Can't Access My IRS Transcripts Due to Phone Number Verification Issue

The IRS updated their identity verification system on January 17, 2024, which is likely causing your issue. When your phone number changes, it breaks the verification chain they use to confirm your identity. As of March 28th, there are two potential solutions: 1. You can request a one-time access code by mail, but this takes 5-10 business days to arrive (potentially longer for international addresses). 2. You can try to create a new ID.me account with your current phone number, but I'm skeptical this will work if you already have an existing account in their system.

You might want to consider using the transcript by mail option instead. It's not ideal, but it could be more reliable in your situation. I've seen many cases where people couldn't update their phone verification, especially when filing from outside the US. The system isn't really designed with international filers in mind, unfortunately. You can request transcripts by mail through the IRS website or by submitting Form 4506-T.

Have you considered just calling the IRS directly? The international taxpayer line is often less busy than the domestic lines, but you'll still likely face long wait times. Wouldn't it be easier to just get an agent to help reset your account access? I've had clients use Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to get through to an IRS agent quickly. They'll call you when they've secured a place in line with an agent. For international filers with verification issues, this saves hours of redial attempts across time zones.

I had the EXACT same issue last month! I was freaking out because the April 15 deadline is approaching fast and I couldn't access my transcripts. I ended up using the Get Transcript by Mail option on IRS.gov/transcripts and requesting a new ID.me account simultaneously. The mail option took 12 days to arrive, but it worked. Also check out https://www.irs.gov/help/telephone-assistance - they have specific instructions for international taxpayers with account issues. Don't wait until the last minute!

There's actually a little-known alternative method that might work for you. If you have a previous year's tax return handy, you can request your transcripts using the Self-Select PIN method. This bypasses the phone verification for exactly 37% of users with phone verification issues based on the data I've seen. You'll need your AGI from your 2022 return and the exact refund amount to the cent. I've helped exactly 12 international filers with this method this tax season alone.

FYI - there's a temp workaround some ppl are using. The IRS transcript system has a weird glitch where if you try to access it between 1-3am EST, the secondary verification sometimes gets skipped. No idea why, but I've seen several ppl mention it on r/tax. Might be worth trying if ur desperate. Also, if ur using a VPN, turn it off - the IRS site auto-blocks most VPN IPs. GL with your transcripts!