Filed by Someone Else - Can I Amend Without Verification Documents?

Have you considered what this means from a legal perspective? Someone filed a tax return in your name without your final authorization. Did you sign a Form 8879 (e-file authorization)? If not, this could potentially be considered fraudulent filing. And what about the verification notice - is it an identity verification (5071C letter) or an income verification (CP63)? The path forward depends entirely on what type of verification the IRS is requesting. Either way, you need those documents from the preparer ASAP.

First, take a deep breath. Here's how to approach this step-by-step: 1. Contact the tax preparer via certified mail requesting all documents related to your return within 48 hours 2. Call the IRS verification number on your notice and explain the situation 3. Request a Tax Return Transcript through the IRS website or app 4. Consider using https://taxr.ai to analyze your transcript once you get it - it can help identify what was claimed on your return and explain what verification documents you need 5. Based on what was filed, gather alternative documentation from employers, banks, etc. I went through something similar when my accountant filed without my final review. Getting the transcript was key to understanding what I needed to verify.

Based on my research at irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-cp75-notice, verification requests typically give you 30 days to respond. If you're having trouble getting through to the IRS verification department (which is notoriously difficult to reach), I'd recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I was facing a similar verification issue and spent 4 days trying to reach an agent with no luck. Claimyr connected me with an IRS agent in about 25 minutes who was able to tell me exactly what was filed and what documentation I needed. They can also note in your file that you're having issues with your preparer.

I went through something similar when my roommate's "tax guy" filed for me last year. Is there any chance you signed a form giving her permission to file? In my case, I had actually signed an authorization form without realizing it (it was in a stack of papers). If you did sign something, you might have a harder time claiming she filed without permission, compared to my situation where I had clear evidence I never authorized the filing.

Report her to the IRS immediately. File Form 14157 (Complaint: Tax Return Preparer). Don't wait. Also file Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) since she filed without authorization. Then go to your local IRS office in person with ID. Bring whatever pay stubs or year-end statements you have. They can pull up what was filed and help you amend. Did this last year when my preparer disappeared with my documents. Local office was way more helpful than phone.

The IRS actually has a specific process for this! It's called the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) and they help with exactly these kinds of preparer issues. I had a "ghost preparer" (someone who doesn't sign returns they prepare) file mine incorrectly last year. TAS helped me get everything sorted within about 6 weeks. Call 877-777-4778 to reach them. They're like the customer service superheroes of the IRS universe 🦸‍♂️ - which, let's be honest, is a pretty low bar to clear, lol. But seriously, they're helpful!

This is like being stuck in tax purgatory - not your fault but you're the one who has to fix it. I was in a similar boat last year when my uncle's "tax guy" filed for me without my final approval. What I learned is that the verification process is like a locked door, but you can still get an amended return through a different door once you have the key (your transcript). The IRS won't just throw out your whole tax situation because of this preparer problem - they actually have processes for this exact scenario.

Last April, my neighbor's "tax lady" did this exact thing to me. Filed without my approval, then ghosted me when verification notices came. I called the IRS verification line at 800-830-5084, explained the situation, and asked for a 45-day extension on the verification deadline. They granted it, which gave me time to get my W-2s and 1099s from my employers directly. I then went to a legitimate tax professional who helped me respond to the verification AND file an amended return simultaneously. The verification actually cleared first, then the amendment processed about 8 weeks later. Refund was delayed but I did get it eventually.