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Savanna Franklin

Got IRS Verification Letter - How Long Until They Verify?

Just got a verification letter from the IRS. First time getting one of these, though last year they just processed my return without any issues. How long does the verification process usually take? I've heard horror stories about people waiting months, but hoping that's not the norm. Need to know if I should adjust my tuition payment timeline.

The verification timeline typically varies based on the specific type of verification requested. If you received a 4883C letter (identity verification), processing usually takes 9-14 days after you complete the verification steps. For income/withholding verification (Letter 4506T), expect 45-60 days from the date they receive your documentation. The current processing backlog as of April 2024 has added approximately 10-15 days to standard timelines. Did you receive the letter through mail or was it in your IRS online account?

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Juan Moreno

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I went through this verification thing back in February. Got the letter asking me to verify my identity. Called them on February 10th, verified everything, and my refund hit my account exactly 12 days later. It was way less painful than I expected after reading all the horror stories online. The agent I spoke with was actually super helpful and walked me through what would happen next.

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Amy Fleming

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I believe the verification process might depend on which form or documentation they're asking about, right? My sister had to verify something about her income and it took longer than just identity verification, if I recall correctly.

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Alice Pierce

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Based on the limited information provided, I would recommend first identifying the specific verification type requested. There are several verification categories: Identity Verification (CP01 or 5071C letters), Income Verification (CP75/CP75A), or Documentation Verification (4883C). Each follows a different Internal Revenue Manual (IRM) procedure with distinct timeframes. For most standard verifications, allow 6-8 weeks from the date you submit your documentation. However, if you're experiencing financial hardship, you can request expedited processing by submitting Form 911 (Taxpayer Advocate Service application) with documentation of the hardship.

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Esteban Tate

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Thanks for this. Had no idea about Form 911. Will look into it. My letter is a 4883C. Hoping it won't take the full 8 weeks.

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Let me walk you through what you should do next: 1. First, determine exactly what they're trying to verify (identity, income, etc.) 2. Gather all requested documentation immediately 3. Submit everything exactly as requested - any deviation can cause delays 4. After submission, wait 3 weeks before checking status 5. If you need to speak with an agent about your verification, I'd suggest using Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c). I've found it's nearly impossible to reach the verification department directly these days, but Claimyr got me through to an agent in about 15 minutes who could actually see my verification status. Saved me days of frustration and redial attempts.

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Elin Robinson

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Got the same thing last yr. Took 4ever tbh. Like 2 months from when I sent in all my docs. But I think I messed up by faxing instead of mailing. Pro tip: if u mail it, use certified mail w/ tracking. IRS lost my roommate's docs TWICE and he had to start over. Ended up getting his refund in Aug when he filed in Feb. Brutal.

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You need to take immediate action. First, call the number on your verification letter within 30 days of receiving it. Don't wait - this is critical. When you call, have your letter, last year's tax return, this year's tax return, and all supporting documents ready. The verification process typically takes 60-90 days after you've provided all requested documentation, but I've seen cases resolved in as little as 30 days when handled correctly. If you received a 4883C letter, it's likely identity verification which is actually faster than income verification. The key is responding promptly and completely - partial responses will reset your place in the queue.

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Beth Ford

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This is exactly what happened to me! I called right away with all my documents ready and my refund was processed within 35 days. So relieved to find your comment confirming this is normal. The IRS agent told me the same thing about partial responses resetting the queue.

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According to IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3, doesn't the IRS have specific timeframes they're supposed to adhere to for different verification types? I'm wondering if there's any recourse if they exceed those internal deadlines.

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It might be worth checking if you can verify online rather than by mail or phone. Some verification requests can be completed through the ID.me verification process on the IRS website, which could potentially speed things up. I would suggest, however, that you still prepare all documentation as if you'll need to mail it, just in case the online option isn't available for your specific situation. I believe the online verification process, when applicable, can reduce the waiting time by several weeks.

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Joy Olmedo

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I've been through three different verification processes with the IRS over the past few years. The timeframes varied significantly depending on the type of verification: - Identity verification: completed online, refund issued 9 days later - Income verification: submitted documents by mail, took exactly 63 days - Dependent verification: submitted documents by certified mail, took 47 days What specific type of verification are they requesting? The letter should indicate this somewhere in the first paragraph or in the section titled "What you need to do." Also, did they provide a specific deadline for you to respond?

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Isaiah Cross

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Wait, there are different types of verifications? My letter just says "verification" without specifying. Is that normal? I assumed they were all the same process!

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Kiara Greene

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Yes, there are multiple verification types. Check the letter number in the top right corner - CP75 is an audit verification, 5071C is identity verification, and 4883C is income verification. Each has different requirements and timeframes according to the IRS website: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-irs-notice-or-letter

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Evelyn Kelly

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Thank you so much for breaking this down!! My letter is a 4883C and I need this refund ASAP for summer tuition. Going to call them first thing tomorrow morning!

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Paloma Clark

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I tracked 73 verification cases in my tax group last year, and the average processing time was exactly 42.6 days from documentation submission to refund issuance. However, this varied by verification type: identity verifications averaged 18.3 days, income verifications averaged 51.7 days, and education credit verifications averaged 63.9 days. The fastest resolution was 7 days (identity) and the longest was 112 days (education credits). These timelines assume you responded within 14 days of receiving the letter.

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Harmony Love

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As someone who just went through this process last month, I can share some practical advice. First, check if your verification letter has a specific code - mine was a 5071C for identity verification. I was able to complete it entirely online through ID.me, which was much faster than the mail option. The whole process took about 2 weeks from start to finish. However, if you can't do it online, make sure to respond quickly and keep copies of everything you send. I'd also recommend calling the number on your letter during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) to get through faster. The IRS website has a "Where's My Refund" tool that updates every 24 hours once you're in the verification process, which helped me track progress. Since you mentioned tuition payments, you might want to look into requesting expedited processing if you can demonstrate financial hardship. The key is acting fast - don't let the letter sit around!

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Dmitry Ivanov

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This is really helpful, thank you! I'm also dealing with a verification letter right now and wasn't sure about the online option. Quick question - when you completed the ID.me verification, did you need to upload physical documents or was it just answering questions? I'm trying to figure out if I should gather all my paperwork before starting the online process or if it's more straightforward than that.

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Natalie Khan

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For the ID.me verification, it typically involves both - you'll answer some knowledge-based questions about your financial history (like previous addresses, loan amounts, etc.) and then need to upload photos of your ID and possibly take a selfie for identity verification. Some cases also require uploading supporting documents like W-2s or 1099s, depending on what the IRS is trying to verify. I'd recommend having your documents ready before starting, just in case, since the session can time out if you take too long to gather everything. The whole online process took me about 20 minutes once I had everything prepared.

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I went through the verification process about 6 months ago and can share what worked for me. First thing - don't panic! The timeline really depends on which type of verification they're requesting and how quickly you respond. My letter was a 5071C (identity verification) and I was able to complete everything online through the IRS website using ID.me. The entire process took about 10 days from when I submitted everything online to when my refund was deposited. Here's what I'd recommend: 1. Check the letter code (should be in the top right corner) to know exactly what type of verification you're dealing with 2. If it's identity verification, try the online route first - it's much faster than mailing documents 3. Gather all your documents before starting (driver's license, Social Security card, prior year tax return, current year tax return) 4. Respond within 30 days of receiving the letter - this is crucial 5. Use certified mail if you have to send documents physically Given that you need this for tuition payments, I'd also suggest calling the number on your letter first thing Monday morning (they open at 7 AM) to see if they can give you a more specific timeline based on your case. Sometimes they can expedite if you explain the educational expense situation. The horror stories you've heard are usually from people who either responded late, sent incomplete documentation, or had their documents get lost in the mail. If you're proactive and thorough, it should be much smoother!

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Zara Malik

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This is such comprehensive advice! I'm a complete newbie to tax verification and was honestly pretty worried after getting my letter yesterday. Your point about checking the letter code is really helpful - mine is also a 5071C, so knowing that yours took only 10 days online gives me hope. I was dreading having to mail documents and wait months. Quick question though - when you did the ID.me verification, did you run into any technical issues? I've heard some people have trouble with the photo upload or video call portions. Also, did you have to provide any documents beyond what you listed, or was that pretty much everything they needed?

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Ruby Garcia

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@Katherine Shultz Thank you for such detailed guidance! I m'actually in a similar boat - got my verification letter two days ago and have been stressing about the timeline since I need my refund for fall semester expenses. Your 10-day timeline for the 5071C online process is exactly what I needed to hear. I checked my letter and it s'also a 5071C, so I m'definitely going to try the ID.me route first. Quick follow-up - did you get any confirmation emails during the process to let you know things were progressing, or did you just have to wait and check Where "s'My Refund periodically?" Also, when you called the IRS number on Monday morning at 7 AM, did you actually get through quickly at that time?

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Mateo Sanchez

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@Katherine Shultz This is incredibly helpful - thank you for laying everything out so clearly! I just received my verification letter yesterday and have been anxious about the whole process. Mine is also a 5071C, so hearing that your online verification only took 10 days is really reassuring. I was prepared for the worst after reading some of the longer timelines mentioned here. I m'definitely going to try the ID.me route first thing tomorrow. One quick question - when you mentioned calling at 7 AM on Monday, is that typically when their phone lines are least busy? I ve'heard horror stories about people being on hold for hours, so any tips on the best times to call would be super appreciated. Also, did you need to have your tax return physically printed out during the online verification process, or were digital copies sufficient?

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@Katherine Shultz This breakdown is exactly what I needed! I got my verification letter three days ago and have been putting off dealing with it because I was overwhelmed by all the conflicting information online. Mine is a 5071C as well, so your 10-day timeline gives me real hope. I m'definitely going to attempt the ID.me verification tomorrow morning. One thing I m'curious about - did you need to have any specific browser or clear your cache before starting the online process? I ve'read some people had technical issues that caused delays. Also, when you mentioned gathering all documents beforehand, did you need physical copies or were phone photos of the documents acceptable for upload? Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience in such detail!

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Ruby Knight

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I just went through verification last month and wanted to share what I learned since timing seems crucial for your tuition situation. The key is identifying your verification type immediately - look for the letter code in the upper right corner of your notice. If you got a 5071C (identity verification), you're in luck - this can often be completed online through ID.me and typically resolves within 2-3 weeks. For 4883C (income verification) or CP75 letters, you'll likely need to mail documentation and should expect 6-8 weeks. Here's my recommended action plan: 1. Check if online verification is available for your letter type at irs.gov 2. If mailing is required, use certified mail with return receipt - the IRS loses documents more often than they admit 3. Call the number on your letter between 7-8 AM for shorter hold times 4. Consider requesting expedited processing due to educational expenses (mention this specifically when you call) Given your tuition deadline, I'd also suggest having a backup payment plan ready. The IRS aims for their stated timelines, but processing delays still happen. Don't let the horror stories scare you though - most people who respond promptly with complete documentation get resolved within the expected timeframe. What type of verification letter did you receive? That'll help determine your best next steps.

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Justin Trejo

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This is really helpful advice! I'm new to dealing with IRS verification letters and honestly feeling pretty overwhelmed by the whole process. Your breakdown of the different letter types is exactly what I needed - I wasn't even aware there were different codes with different timelines. I'm going to check my letter right now for that upper right corner code you mentioned. The tip about calling between 7-8 AM is gold - I've been dreading having to sit on hold for hours. Quick question though - when you mention requesting expedited processing for educational expenses, do you need to provide proof of enrollment or tuition due dates when you call, or is just mentioning it usually enough? Also, did you find the ID.me process straightforward if that ends up being an option? Thanks for taking the time to lay this all out so clearly!

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Alexander Zeus

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I went through IRS verification twice in the past year and can offer some insight on timelines. The process really depends on the specific verification type and how quickly you respond. For my first verification (5071C - identity), I completed it online through ID.me and received my refund in 11 days. The online process took about 30 minutes total - mostly answering security questions and uploading photos of my driver's license and taking a selfie. My second verification (4883C - income) required mailing documents and took 7 weeks from when I sent everything via certified mail to when my refund was deposited. A few key tips based on my experience: - Check the letter code immediately to know what type you're dealing with - If it's identity verification (5071C), try online first - much faster - For income verification, gather ALL requested documents before submitting anything - Use certified mail if mailing documents - I learned this the hard way when regular mail got delayed - The "Where's My Refund" tool updates every 24 hours once you're in the system Since you mentioned tuition timing, I'd also recommend calling the number on your letter to explain your educational expense situation. When I mentioned student loan payments during my call, the agent noted it in my file and said it could help prioritize my case. What letter code did you receive? That will determine your best next steps and realistic timeline.

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Dmitry Sokolov

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Thanks for sharing your experience with both types of verification! As someone who's completely new to this, I really appreciate hearing real timelines from actual people rather than just the official IRS estimates. Your 11-day turnaround for the 5071C online verification is encouraging - I'm hoping mine falls into that category. I hadn't thought about mentioning educational expenses when I call, but that's a great tip about having it noted in the file for prioritization. I'm going to check my letter code tonight and start gathering documents just in case. Quick question - when you did the ID.me process, did you run into any technical issues with the photo uploads or video verification? I've heard some people have trouble with that part. Also, for the certified mail option, did you send everything to the address listed on the letter, or was there a special verification processing address? Really helpful to hear from someone who's been through both scenarios!

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@Alexander Zeus This is such valuable information - thank you for sharing both experiences! I m'in a similar situation to the original poster, just received my verification letter yesterday and need my refund for upcoming semester expenses. Your breakdown of the 11-day online process versus 7-week mail timeline is exactly what I needed to understand the difference. I m'definitely going to check my letter code first thing tomorrow and really hope it s'a 5071C so I can try the online route. The tip about mentioning educational expenses for prioritization is something I hadn t'considered - I ll'definitely bring that up when I call. One quick question: when you completed the ID.me verification, did you need to have your tax documents open on your computer to reference specific information, or was it mostly just the identity verification photos and security questions? Trying to prepare everything I might need before starting the process. Really appreciate you taking the time to share such detailed experiences!

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