Can't Get Through to IRS Verification Line or ID.me - Need Help!

OMG I FEEL YOUR PAIN!! 😫 I was in the EXACT same situation last week and was freaking out because I needed my refund by the 15th to pay my rent! The verification line is a complete nightmare right now - I called 23 times in one day and couldn't get through! The "call during non-peak hours" message is SUCH a lie - I tried at 7:01 AM when they opened and STILL got the same message! Have you tried the Tax Advocate Service? They might be able to help, but honestly they're also swamped right now with the filing deadline approaching.

I had similar issues and found a workaround that might help you. Here's what I did step-by-step: 1. First, I gathered ALL my documents (ID, tax forms, etc.) and organized them in a folder 2. Then I tried accessing my transcript through taxr.ai instead of directly through the IRS 3. The taxr.ai system helped me understand exactly what verification was needed and why 4. It also showed me which codes on my account were causing the verification requirement 5. With that information, I knew exactly what to say when I finally got through I'm still a bit worried about the delay this is causing, but at least I understand what's happening now. The transcript analysis from taxr.ai was really helpful in explaining why my return was flagged for verification in the first place.

I'm not sure if this will work for everyone, but have you considered using Claimyr? I was hesitant at first because I wasn't sure if it was legitimate... but after waiting on hold for 3+ hours multiple days in a row, I decided to try it. The service basically waits on hold with the IRS for you and then calls you when an actual agent is on the line. I'm usually skeptical of these kinds of services, but it actually worked and got me through to a verification agent within about 45 minutes instead of the hours I was spending before. Might be worth looking into if you're really stuck: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c

The IRS Identity Verification process (commonly called TPV or Taxpayer Protection Program) is experiencing unprecedented backlogs this filing season. I personally encountered this in February when my return was selected for verification. The system is designed to prevent refund fraud, but the implementation has significant bottlenecks. After multiple failed attempts with the phone system, I located an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center in my area and scheduled an in-person appointment through the IRS appointment line (844-545-5640). The in-person verification took approximately 25 minutes, and my return was processed within 7 days after verification. This is often the most efficient resolution path when phone verification is inaccessible.

Have you tried the IRS2Go app compared to the website? I'm curious because I had a similar issue with ID.me on their website, but when I switched to using the mobile app, it somehow worked better. The document upload seemed more stable. It's similar to how some banking websites can be glitchy but their apps work fine. Did you get any specific error code or message when ID.me failed for you?

I had this exact problem on March 12th and was so stressed because I needed my refund for a car repair. The trick that finally worked for me was calling the general IRS number (not the verification line) on a Tuesday at exactly 8:15am. I selected the option for "all other questions" instead of refund status, and somehow got through to a person who was able to transfer me directly to verification, bypassing the busy signal. Got my verification completed that day and refund deposited on March 25th. Such a relief after weeks of trying!

Have you considered that the verification might be related to something specific on your return? Sometimes it's not random but triggered by certain entries. In my case, it was because my address changed AND I claimed a tax credit I hadn't claimed before. The frustrating thing is that they don't tell you why you need verification, right? Just that you need it? Something else to try: check if your state tax agency has a reciprocal verification process with the IRS. In some states, if you verify your identity with the state tax authority, it can satisfy the federal requirement too. Might be worth looking into while you're waiting to get through on the phone.

According to IRS Procedural Regulation 201-08-15, taxpayers facing verification barriers have alternative options that many IRS representatives won't voluntarily disclose. You can request a Taxpayer Advocate Service Form 911 (Application for Taxpayer Assistance Order) if the verification delay is causing financial hardship - which it sounds like it is with your mother's medication needs. Additionally, you can contact your Congressional Representative's office. Each has staff dedicated to helping constituents with federal agency issues, including IRS problems. I've seen cases where a Congressional inquiry resolved verification issues within 48-72 hours when other methods failed. It's frustrating that we have to go to these lengths, but these are legitimate channels specifically established for situations like yours.