Filed Jan 22, Got ID Verification Letter March 1 - Keep Getting 'Call Back Later' When I Try to Call

If you've already completed the online verification successfully, you may not need to call in most cases. The IRS typically offers both options - online or phone verification - as alternatives rather than requiring both. However, I would suggest perhaps trying to call at different times of day, as the IRS call centers tend to be less busy early in the morning (right when they open) or later in the afternoon (about an hour before closing). It might also be worth noting that if your online verification was accepted, you should receive confirmation of this, and your return processing should resume within about 9-12 weeks from verification date.

Have you checked your tax transcript since completing the online verification? According to IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3, once identity verification is complete, the TC 570 hold should be released with a subsequent TC 571 within 9 weeks. The verification letter (typically CP01 or 5071C) is actually quite specific about whether you need to call or can complete verification online exclusively. Does your letter specifically state you must call in addition to online verification?

I had the EXACT same problem last month. Called that number 23 times over 5 days and kept getting the 'too busy' message. Finally used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) and got through in about 15 minutes. The agent confirmed my online verification was already showing in their system and I didn't need to call at all! Wasted all that time for nothing. The $20 was worth it just to stop the anxiety of wondering if I needed to do something else. Not sure why the IRS doesn't make this clearer on their letters.

I went through this exact process in February. Here's what worked for me: Step 1: Complete the online ID verification (which you've already done) Step 2: Take a screenshot of your confirmation page Step 3: Check your tax transcript about 7-10 days after verification Step 4: Look for code 971 followed by code 571 (this means the verification hold was released) Step 5: Expect processing to resume within 2-3 weeks after these codes appear In my experience, if you successfully completed the online verification, calling is completely unnecessary. The IRS is just overwhelmed right now and their systems don't always communicate well with each other. I never got through on the phone and still got my refund about 5 weeks after verification.

I'm somewhat skeptical about whether online verification alone is sufficient in all cases. The IRS Identity Verification Program (IVP) protocol technically requires different levels of verification depending on the risk assessment of your return. Category 3 and 4 verifications sometimes require both online AND telephone verification, particularly if certain high-risk elements were detected. Without seeing the specific letter type (CP01, LTR 4883C, 5071C, etc.) and the exact wording, it's difficult to determine if you truly need both verification methods or if one is sufficient.

According to the IRS.gov website (specifically the 'Understanding Your IRS Notice or Letter' section at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-irs-notice-or-letter), most identity verification letters offer verification options as alternatives, not requirements to do both. The key is looking at the specific wording in your letter. If it says "verify your identity online OR by phone," then completing the online portion through ID.me or the IRS portal is sufficient. Their phone systems are notoriously overloaded during filing season, which is why they offer the online option in the first place.

I believe I might be able to provide some helpful insight. I successfully navigated this exact situation about 3 weeks ago. After completing the online verification, I received an email confirmation, and approximately 12 days later, my tax transcript updated showing that processing had resumed. It seems that, in most cases, the online verification is sufficient, though there may possibly be certain circumstances where additional phone verification is necessary. My refund was deposited exactly 17 days after my transcript updated, which was a pleasant surprise given the typical processing timelines we often hear about.

Has anyone actually read these verification letters closely?! They're SUPER clear about whether you need to call OR verify online! I got so frustrated with this last year. The letter will say one of these things: 1. "Verify your identity online OR by phone" (either option works) 2. "Verify your identity online AND call the number below" (need both) 3. "Call the number below to verify your identity" (phone only) Look at your exact letter wording. 90% of these letters are type #1 where online verification is completely sufficient. The IRS isn't going to waste their limited phone resources if they don't have to!