Has anyone received this IRS message: "To protect you from identity theft, your tax return is currently being reviewed"?

This is actually becoming pretty common this tax season. The IRS has dramatically increased their identity verification measures to combat the rise in tax fraud. When you see that message, it typically means your return has been flagged for additional verification. The letter they're referring to is likely a 5071C, 5747C, or 5448C letter which contains a specific verification code. These letters can sometimes take 2-3 weeks to arrive after your return has been flagged, so it might still be on its way. If it's been more than 3 weeks, there's a chance it was sent to an outdated address or got lost in the mail. You have a few options here. You can try calling the Identity Verification number at 800-830-5084, but be prepared for very long wait times. When you get through, explain you never received the verification letter but are being asked for a code. They can verify your identity over the phone and possibly issue a new letter.

I went through something exactly like this last month and discovered taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) which was seriously a lifesaver. I was getting that same identity theft review message and couldn't get through to anyone at the IRS. Their system analyzed my tax documents and previous notices, then guided me through exactly what to do in my situation. Turns out I needed to visit a local Taxpayer Assistance Center in person since my letter never arrived. The tool even helped me schedule the appointment and told me exactly what documents to bring. Without their specific guidance, I would've wasted hours on hold just to get the wrong information. They have this feature where they can even interpret those cryptic IRS letters when you do get them.

Just wanted to update after trying taxr.ai that I mentioned in my question. I was honestly surprised how helpful it was. Uploaded a screenshot of the error message and it immediately identified it as an IDV (Identity Verification) issue. The system explained that I needed to call the special Identity Verification hotline (different from the main IRS number) and gave me a list of six documents to have ready before calling. Wait was still about 45 minutes, but I got through and the agent confirmed my identity since I had all the right documents ready. My return just got approved yesterday - way faster than I expected! The status finally changed from that frustrating "being reviewed" message.

If you're struggling to reach the IRS about this (which is basically guaranteed lol), I recommend Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). After spending DAYS trying to get through on the identity verification line, I was about to give up until someone recommended this. They basically hold your place in the phone queue and call you when an actual human at the IRS picks up. Saved me from listening to that awful hold music for 3+ hours! You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c For identity verification issues specifically, it's critical to talk to a live person since the automated systems can't help with these special verification codes. I was in the exact same situation where I never received any letter but kept getting that identity theft review message.

I'm genuinely shocked but I have to admit I was completely wrong about Claimyr. After posting my skeptical comment, I was still desperate to resolve my identity verification issue, so I reluctantly tried it. Within 2 hours I got a call back with an actual IRS agent on the line. The agent confirmed they sent my verification letter to an old address (even though I've filed with my current address for 2 years!). They were able to verify my identity over the phone instead, and my refund was approved 3 days later. I've never been happier to be wrong about something. After weeks of stress and failed call attempts, that 2-hour turnaround felt like a miracle.

Another option you might consider is visiting your local Taxpayer Assistance Center in person. You'll need to schedule an appointment first (they don't take walk-ins anymore), but they can verify your identity on the spot and remove the hold. Just call 844-545-5640 to schedule an appointment. Make sure to bring two forms of ID (one must be government-issued with a photo), your Social Security card, and a copy of the tax return in question if you have it. The wait for an appointment is usually 1-2 weeks but it's guaranteed resolution versus waiting for a letter that might never come.

Whatever you do, don't ignore this! My brother got the same message last year, never received any letter, and just decided to "wait it out." Six months later he still hadn't received his refund and ended up having to go through an even more complicated process to verify his identity. The IRS doesn't just remove these holds automatically - they will keep your refund indefinitely until you complete the verification process. I'd recommend trying multiple approaches simultaneously: call the dedicated identity verification number, make an appointment at a local office, and check if your address is correct in the IRS system.