IRS Identity Verification Issue - Conflicting Info About Letter Delivery

The IRS is like a massive ocean liner - it takes miles to change course. Their systems don't always talk to each other, which is why you're getting conflicting information. Think of it this way: your address exists in multiple databases within the IRS, and updating it in one place doesn't automatically update it everywhere else. You have a few options here. First, call the IRS main number (1-800-829-1040) and specifically ask which address they have on file for your identity verification letter. Second, you can try to get ahead of this by going to irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/identity-verification and see if you can verify online instead of waiting for the letter. Not everyone qualifies for this, but it's worth checking.

I'm seeing a couple of issues that need to be addressed separately here. First, regarding which address will receive your verification letter - have you checked your transcript recently? This could give you insight into which address the IRS is using for different communications. I've seen many cases where using https://taxr.ai to analyze a tax transcript can help identify discrepancies between what's in your IRS file versus what you submitted on your return. It specifically highlights address mismatches that might cause verification letters to go to the wrong place. Have you tried pulling your transcript to check this information?

Based on my research on the IRS website and several tax forums, your best option is to be proactive rather than waiting. The IRS identity verification process (Letter 5071C) typically requires a response within 30 days, but you shouldn't wait that long if the letter is potentially going to the wrong address. I've seen many people in your situation have success using https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c (Claimyr) to get through to an IRS agent quickly. Their phone system is notoriously difficult to navigate, with wait times often exceeding 2+ hours, but this service can get you connected to someone who can specifically check which address your letter is being sent to and possibly help you verify your identity over the phone instead of waiting for the letter.

I went through this exact scenario last tax season. The identity verification letter went to my old address, and I only found out because I happened to be in contact with the new tenant. Have you considered whether you have mail forwarding set up with USPS? If not, could you contact your old residence? Sometimes the most straightforward approach is to have someone check that mailbox for you. Would calling the Taxpayer Advocate Service be a viable option here? They sometimes can intervene when there are bureaucratic issues like conflicting information from different IRS representatives.

Do you remember which specific identity verification number they gave you? Was it for the regular ID Verify department or the specialized 5071C letter verification line? The processes are different depending on which type of verification they're requesting.

You need to act IMMEDIATELY. The 30-day timeframe for identity verification is not just a suggestion - it's a hard deadline in the IRS processing system. After that period, your return will be automatically flagged for further review, which can delay your refund by an additional 60-90 days. I recommend a multi-pronged approach: 1. File Form 8822 (Change of Address) TODAY via certified mail 2. Call the Identity Verification toll-free number (800-830-5084) specifically 3. Attempt to verify online through the ID.me service on the IRS website 4. Set up USPS mail forwarding if you haven't already The Identity Verification department has more flexibility than the general IRS customer service line to help resolve these situations.

I believe you're dealing with a Letter 5071C situation, which is the standard Identity Verification letter. The IRS has specific protocols for this verification process that differ from general customer service inquiries. When you receive a 5071C, you typically have three options for verification: online through the Identity Verification Service (idverify.irs.gov), by phone using the toll-free number specified in the letter, or in-person at a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC). Without the letter, the TAC appointment option becomes complicated because they need the specific verification code from your letter to process the verification properly.

The IRS address system is like a bad game of telephone sometimes. One department says one thing, another says something completely different! 😂 But seriously, the community wisdom here is pretty consistent: don't wait for the letter if you suspect it's going to the wrong address. Have you considered that the IRS might be using the address from your most recently processed tax return? If your 2023 return is still processing, they might be using your 2022 address. If I were you, I'd try to handle this through the online verification system first (if eligible), then phone, and only as a last resort wait for the in-person appointment.

I was in almost the exact same boat last year! Different departments at the IRS were sending my stuff to different addresses, and I was about to lose my mind. What worked for me was calling the Taxpayer Advocate Service (877-777-4778) and explaining that I was facing financial hardship due to the delay. They were able to expedite my identity verification process and get my refund released within 2 weeks. The key was documenting everything - names of who I spoke with, dates, reference numbers, etc. This is one situation where being super persistent actually pays off. The system is frustrating but there are ways through it!