ID Verification Appointment Question - Filed 1/29, Still Waiting for Letter

Based on my experience from the 2022 filing season when I had to verify my identity, TACs (Taxpayer Assistance Centers) absolutely require appointments for identity verification. I learned this the hard way after driving 45 minutes to my nearest location only to be turned away. You'll need to call 844-545-5640 to schedule an appointment. When I went through this, I had to wait almost 3 weeks just to get an appointment slot, though that might vary by location. The IRS is notorious for delays with these verification letters. Last year, they told me 10 days and it took over a month to arrive. Their systems just don't keep up with their promises.

You might be able to verify online. Skip the appointment hassle. Try ID.me verification through the IRS website. Worked for me. Much faster than waiting. No driving needed. Worth a shot before making appointments. The online system is available 24/7. Just need your ID and a smartphone with camera.

I went through exactly this situation last tax season. Called the IRS appointment line precisely 17 times over 3 days and couldn't get through to schedule my verification appointment. Processing delays cost me exactly $213 in late fees on bills I was counting on my refund to cover. I finally used Claimyr (https://www.claimyr.com) to get through to an IRS agent in about 22 minutes. They scheduled my appointment for the following week. The whole verification process took exactly 11 minutes at the TAC office, and my refund was deposited exactly 9 days later. The $24.99 I spent on Claimyr saved me from at least another week of calling and waiting.

I had to do identity verification in February. Here's what happened: I received the letter on February 3rd, scheduled an appointment for February 15th, and brought my driver's license, social security card, the tax return copy, and the letter itself. The IRS agent verified everything in about 20 minutes. My refund was processed exactly 14 days later. One important thing - I asked if I could've come without the letter and they said yes, but it would've been more complicated. They can look up that you need verification in their system, but having the letter speeds things up. Don't wait for the letter if you know you need verification.

Don't wait for the letter at all! I went through this exact nightmare last year. The IRS told me they sent a letter. Waited 6 weeks. Nothing came. I finally gave up waiting and called the appointment line (844-545-5640). Told them I never got my letter but needed to verify. They booked me anyway! When I went to my appointment, I just explained I never received the letter. They looked me up in their system, saw I needed verification, and proceeded normally. My refund was released 8 days later. The letters are so backed up it's ridiculous! I actually received mine TWO MONTHS after my verification was complete and refund received. What a joke.

It seems like the consensus here is that you should probably call for an appointment rather than attempting to walk in. I've heard from several colleagues that the TACs are generally quite strict about the appointment policy, though there might be some variation depending on your local office. As for documentation, it would be advisable to bring perhaps more than you think you'll need. This would likely include: your government-issued photo ID, social security card, copies of your current tax return, possibly previous years' returns, any correspondence you've received from the IRS (even if not the specific verification letter), and utility bills or other proof of address. The verification process itself is usually relatively straightforward once you're actually at your appointment, from what I understand. The real challenge appears to be securing that appointment in the first place.