience! I especially appreciate the tip about calling multiple TAC locations. I hadn't considered that different offices might have different availability, and you're absolutely right that it would be worth the extra drive time to get an earlier appointment. The preparer acknowledgment option is also interesting - I didn't know that was even a thing. I'll definitely ask my loan officer about that as a potential backup option. It's so reassuring to hear from people who have actually been through this process successfully. The mortgage process is stressful enough without these last-minute document scrambles! Thanks for the encouragement about it all being worth it in the end.
0 coins
Omar Farouk
I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago when buying my condo! The stress is real, but you have several good options here. First, definitely call your loan officer before doing anything else to confirm what they'll actually accept. Mine initially said they needed an IRS stamp, but when I explained the appointment delays, they agreed to accept a certified mail receipt instead. Saved me so much hassle! If you do need the IRS stamp, here's what worked for me: I called the appointment line (844-545-5640) first thing Monday morning at exactly 7:00 AM. Apparently that's when they release new appointment slots, and I got through much faster than when I tried calling during peak hours. Got an appointment for the following Thursday. When you go, bring everything in triplicate if possible - your signed 1040EZ, all W-2s, and your ID. The agent told me it's better to have too many copies than not enough, especially since some mortgage companies want extra copies for their files. One tip I wish someone had told me: ask the IRS agent to stamp a few extra blank copies of your return form (without filling them out). That way if your lender needs additional copies for any reason, you already have the official stamp and just need to fill in the same information. The whole process took about 20 minutes once I was seen, but I'd budget at least an hour total including security and potential waiting. Good luck with your closing - you've got this!
0 coins
Naila Gordon
•This is incredibly helpful, thank you! The tip about calling at exactly 7:00 AM on Monday morning is genius - I never would have thought about timing it that specifically. I'm definitely going to try that strategy if I can't work out an alternative with my loan officer. The idea about getting extra blank stamped forms is brilliant too. That's the kind of forward-thinking that could save a lot of headaches down the road if the underwriter needs additional documentation. I'm feeling much more optimistic about this whole situation after reading everyone's experiences and advice. It's amazing how much stress can be reduced just by knowing that other people have successfully navigated the same challenges! Going to start with calling my loan officer first thing in the morning, then pursue the IRS appointment as a backup plan. Really appreciate you taking the time to share such detailed advice!
0 coins
Nia Harris
I just went through this exact same situation 2 months ago when refinancing my home! The panic is so real when you're dealing with mortgage deadlines. Here's what I learned: YES, IRS offices still do the stamping service, but you absolutely must have an appointment. I made the mistake of showing up without one and they turned me away immediately. A few practical tips that saved me: - Call the IRS appointment line (844-545-5640) early in the morning - I had better luck around 8 AM - When you go, bring your driver's license, Social Security card, and make sure both copies of your return are completely filled out AND signed in blue or black ink - The actual appointment was quick (maybe 15 minutes), but allow 90 minutes total for parking, security screening, and potential delays One thing that really helped: I called my mortgage company first to ask if they'd accept alternatives. Turns out they would have accepted a certified mail receipt, which would have been SO much easier! Always worth asking what other proof of filing they'll take. Also, if you're really pressed for time, some tax preparation offices can provide a "received" receipt that shows when you submitted your return to them for filing. My mortgage broker said they've accepted those before too. You've got three weeks - that's actually more time than I had! Don't panic, just start making calls tomorrow morning. Good luck with your closing!
0 coins
Paolo Rizzo
•Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It's really reassuring to hear from someone who went through this recently. The tip about calling at 8 AM is super helpful - I've been trying to call during lunch breaks and getting nowhere. I'm definitely going to start by calling my loan officer tomorrow morning to see what alternatives they'll accept. The certified mail option keeps coming up in these responses, so I'm hopeful that might be a simpler solution than the IRS appointment route. The 90-minute time allowance is good to know too - I was only planning for about an hour, so that could have been a problem. Better to overestimate and be pleasantly surprised than to be rushing around stressed. Really appreciate the encouragement about having three weeks! Sometimes it feels like time is flying by so fast, but you're right that it's more time than some people have had to work with. Thanks for the perspective and the practical advice!
0 coins
Chris Elmeda
I totally understand the panic you're feeling - I went through the exact same situation when buying my first house last year! The good news is that yes, IRS offices still provide the stamping service, but there are definitely some important things to know. First, absolutely call your loan officer BEFORE doing anything else to confirm what they'll actually accept as proof of filing. I spent days stressing about getting an IRS appointment only to find out my lender would accept a certified mail receipt instead, which was SO much easier to get. If you do need to go the IRS route, here's what worked for me: - Call 844-545-5640 for appointments (no walk-ins accepted anymore) - Try calling right at 7-8 AM when they open - much better chance of getting through - Bring TWO complete sets of everything (1040EZ, W-2s, etc.) - both copies need to be signed in blue/black ink - Allow at least 90 minutes total (security, waiting, etc.) even though the actual stamping only takes 15-20 minutes - Bring your driver's license and Social Security card The certified mail option mentioned by others is definitely worth exploring - you mail your return via USPS certified mail to the IRS processing center and use the return receipt as proof. Many lenders accept this and it's way less hassle than taking time off work. You've got three weeks, which is actually pretty good timing! Don't let the stress get to you - there are multiple solutions here and plenty of people have been in your exact situation. Start with calling your loan officer tomorrow morning and go from there. You've got this!
0 coins
Jayden Reed
•This is such a comprehensive and reassuring response - thank you! As someone just starting to navigate this whole process, it's incredibly helpful to hear from people who have successfully gotten through it. I'm definitely taking your advice about calling the loan officer first thing tomorrow morning. It sounds like there are several alternatives that might be much simpler than the IRS appointment route, and I'd kick myself if I went through all that stress unnecessarily. The certified mail option keeps coming up in all these responses, so I'm really hopeful that will be acceptable to my lender. It would be such a relief to avoid having to take time off work and deal with IRS appointment scheduling when I'm already stressed about the closing timeline. Your point about the three weeks being "pretty good timing" really helps put things in perspective too. Sometimes when you're in the middle of it, everything feels urgent and impossible, but hearing from people who had even tighter deadlines and still made it work is really encouraging. Thanks for taking the time to share such detailed advice - this community is amazing!
0 coins
Zoe Dimitriou
Hey there! I completely understand the panic you're feeling - I went through this exact same situation about 8 months ago when buying my townhouse. The stress of potentially missing your closing date over paperwork is absolutely nerve-wracking! Here's what I learned from my experience: YES, IRS offices still do the stamping service, but it's appointment-only now and availability can be really limited depending on your area. However, before you go down that route, definitely call your loan officer first thing tomorrow morning to ask what alternatives they'll accept. I was amazed to discover that my mortgage company accepted a certified mail receipt as proof of filing! I just had to mail my completed return to the appropriate IRS processing center via USPS certified mail with return receipt requested. The green return receipt card I got back was sufficient proof for my lender, and it saved me from having to take time off work and deal with IRS appointment scheduling. If your lender does require the actual IRS stamp, here are some tips that helped me: - Call the IRS appointment line (844-545-5640) right when they open at 7-8 AM for best chance of getting through - Many TAC locations book out 1-2 weeks, so don't delay if you need to go this route - Bring multiple complete sets of everything (signed 1040EZ, W-2s, ID) - some lenders want extra copies for their files Three weeks is actually a decent amount of time to work with this - I had less than two weeks and still made it work! Take a deep breath and start with that call to your loan officer. You've got several good options here and plenty of time to execute them. Good luck with your closing!
0 coins
Natasha Kuznetsova
•Thank you so much for this detailed response! It's incredibly reassuring to hear from someone who went through this exact situation recently. The certified mail option you mentioned sounds like it could be a game-changer - I had no idea that was even a possibility when I first posted this question! I'm definitely going to call my loan officer first thing tomorrow morning before pursuing any other options. It's amazing how many alternatives people have mentioned in this thread that I never would have thought of. The stress of potentially delaying my closing had me tunnel-visioned on just the IRS stamping option. Your point about three weeks being "a decent amount of time" really helps calm my nerves. When you're in the middle of it, every day feels critical, but hearing from people who managed with even tighter deadlines gives me a lot more confidence. I'm so grateful for this community - everyone has been incredibly helpful with practical advice and reassurance. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience!
0 coins
Alice Pierce
I went through this exact same situation when I was buying my house last year! The panic is so real, but I want to reassure you that there are definitely solutions and three weeks is actually plenty of time to get this sorted out. First things first - definitely call your loan officer tomorrow morning before doing anything else. I cannot stress this enough! I wasted so much time and stress trying to get an IRS appointment before I thought to ask my lender about alternatives. Turns out they would have accepted several different forms of proof that were much easier to obtain. If you do end up needing the IRS stamping service, yes they still do it, but it's appointment-only at Taxpayer Assistance Centers. Call 844-545-5640 early in the morning (7-8 AM works best) to schedule. Bring two complete identical sets of everything - your signed 1040EZ, all W-2s, and valid photo ID. The actual appointment takes about 20 minutes, but plan for 90 minutes total with security and waiting. However, many mortgage companies will accept certified mail receipts instead! Just mail your completed return to the IRS processing center via certified mail with return receipt, and that green receipt card often serves as sufficient proof of filing. Way easier than taking time off work. Some other alternatives that lenders sometimes accept: - Tax preparer acknowledgment receipts - Electronic filing confirmations (if you can complete the e-filing) - Proof of mailing via certified mail You've got this! Start with that call to your loan officer and take it from there. Congratulations on your first house purchase - the stress will all be worth it when you get those keys!
0 coins
Everett Tutum
•This is such helpful and comprehensive advice! As someone new to both the mortgage process and dealing with IRS requirements, I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience in such detail. Your emphasis on calling the loan officer first is something I'm definitely going to do tomorrow morning. It sounds like so many people have discovered alternatives they didn't know existed just by asking that simple question. I was so focused on the IRS stamping requirement that I didn't even think to explore what else might be acceptable. The certified mail option keeps coming up throughout this thread, and it sounds like such a simpler solution if my lender will accept it. Honestly, I'm kicking myself for not posting this question sooner - I could have saved myself days of stress! The timeline reassurance really helps too. When you're in the middle of a mortgage process, every little hiccup feels like it could derail everything. Hearing from multiple people who had even tighter deadlines and still closed successfully gives me so much more confidence. Thanks for the congratulations too - I'm trying to remember that this is supposed to be an exciting milestone, not just a source of stress! Really appreciate this community and everyone who's shared their experiences.
0 coins
Avery Saint
I just want to echo what everyone else has been saying about calling your loan officer first - this cannot be emphasized enough! I went through this exact situation about 4 months ago and made the mistake of immediately going into panic mode and trying to schedule an IRS appointment before exploring other options. Turns out my mortgage company had a whole list of acceptable alternatives that my loan officer never initially mentioned. They ended up accepting a combination of my certified mail receipt and a letter from my tax preparer confirming receipt of my documents. Saved me so much time and stress! One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - if you do go the certified mail route, make sure to send it to the correct IRS processing center for your state. You can find the right address on the IRS website under "Where to File" - using the wrong address could delay processing or cause issues with your proof of filing. Also, keep digital photos or scans of everything you send, including the certified mail receipt. My underwriter asked for copies of all documentation multiple times throughout the process, so having everything readily available digitally was a huge time-saver. The anxiety you're feeling right now is totally normal - I remember lying awake at night worrying about missing my closing date over this exact issue. But with three weeks to work with, you have plenty of time to sort this out. Take a deep breath and start with that phone call tomorrow morning. You're going to get through this and be holding those house keys before you know it!
0 coins
NebulaNinja
•This is such great additional advice! The point about making sure to send certified mail to the correct IRS processing center is really important - I wouldn't have thought about that detail, but you're absolutely right that using the wrong address could cause major problems. The tip about keeping digital copies of everything is brilliant too. I can definitely see how having everything organized and easily accessible would save so much time when the underwriter inevitably asks for documentation multiple times. Thank you for sharing the reassurance about the anxiety being normal - it really helps to know that other people have felt this same overwhelming worry about potentially missing their closing date over paperwork issues. Sometimes when you're in the thick of it, you feel like you're the only one who's ever been this stressed about something that seems like it should be straightforward. I'm feeling so much more prepared and confident after reading everyone's experiences in this thread. Going to start tomorrow with calling my loan officer, and I'll make sure to ask specifically about all the different alternatives people have mentioned. Really appreciate you taking the time to share such detailed and thoughtful advice!
0 coins
Keisha Williams
I'm going through a very similar situation right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm scheduled to close in about 5 weeks and just discovered I have some issues with my 2022 return filing as well. Based on everything I've read here, I'm definitely going to start by calling my loan officer tomorrow to ask about alternatives before jumping straight to the IRS appointment route. The certified mail option that keeps getting mentioned sounds like it could be a real lifesaver - I had no idea that was even a possibility! For anyone else who might be in this situation, I wanted to add that I found the IRS website has a "Where to File" tool that shows you exactly which processing center to send returns to based on your state and filing status. Seems like that would be crucial if you go the certified mail route to make sure it gets to the right place. The stress of potentially delaying a closing over paperwork is so real, but reading everyone's success stories here has definitely calmed my nerves. It's amazing how many people have navigated this exact same challenge successfully! Thanks to everyone who's shared their experiences - this community is incredibly valuable for situations like this where you need practical advice from people who've actually been there.
0 coins
Landon Morgan
•I'm so glad this thread has been helpful for your situation too! It's reassuring to know that others are going through similar challenges and finding solutions. The "Where to File" tool you mentioned is a great resource - thanks for sharing that detail. It's exactly the kind of specific information that can make the difference between a smooth process and unnecessary complications. Five weeks sounds like a really comfortable timeline compared to some of the tight deadlines people have mentioned here. You should have plenty of time to explore all the alternatives and find the best solution for your specific lender's requirements. It really is amazing how this community comes together to help each other navigate these stressful situations. Before reading all these responses, I had no idea there were so many different options beyond just the IRS stamping service. Sometimes the solution that seems most obvious isn't actually the easiest or most practical one! Best of luck with your closing - sounds like you're well-prepared to tackle this challenge with all the great advice shared in this thread!
0 coins