IRS Identity Verification Letter - What to Expect When Calling?

Ugh, I went through this last year. It's a pain but not impossible. Here's what you need to do: 1. Gather all your documents: tax return, social security card, driver's license or passport. 2. Be ready to answer questions about your income and filing status. 3. When you call, tell them right away it's about identity verification. 4. They might ask for additional docs after the call, so be prepared for that. Good luck! The wait times can be brutal, but stay patient.

Have you tried verifying online? Sometimes you can do it through their website and avoid the whole phone call mess.

I found a way to get someone on the phone without waiting forever. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Check out this video: https://youtu.be/bDXD2SD0gGk

its ridiculous that we have to jump through all these hoops just to prove were who we say we are. the whole system is broken smh

Quick tip: if you can't get through on the main line, try calling your local Taxpayer Advocate Service. They might be able to help or at least give you a direct number to call.

Anyone else feel like the IRS is just playing games with us? Like, why can't they figure out who we are from all the info they already have? 🤔

Hey OP, don't stress too much. I got the same letter last month and it turned out to be pretty straightforward. Just be honest and you'll be fine!

I just went through this process a few weeks ago! The key is to call early in the morning (like 7-8 AM) when they first open - the wait times are much shorter. Make sure you have your Social Security card, photo ID, and the exact tax return they're asking about. They'll ask you to verify basic info like your address, filing status, and some line items from your return. The whole call took about 20 minutes once I got through to someone. Don't worry, the agents are actually pretty helpful and patient!

I've been through this too! One thing that really helped me was making a simple checklist beforehand with all my key info written down - SSN, address history for the past few years, employer info, and the main numbers from my tax return (AGI, total tax, refund amount, etc.). When you're nervous on the phone, it's easy to blank out on stuff you normally know by heart. The agents are actually pretty understanding - they deal with anxious people all day. Just breathe, take your time, and don't be afraid to ask them to repeat a question if you didn't catch it the first time!