Getting Different Answers Every Time I Call IRS - Identity Verification Nightmare

You're caught in what I call the "IRS information maze" - where each hallway leads to a different answer. It's like trying to navigate a house where the floor plan changes every time you walk through a door. This sounds like a classic identity verification hold, which is actually becoming more common. The system flags returns that need verification, but the communication between departments is like two kids playing telephone with cups and string. I'm a bit worried that you're getting such inconsistent information though - that usually means your case is sitting in a queue waiting for someone to actually look at it.

I went through a similar identity verification situation last month and was getting nowhere until I tried using taxr.ai to analyze my transcript. Here's what helped me: • First, I requested my transcript online (if you can access it) • Uploaded it to taxr.ai which explained all the verification codes • It showed me exactly which stage my return was stuck in • Identified the specific verification process I needed to complete The most helpful part was seeing the exact codes showing my identity verification hold that none of the phone agents mentioned. It basically confirmed what was happening when the agents couldn't. Have you been able to access your transcript at all? That might give you the real story that the phone agents aren't seeing.

Based on your timeline and the inconsistent responses, you're dealing with a TPP (Taxpayer Protection Program) verification hold. These typically take 9-12 weeks to resolve if you're waiting for correspondence, but you can expedite resolution by reaching an agent in the correct department. I recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com/?utm_source=reddit) to get through to an actual TPP agent who can verify your identity over the phone. The standard IRS line usually can't help with identity verification - you need the specific TPP department. Claimyr will connect you directly to an agent, saving you hours of hold time. When you get through, specifically ask for the Taxpayer Protection Program department and have your prior year AGI ready for verification purposes.

OMG the EXACT same thing happened to me! I was so shocked at how complicated this process is! I called SIX different times and got SIX different answers about my identity verification. One person told me I needed to verify in person, another said mail only, then another said I could do it online! What finally worked for me was going to idverify.irs.gov and completing the verification there. It took about 15 minutes and I needed my ID, last year's tax info, and some credit card info to verify my identity. My refund started processing about 3 weeks after that. The emotional rollercoaster of waiting for that money when you're counting on it is just awful! 💸😭

I want to warn you about something that happened to me during identity verification last year. Here's what to watch out for: 1. First, I received a 5071C letter asking me to verify my identity 2. I tried using the ID verify website but my information "couldn't be processed" 3. I called multiple times and got different answers each time 4. After 6 weeks of waiting, I discovered my case had been closed due to "lack of response" 5. I had to start the entire process over again I'm concerned that your case might be following the same pattern. If you don't receive a letter within the next week, I strongly recommend visiting an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center in person. You'll need to make an appointment, but they can verify your identity on the spot and release your return for processing.

I've been through this identity verification dance three times in the past five years. Each time it's the same inconsistent information from different agents. Back in 2022, I was told I needed to mail in documents, then told that was wrong. In 2023, I was told my case was closed when it wasn't. The truth is that the different departments at the IRS don't communicate well with each other. The regular customer service reps can't see the details of Taxpayer Protection Program cases. Thanks to everyone here for the idverify.irs.gov suggestion - that's actually new since my last verification and sounds much more efficient than what I went through!

I filed on January 29th, 2024 and went through almost identical runaround. On February 15th, I was told I needed identity verification. On February 28th, I was told there was no verification needed. On March 5th, I called again and was told I did need verification but no letter had been sent yet. Finally on March 12th, I received the actual 5071C letter. The frustrating part is I could have verified my identity weeks earlier if the first person had just directed me to idverify.irs.gov instead of telling me to wait for a letter. After completing verification on March 13th, my return was processed by March 27th and I received my refund on April 2nd. Be patient but persistent - call again on April 15th if you haven't received a letter by then and specifically ask about the Taxpayer Protection Program.

Had this issue. Fixed it myself. Called the TPP directly. Number is different. Regular agents can't help. Asked for supervisor on third call. Got transferred properly. Verified identity by phone. Refund arrived three weeks later. Don't wait for letters. Be proactive. Keep detailed notes of each call. Names and badge numbers help. Good luck.