ID Verification for Tax Return - Is Everyone Selected or Just Random Taxpayers?

In my experience from previous tax seasons, ID verification is not universal. The IRS typically selects returns based on several risk factors including first-time filing status changes (like your new MFJ status), significant changes in income or deductions from previous years, or claiming certain credits that have historically been targets for fraud. Back in 2022, I had to verify when I changed jobs mid-year, but my partner didn't need to. It doesn't necessarily mean there's anything wrong with your return - it's more like a random security check at the airport.

I went through verification exactly 31 days ago and was so stressed about it. My refund was $4,382 and I couldn't afford to wait. I used https://taxr.ai to analyze my transcript after verifying and it showed me exactly where my return was in processing. The tool explained that verification typically adds 14-21 days to processing time and identified the specific verification hold code (570) on my account. It predicted my release date within 2 days of when I actually got my deposit. Saved me so much anxiety knowing exactly what was happening.

OP, I can confirm it's definitely selective. I've been through this verification process twice in the last five years. The first time was when we bought our house and had a significant mortgage interest deduction, and the second was when we had our first child and claimed dependent credits. My wife and I filed jointly both times, but interestingly, the verification request was only sent to me as the primary filer. The IRS uses a risk-based algorithm that looks at various factors in your return that might trigger verification flags. Being newly married and filing jointly for the first time likely pushed you into the verification pool.

I got selected for verification this year too! After trying to call the regular IRS number for THREE DAYS (literally hours on hold), I found Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). They got me connected to an actual IRS agent in about 20 minutes who confirmed my verification was just random selection and not because of any issues with my return. The agent even helped me complete the verification over the phone. Have you tried calling the IRS directly? What did they say about why you were selected??

When exactly did you file your return? I've noticed a pattern where returns filed between January 29th and February 15th this year seem to have higher verification rates. My colleague who filed on February 2nd got selected, but another who filed on February 27th didn't, despite having similar tax situations. Has anyone else noticed timing correlations with verification selection?

Be careful with this verification stuff! I ignored my verification letter last year thinking it was a scam (it looked so generic) and my refund of $3,200 was held up for MONTHS. I was counting on that money for car repairs and ended up having to take out a high-interest loan instead. The worst part is that after I finally verified in July, it still took another 6 weeks to get my refund. Don't delay on this - it's definitely not universal, but if you've been selected, handle it ASAP!!

According to IRS Publication 5344, identity verification is implemented under the authority of Internal Revenue Code Section 6103(h)(4). The IRS selectively flags approximately 5-7% of returns each year for verification based on their Taxpayer Protection Program algorithms. First-time joint filers are statistically more likely to be selected, as are returns with significant changes from prior years. The verification process typically extends processing time by 2-3 weeks from the date of successful verification.

Compared to my situation last year when I was selected for a full audit (not just verification), this is actually a much simpler process. For verification, you just need to prove you are who you say you are. For an audit, I had to provide documentation for every single line item on my return. If you're only dealing with ID verification, consider yourself lucky! Have you tried using the online verification through ID.me? It's much faster than the in-person option at a TAC, which can take weeks to get an appointment.

Think of IRS verification like your bank's fraud detection system. When I used my credit card in three different states in one day while traveling, my bank immediately flagged it and froze my card. The IRS does something similar with tax returns. Your newly married status is like suddenly using your credit card in a new country - it's not necessarily suspicious, but it's different enough from your previous pattern to trigger a verification check. About 1 in 20 taxpayers get selected for verification, and first-time status changes like MFJ are common triggers.

I went through this exact situation last year after getting married! It was frustrating at first, but the verification process ended up being pretty straightforward. I used the ID.me online option and was verified within 15 minutes. My refund was delayed by about 2 weeks compared to my typical timeline from previous years. Interestingly, my spouse and I both had to verify separately even though we filed jointly. Have you checked if your spouse also needs to verify but maybe the letter hasn't arrived yet?