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!

I'm dealing with a similar phone verification issue and wanted to share what worked for me. After weeks of frustration, I called the IRS Practitioner Priority Service line (even though I'm not a practitioner) and explained I was an international filer with account access issues. The agent was able to manually verify my identity using my previous tax returns and reset my account access without requiring phone verification. The key was having my Social Security card, previous year's tax return, and a utility bill ready when I called. The wait time was about 45 minutes, but it saved me from waiting weeks for mail delivery overseas. You might also want to try accessing your account early in the morning (around 6-7 AM EST) when the system load is lighter - I've noticed fewer verification errors during off-peak hours.

I've been through this exact nightmare! The phone verification system is absolutely broken for international filers. Here's what finally worked for me after 3 weeks of trying everything: 1. **Call the International Taxpayer Services line at (267) 941-1000** - they're specifically trained for overseas filing issues and can actually override the phone verification requirement. Best calling times are 6-8 AM EST. 2. **Have these documents ready**: SSN card, last year's return with exact AGI and refund amounts, and any documentation showing your current international address. 3. **Don't create a new ID.me account** - this will just create more problems in their system. The agents can reset your existing account once they verify your identity manually. 4. **Request a "manual account unlock"** specifically - use those exact words. This puts you in a different queue that bypasses the automated phone verification. The whole process took about 2 hours on the phone, but I got immediate access to my transcripts afterward. Much better than waiting weeks for mail delivery overseas. The agent also flagged my account so future logins won't require phone verification. Hope this helps - the international taxpayer line is definitely your best bet!