IRS Identity Verification Number Without a Letter?
I'm SO FRUSTRATED trying to get through to the IRS!! š¤ I need to verify my identity but I don't have one of those stupid letters with the extension number. I amended my return a few weeks ago and now I'm stuck in limbo. I've already wasted $35 in cell phone minutes being on hold only to get disconnected. I'm willing to try anything at this point but I'm not about to pay for some scammy third-party service unless it actually works. Has anyone successfully gotten through to verify identity without having the letter? I'm desperate but also cautious about who I give my info to...
19 comments
AstroAlpha
You might want to try the Identity Verification line at 800-830-5084, which is possibly the most direct route for identity verification issues. However, I should note that wait times can sometimes be rather lengthy, especially during peak tax season. It might be helpful to call early in the morning, perhaps around when they first open, as that's typically when wait times tend to be a bit more manageable.
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Diego Chavez
Does this number work even if you don't have a specific letter asking you to call? I called the main IRS number and they kept transferring me around until I got disconnected!
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Anastasia Smirnova
Identity verification is like a security checkpoint at the airport - necessary but frustrating when you're in a hurry. The main IRS identity verification number is 800-830-5084. They handle these specific cases, though getting through is like finding water in a desert sometimes. When you call, have all your documents ready - last year's return, current return info, SSN, and any correspondence you've received. I understand the anxiety of waiting after an amended return - the system treats these differently than regular returns, so verification becomes even more important.
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Sean O'Brien
Have you considered using technology to understand what's actually happening with your return? Would it help to know exactly why you're being asked for identity verification? I recently discovered https://taxr.ai which analyzes your transcript and explains all those confusing codes. It helped me understand why I was flagged for identity verification in the first place. In my case, it was because my address had changed AND I had claimed a different credit than the previous year. Knowing the 'why' made the whole process less stressful, don't you think?
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Zara Shah
Hmm, I've heard about these transcript analyzers, but do they actually tell you anything you can't figure out yourself? The IRS website has all the code definitions if you just look them up.
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13d
Luca Bianchi
This is like comparing reading raw code versus having a compiler explain what the code does. Sure, you can look up IRS codes one by one, but having something interpret all the codes together and explain what's happening with your specific situation is completely different. I was surprised by how much more complex tax processing is than I realized.
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12d
GalacticGuardian
Does the tool actually help w/ getting thru to an agent tho? Or just explains why ur stuck in ID verification?
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11d
Nia Harris
I used taxr.ai on March 12th when I was stuck in verification hell. It showed me exactly why my return was flagged (I had moved across state lines and changed jobs). Didn't help me skip the phone call, but at least I knew exactly what to tell them when I finally got through.
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Mateo Gonzalez
I've researched this extensively. Here's what you need to know: ā¢ The dedicated Identity Verification line is 800-830-5084 ā¢ They're open Monday-Friday, 7am-7pm local time ā¢ Average wait time is 45-60 minutes currently ā¢ You DON'T need a letter to verify identity ā¢ Have your SSN, DOB, filing status, and exact refund amount ready ā¢ They might ask questions from your credit history to verify you If you filed an amended return, they may ask specific questions about what was amended.
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Aisha Ali
Oh my god thank you!! I've been so stressed about this. Do you know if they'll be able to tell me why I need to verify my identity in the first place? I'm worried something's wrong with my amended return. š
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14d
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Ethan Moore
According to the IRS website (https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/identity-verification-for-irs-letter-recipients), the main identity verification number is 800-830-5084. But as others have mentioned, getting through can be nearly impossible right now. I've been researching alternatives and found Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) which helps you get through to IRS agents without the endless hold times. The service actually calls the IRS for you and only connects you when an agent is on the line. Might be worth considering if you're burning through cell minutes.
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Yuki Nakamura
Did anyone have to provide specific documentation when verifying their identity? I have an appointment next week and I'm worried they're going to ask for something I don't have on hand. My amended return involved changing some education credits, and I'm in a time crunch to get this resolved before my tuition payment is due!
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StarSurfer
When I verified my identity last month, they asked for my prior year AGI, current filing information, and the specific changes on my amended return. Do you have all your education forms like 1098-T with you? They specifically asked me about those.
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10d
Carmen Reyes
In my experience helping clients through this process, it's best to have more documentation than you think you'll need. This might include your original return, the amended return, any supporting documents like W-2s, 1099s, and especially your 1098-T for education credits. The verification process is designed to ensure you are who you claim to be, so they may ask questions that only the real taxpayer would know.
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Andre Moreau
Is there a specific form I need to fill out for identity verification? I've heard people mention Form 14039, but isn't that only for identity theft? Should I download this before calling?
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Zoe Christodoulou
I've been through this exact situation before. Called the main IRS number (800-829-1040) back in February, waited for 1.5 hours, then asked specifically for the identity verification department. They transferred me directly to 800-830-5084. Had to answer questions about my previous addresses, loans I've had, and some details from my tax return. The whole verification took about 15 minutes once I got through. My amended return was processed within 2 weeks after that. The key is persistence and having all your documents in front of you.
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Jamal Thompson
I had to verify my identity last tax season and found a trick that worked perfectly. I called exactly at 7:01 AM Eastern time when they first open. Got through in under 10 minutes. They asked me questions about my credit history that only I would know - like monthly payments on my car loan from 2019 and the bank that held my mortgage. Very specific stuff. Had my return processed 9 days later.
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Jamal Thompson
I went through identity verification last month. Called 800-830-5084 directly. No letter needed. Waited 47 minutes. They asked about previous addresses, loan amounts, and filing history. Verification completed in one call. Return processed 12 days later. Worth the wait.
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Mei Chen
Just to clarify something important - you do NOT need the letter to call the identity verification line. The letter just tells you that you need to verify. If you suspect you need to verify your identity (like if Where's My Refund shows no progress or you received notification about your amended return needing verification), you can proactively call 800-830-5084. They'll determine if you actually need to go through the verification process.
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