ID Verification Letter - Do Both Spouses Need to Attend In-Person Appointment?

Based on your situation, you've received a CP01H letter for Identity Verification. The IRS implements this procedure when their automated fraud detection systems flag a return for potential identity theft concerns. For MFJ returns, the IRS typically requires both taxpayers listed on the return to verify their identities, especially when both individuals' personally identifiable information is being authenticated. This is part of their TPP (Taxpayer Protection Program) protocols.

From my experience last tax season with this exact situation, there are actually three ways to verify your identity with the IRS: 1. Online through ID.me (if your letter offers this option) 2. By phone (though this can be very limited in what they can verify) 3. In-person at a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) If your letter specifically directs you to make an appointment, you might not qualify for the online option. As for your husband - yes, for joint returns where both spouses need verification, both typically need to be present. When I went through this in 2022, they were very strict about having both parties present with their original identification documents.

I actually just went through this whole mess in January! First, check your letter carefully - mine was a 5071C which gave me the option to verify online through ID.me. Saved me a trip to the TAC office. If online verification isn't an option, here's a tech workaround: If your husband absolutely can't make it to the appointment, you can sometimes request a Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) beforehand. I successfully did this when my partner was traveling for work during our verification window. The IRS website has the form available for download, and you'll need to submit it before your appointment. The online ID.me verification is pretty robust - uses facial recognition and document scanning technology to verify your identity remotely. Much better than sitting in the IRS waiting room!

Ugh, I went through this EXACT nightmare last year! Called the IRS number on my letter for THREE DAYS trying to get through to schedule an appointment. How is it possible they're still using a phone system from the 1990s?? 🤦‍♀️ Finally found out about Claimyr from another Reddit thread and it was a lifesaver! Used their service (https://claimyr.com) and they got me connected to an IRS agent in about 30 minutes instead of days of redialing. The agent confirmed that yes, both my husband and I needed to be at the appointment since we filed jointly. But at least I was able to schedule it for a time that worked for both of us! Worth every penny not to deal with the constant busy signals and disconnects.

I'm going to save you a ton of time and frustration. YES - both spouses need to verify for a joint return. No exceptions. I tried arguing this with them last year and got nowhere. The IRS won't process your return until both people on a joint return verify their identity. Period. BUT - there's good news! You don't necessarily have to go in person. Call the number on your letter (1-800-830-5084 if it's the standard ID verify letter) and ask specifically if you qualify for ID.me verification online. Sometimes the letter doesn't make this clear. I was FURIOUS when I found out I could have done it online after taking time off work for an appointment! 😡 If you must go in person, bring: - Both spouses - Photo ID for both (driver's license/passport) - Social security cards for both - Copy of the letter - Copy of the tax return in question Don't show up missing anything or they'll make you come back!

Call the number on letter. Ask about ID.me option. Worth trying first. Might avoid appointment. Both spouses needed for joint. No exceptions. Bring all docs. Photo IDs essential. SS cards too. Copy of return. Letter they sent. Appointment takes about 30 minutes. Go early. Parking can be bad. Good luck.

I went through this exact situation on February 8th, 2024. My wife and I filed jointly on January 15th and got the verification letter on February 2nd. Here's what you need to know: We both had to attend the in-person appointment that was scheduled for February 22nd. The IRS agent specifically told me on February 8th when I called that for joint returns, both taxpayers must verify their identities if the letter indicates this. There is no workaround for this requirement as of the 2024 tax season. The appointment itself took exactly 35 minutes, and we received our refund on March 12th - exactly 18 days after our verification appointment. The processing was surprisingly quick once we completed the verification.

According to IRS Publication 5027 (Identity Theft Information for Taxpayers), when a joint return is selected for identity verification, both taxpayers must complete the verification process as specified in the notice. This is mandated under Internal Revenue Code Section 6103(e) which governs disclosure of return information. However, there are exceptions under certain hardship conditions. If one spouse cannot physically appear due to documented medical conditions, military deployment, or residence outside the country, the IRS may make accommodations on a case-by-case basis. Have you checked if either of you qualifies for these exceptions?