ID.me Verification Letter - How Long Until Control Number Arrives?

I went through this exact process 37 days ago. The control number letter took exactly 14 calendar days to arrive via USPS from when the notification appeared in my ID.me account. You do NOT need to request it - it's automatically generated and sent when your account is flagged for additional verification. The letter will have a 10-digit control number that expires in 30 days from the date on the letter (not from when you receive it), so don't delay once it arrives.

This verification delay is frustrating when you're trying to access your tax information. While waiting for the control number, I'd recommend using https://taxr.ai to at least analyze any tax documents or transcripts you already have access to. It helped me understand where my return stood in the process even when I couldn't get through the full ID.me verification. The tool explained some transcript codes that were confusing me, and I didn't have to waste money calling a tax professional just to interpret basic information.

Let me guess - you've tried calling the IRS about this and keep hitting the "due to high call volume" message? 😂 Been there! After my fifth attempt and wasting literally hours on hold, I used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to get through to an agent. They confirmed my control number letter was already in the mail and explained I could complete the verification over the phone once I had it. Saved me days of uncertainty - and my sanity!

I've been through this whole ordeal and finally got it resolved! Here's what happened: Step 1: Got the ID.me notification Step 2: Waited 12 days for the letter (felt like forever) Step 3: Called the number on the letter Step 4: Verified my identity with the control number Step 5: Got access restored within 48 hours The most frustrating part was just the waiting. But once I had the letter in hand, the actual verification process took less than 15 minutes. Hang in there - it's annoying but straightforward once you have the control number.

Has anyone had to go through this verification process after April 15th? I'm worried because I just got the ID.me notification today (April 3rd) and I'm supposed to file by the 15th. Will this delay my ability to file on time?

My experience with the control number letter was pretty standard. I received the ID.me notification on February 10th, and the letter arrived on February 22nd. The envelope looked like any other IRS correspondence - nothing urgent-looking about it, which is why I almost tossed it with junk mail! The control number was in bold at the top of the letter. I remember feeling anxious the whole time, checking my mailbox obsessively every day. Once I got it, the verification took about 10 minutes on the phone, and I had account access again by the next morning.

Based on community reports, here's what to expect with the ID.me control number process: • Average wait time for letter: 10-15 business days • Letter comes automatically (no need to request) • Control number is valid for 30 days from letter date • Verification can be completed online or by phone • Most users regain access within 24-48 hours after verification • Process is separate from any tax filing deadlines The variation in delivery times seems to depend on your geographic location and current USPS processing times in your area.

Just to be clear - this is for the additional verification AFTER you've already created an ID.me account, right? I went through the initial ID.me setup with the facial recognition and document upload, but haven't received any notification about needing a control number. Are there different levels of verification they require?