IRS Identity Verification Letter - What to Expect and How to Handle It?
Hey everyone, I'm dealing with an identity verification issue with the IRS. I received a letter about it but I'm not sure what to do next. Has anyone gone through this process before? What should I expect? Any tips on how to handle this smoothly?
28 comments


Nia Harris
Ugh, I went through this last year. It's a pain in the butt, but don't worry too much. First thing you need to do is gather all your documents - social security card, driver's license, passport if you have one. They'll probably want you to verify in person or through a video call.
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GalaxyGazer
•Video call? Is that new? When I did it, I had to mail in copies of everything 🙄
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Nia Harris
•Yeah, they started offering video calls during covid. Way more convenient than mailing stuff, if you ask me!
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Mateo Sanchez
•Do they acept birth certificates? I cant find my social security card anywhere ðŸ˜
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Nia Harris
•I think so, but you might wanna double-check on the IRS website. They're pretty specific about what they'll take.
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Aisha Mahmood
I found a method to get someone on the phone. 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. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/5jrMesbidvI
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Ethan Moore
•Sounds too good to be true. Does it really work?
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Aisha Mahmood
•Yeah, it does! Saved me hours of hold time. Totally worth the 20 bucks imo.
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Yuki Kobayashi
•Is it safe tho? Like, giving your phone # to a random site? 🤔
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Aisha Mahmood
•I was skeptical at first too, but it's legit. They don't store your info or anything. Just connects the call when an agent picks up.
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Carmen Vega
Pro tip: Use the IRS2Go app to check your refund status. It won't solve your identity verification issue, but it'll save you some headaches down the line.
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QuantumQuester
I'm in the same boat, OP. Got my letter last week and I'm freaking out. Does anyone know how long this process usually takes? I'm worried about my refund being delayed 😰
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Andre Moreau
•It can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months, depending on how backed up they are. Hang in there!
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QuantumQuester
•2 MONTHS?! 😱 Ugh, I was counting on that money. This sucks.
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Zoe Stavros
Here's a comprehensive guide to handling IRS Identity Verification: 1. Don't panic! This is a common procedure. 2. Gather all necessary documents: - Social Security card - Driver's license or state ID - Passport (if you have one) - Tax return for the year in question - Any other documents mentioned in your letter 3. Respond promptly. Ignoring the letter will only delay your refund. 4. If verifying by mail, use certified mail with return receipt. 5. Keep copies of everything you send. 6. Be patient. Processing can take several weeks. 7. If you don't hear back after 9 weeks, call the IRS. 8. Consider using ID.me for online verification if that option is available. 9. If you're having trouble, contact Taxpayer Advocate Service for help. Remember, the IRS won't call, email, or text you about identity verification. If anyone contacts you claiming to be the IRS, it's likely a scam.
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Jamal Harris
•This is gold! 💯 Thanks for putting this together!
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Mei Chen
•What's ID.me? Never heard of it before
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Zoe Stavros
•ID.me is a third-party identity verification service that the IRS uses. It's pretty straightforward - you upload your docs and do a video call to confirm your identity.
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Liam Sullivan
lol welcome to bureaucracy hell. prepare to waste hours of ur life on this nonsense 🤡
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Amara Okafor
•Fr tho 😂 I swear the IRS is stuck in 1995
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CosmicCommander
Has anyone tried using a tax preparer or CPA to help with this? Wondering if it's worth the extra cost to have a pro handle it.
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Giovanni Colombo
•I used H&R Block last year when this happened to me. They were helpful, but tbh you can probably handle it yourself if you're organized.
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
•Save ur money. Its not that complicated, just time-consuming
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Dylan Cooper
PSA: Be careful with identity thieves trying to take advantage of this situation. Never give out personal info to anyone claiming to be from the IRS over the phone or email. They'll always contact you by mail first.
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Sofia Ramirez
Anyone else feel like the whole tax system needs a major overhaul? This identity verification stuff is just the tip of the iceberg. 🙄
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Dmitry Volkov
•Preach! 🙌 The amount of time and money wasted on this outdated system is ridiculous
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StarSeeker
•Careful what you wish for. Knowing the government, they'd probably make it even more complicated 😅
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Richard Tong
•@StarSeeker test
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