Filed on 2/3 - Got IRS Identity Verification Notice - Do I Need to Wait for Letter?

You might be able to verify without waiting for the letter, but it depends on a few factors. The IRS typically uses the ID.me system for online verification, which you can access through the IRS website. However, I should mention that not all verification requests can be handled online - some do require the letter code. I would suggest checking your IRS online account first (if you have one set up) to see if there's a specific notice with instructions there. Sometimes the portal will have more details than what initially appears.

Try these options to verify without the letter: • Go directly to https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/identity-verification-for-irs-letter-recipients • Set up or log into your IRS online account • Check if you can verify through the "Where's My Refund" tool • Call the verification hotline at 800-830-5084 (sometimes they can verify you over the phone) I always budget as if my refund will be delayed. These verification notices add 9-12 weeks to processing time in my experience.

I went through this exact situation last month! Filed on January 8th and got the verification notice on the portal on January 22nd. I didn't wait for the letter - I went straight to the IRS website and used the ID.me verification system. Had to upload my driver's license, take a selfie video, and answer some questions about my credit history. The whole process took about 25 minutes, and my return started processing again immediately. My transcript updated 3 days later with a DDD (direct deposit date), and I received my refund exactly on that date. The system works surprisingly well once you figure it out!

Ah, the classic IRS "hurry up and wait" game! 🙄 Look, if you need this refund quickly for your mom's medical expenses, don't wait around for the postal service to eventually deliver that letter (which might get lost anyway, let's be honest). I was in a similar time crunch last year and spent DAYS trying to get through on the IRS verification line. Finally used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to get through to an actual human at the IRS. Worth every penny - connected me in about 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days. The agent was able to verify me over the phone and get my refund moving again. When you're caring for someone, time is literally money.

The CP01E notice (Identity Verification Request) actually has two distinct verification pathways. The online verification through ID.me is the primary method, but the secondary method requires the specific 5-digit PIN from the letter. I suggest attempting the online verification immediately through the Identity Verification Service portal. If the system indicates you need the letter PIN, then unfortunately you'll need to wait. According to current IRS processing metrics, verification letters are typically mailed 5-7 business days after the notice appears in your online account. Once verified, expect 9 weeks for processing completion per the Internal Revenue Manual guidelines.

Waiting for that verification letter is like watching paint dry while your house is on fire. I've been through this three times in the last five years. The first time, I waited patiently for the letter (big mistake). The second time, I called immediately and got it resolved in one day. The third time, I tried the online verification without the letter and it worked perfectly. The IRS verification system is like a maze where they keep moving the cheese - sometimes you need the letter, sometimes you don't. Try the online route first, then call if that fails. Just don't sit around waiting for a letter that might take weeks to arrive or get lost in the mail.

OMG I had this EXACT same issue last month! Filed Feb 1st, got the verify notice on the 15th. I freaked out bc I needed my refund ASAP for rent. Didn't wait for any letter - just went to irs.gov/verify and did the whole ID.me thing. Had to upload my ID and do a video selfie thing. Kinda weird tbh but it worked! My return started processing again literally that same day. Got my $$$ about 10 days later. Don't wait for that letter - try online first! Def worth a shot, right?