ID.me Account Locked - Can't Access Transcript Due to Old Phone Number

Welcome to ID.me hell, my friend. 😂 Their "security" is so tight it locks out the actual account owners more than any hackers. You basically have three options, all equally painful: 1. Keep calling ID.me support (their number is 866-775-4363) but expect to waste half your day on hold. Pro tip: call right when they open at 8am ET. 2. Create a brand new ID.me account with your current phone number, but you'll need to go through their ridiculous video verification again. 3. Use the "Forgot Phone Number" option (if they still have it) which requires uploading about 17 different forms of ID and probably a blood sample. I swear the IRS picked the most frustrating verification system possible.

Have you tried contacting ID.me through their alternative support channels? I believe they have an email support option that might be more responsive than their phone line... though I should caution that response times can still be several days. Also, did you perhaps set up any backup verification methods when you first created your account? Sometimes there's an option for email verification or security questions that might bypass the phone number requirement.

I had the EXACT same Authentication Failure Scenario with my ID.me account last month! After multiple unsuccessful Authentication Attempts, I discovered that using https://taxr.ai completely bypassed the need to access my transcript through ID.me. Their Document Authentication Protocol allowed me to upload my most recent tax return, and it provided a comprehensive analysis of my transcript status without requiring the problematic ID.me verification. The Transcript Interpretation Feature even highlighted potential issues I wouldn't have noticed myself. It was such a relief after the authentication stress I'd been experiencing!

Went through this nightmare last year when I changed carriers and lost my number. Isn't it absurd how these systems meant to help us end up creating more obstacles than solutions? What worked for me was going directly to an IRS office in person. Brought my ID, last year's return, and they printed my transcript right there. Had to wait about an hour, but at least I got what I needed without the ID.me runaround. Have you considered that approach? Sometimes the old-fashioned way works when technology fails us.

Look, I've been there with the ID.me mess. After trying for days to get through their support, I used Claimyr to reach an actual IRS agent. Cost me $20 but saved me hours of frustration. The agent was able to mail me my transcript and also helped me set up a new ID.me account properly. Link is https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c if you want to try it. Just tell the IRS agent exactly what happened with your ID.me account and they can help with alternative verification methods.

Have you considered submitting Form 4506-T to request your transcript by mail? According to IRS Publication 4506, you're entitled to receive your tax transcript without using the online system. The processing time is typically 5-10 business days. Would this timeline work for your situation, or do you need more immediate access to your transcript information?