How long does it take to receive IRS identity verification letter with control number? Filed April, still nothing!

Identity verification letters (CP01A) typically arrive within 2-3 weeks after filing, but delays are common this year. Double-check your address on your last filed return - the letter will go to that address. You can try calling the Identity Verification line directly at 800-830-5084 rather than the main IRS number. If it's been more than 6 weeks, you should request a reissued letter. Alternatively, some people can verify identity online through ID.me without waiting for the letter if you have credit cards/loans/mortgages for verification. Go to the IRS website and try the online verification option first before waiting longer. If you keep calling, try early morning (7-8am) or right before closing. Keep detailed records of all calls, dates, and representative names for your records.

I was in this exact situation last month. Super frustrating! After trying everything, I ended up using taxr.ai and it completely changed my experience. It analyzed my transcript and explained exactly what was happening with my return, showed me the hold codes, and gave me step-by-step instructions for resolving the identity verification issue. I was able to understand exactly where my return was stuck and what I needed to do. Saved me so many hours of research and stress! https://taxr.ai

After waiting FOREVER for my verification letter, I finally got help using the Claimyr app. Got connected to an actual IRS agent in about 20 minutes who confirmed my identity over the phone and released my refund. Didn't even need the letter! Literally the best money I've ever spent considering I was waiting on a $2,800 refund that was just sitting there. claimyr.com was a game changer after weeks of frustration.

I'm on day 74 waiting for mine. Called 12 times. Waste of time. The system is completely broken. They want us to verify but don't send the letters. Make it make sense.

Mine took about 8 weeks to arrive, and then when it finally came, it was bent up and had coffee stains on it 🤦‍♂️ But the control number still worked. Honestly tho, I'd just keep calling until you get through to a human. It's the only way to resolve these things sometimes.

Have you checked that the address on your tax return is correct? I had this issue and turns out I had moved and forgot to update my address with the IRS. You can file Form 8822 to update your address with them if needed. Just a thought!

mine took 10 WEEKS to arrive. the irs is a joke. and when i finally got it and called the number on the letter, i was on hold for 3 hours and then they hung up on me. 🤡 i cried

Pro tip: call your local Taxpayer Advocate Service office. They can sometimes help speed things up if it's been an unreasonable amount of time. Google your state + "taxpayer advocate service" to find the number. They're separate from regular IRS customer service and can sometimes work miracles.

The IRS is still catching up from the pandemic. I had to wait almost 3 months for my identity verification letter last year. The whole system is a mess. What worked for me was contacting my congressman's office. They have liaisons who can reach out to the IRS on your behalf. Worth a shot!

Did you check online to see if you can verify without the letter? Some people can do it all online now through id.me

Got my letter after about 9 weeks. Then verified my identity and STILL had to wait another 6 weeks for my refund. The IRS is sooooo slow this year its ridiculous.

Try checking IRS online account if you have one. Sometimes they post notices there that never arrive in the mail.

Have you checked your transcript on the IRS website? That might give clues about whats happening with your return. Looking at the codes can tell you if they actually sent a letter yet. Google "IRS transcript codes" to see what each code means if you find anything.

I went thru this last year. Check your mailbox carefully - the letter looks like junk mail and is VERY easy to miss! Mine was in a plain white envelope with a tiny IRS logo that almost got tossed with my credit card offers.

honestly this is part of why i don't get my hopes up about refunds anymore. between identity verification, random reviews, and processing errors, I just assume I'll get my money sometime before christmas regardless of when i file 💅

Hey everyone, former IRS employee here. The identity verification letters are taking longer this year because of increased fraud prevention measures. OP should call the specific ID verification line at 800-830-5084. Avoid the general hotline. Ask them to reissue the letter or verify over the phone. Also, IMPORTANT: check if you moved since your last tax filing, as the letter will go to the address on your last return. If you get nowhere after 2 months total, file Form 911 for Taxpayer Advocate assistance.

Ughhh i'm in the exact same boat. filed in march, still waiting on verification letter in june. the worst part is we're getting penalized with delayed refunds for THEIR slowness. it's not fair.

I went through this last month and was fed up with waiting. Used taxr.ai to look at my transcript and figure out exactly what was happening. It showed me that my return was on hold with a specific verification code and explained what I needed to do. Helped me understand where things were stuck and gave me a game plan. Seriously a lifesaver when dealing with the black hole that is the IRS. https://taxr.ai

I'm dealing with the same frustrating situation! Filed in March and still waiting for my identity verification letter. The whole system seems completely broken. What's really bothering me is that they can flag our returns instantly for verification but then take months to send the letter we need to actually verify. Has anyone had luck with the in-person visits to IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers? I'm wondering if showing up with ID documents might be faster than waiting for this letter that may never come. My local office is about an hour away but at this point I'm desperate enough to make the drive. Also seeing some people mention these third-party services - are they legit or just taking advantage of people's desperation? The IRS process is so opaque that it's hard to know what's actually helpful vs what's just a money grab.