IRS Identity Verification - What to Expect When They Ask to Verify?

This is legitimate and happens often with independent contractors filing for the first time. The IRS has increased identity verification to combat tax fraud. They'll ask for your SSN, date of birth, filing status, and details from your current return like AGI or refund amount. You may also need a mobile phone for verification codes. They won't ask for bank account numbers or credit card information during verification. The process takes about 15 minutes online.

Have you considered whether you're being directed to the actual IRS website? The real verification site is id.irs.gov, not irs-verify.com or similar scam domains. And why would they need to verify you if you've filed taxes before? Couldn't they just check against your previous returns? The timing is suspicious too - right when refunds are being processed and scammers know people are expecting communications from the IRS?

I had this exact same verification issue last year. After spending THREE DAYS trying to reach someone at the IRS to confirm it was legitimate, I finally used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to get through to an agent in about 30 minutes. Compared to the endless busy signals and disconnects I was getting before, it was night and day! The agent confirmed it was a legitimate verification request and walked me through exactly what to expect. Much less stressful than trying to figure it out alone.

The verification process is part of the IRS's increased security measures, especially for self-employed individuals and independent contractors. They're particularly cautious with Schedule C filers who are new to self-employment. They'll verify information only you would know from your current and previous tax returns. They also verify your identity through credit report information like loan accounts and payment amounts. Make sure you have your previous year's tax return available when you complete the verification.

The IRS Identity Verification process typically requires the following documentation and information: 1. Your current tax return (Form 1040) 2. Last year's tax return for reference 3. Form of ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport) 4. Social Security Number 5. Email address for receiving confirmation 6. Mobile phone number for two-factor authentication 7. Information about your financial accounts (mortgage, auto loans, credit cards) The online process at id.irs.gov uses Secure Access authentication protocols. If you fail the online verification, you'll need to call or visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center in person. Processing typically resumes 9-21 days after successful verification.

I got the same letter last month after filing as an independent contractor for my side gig. The verification was actually pretty straightforward (who knew the IRS could make something simple? A tax miracle! 😂). They asked about my previous year's AGI, the exact refund amount I claimed this year, and then some questions about my mortgage that only I would know. Took maybe 10 minutes online. My refund was processed about two weeks after verification. Just make sure you're on the official id.irs.gov site and not some phishing knockoff.

Just went through this exact process two weeks ago as a new freelancer! The verification is completely legitimate - I was initially skeptical too. They asked for my SSN, previous year's AGI, current refund amount, and some credit-related questions about my student loans and credit card. The whole thing took about 12 minutes on id.irs.gov. Make sure you have your prior year tax return handy and your current return details. One tip: if you have multiple credit accounts, they might ask about specific balances or payment amounts, so having recent statements nearby helps. My refund was released exactly 10 business days after verification. Don't stress - it's just their way of preventing fraud with new independent contractors!

I went through this verification process about 6 months ago when I started freelancing. The anxiety beforehand was definitely worse than the actual process! A few things that helped me prepare: I had both my current year return and previous year return printed out and sitting right next to me, along with my most recent credit card and loan statements. The questions were exactly what others have described - previous year AGI, current refund amount, and credit account details like approximate balances. One thing I wasn't expecting was that they asked about a store credit card I had forgotten about from years ago, so they really do pull comprehensive credit info. The whole thing took about 8 minutes, and my refund was processed 12 days later. Just stick to the official id.irs.gov site and you'll be fine. The IRS has actually done a decent job making this process user-friendly compared to most of their other systems!

I just completed this verification process last week! As a new independent contractor myself, I completely understand your concern about scams. Here's what helped me feel more confident: I called the IRS directly using the number from their official website (not from the letter) to confirm the verification request was legitimate before proceeding. They confirmed it was real and explained that first-time Schedule C filers are commonly selected for this extra security step. The actual verification took about 15 minutes online at id.irs.gov. They asked for my SSN, previous year's AGI, current year's refund amount, and some questions about my mortgage and credit cards (approximate balances, not account numbers). Have your last two years' tax returns ready, plus recent statements for any loans or credit accounts. My refund was released exactly 2 weeks after completing verification. The peace of mind from that initial phone call to confirm legitimacy was worth the extra step!

I went through this exact same process about 3 months ago when I started doing freelance graphic design work. The anxiety is completely normal - I was convinced it was a scam at first too! What really helped me was triple-checking that I was on the actual id.irs.gov site (not some lookalike domain) and having all my documents organized beforehand. They asked about my previous year's AGI, my current refund amount, and several questions about my credit accounts like my auto loan balance and mortgage payment. The whole thing took maybe 12 minutes, and honestly it felt very professional and secure. My refund came through about 2 weeks later with no issues. One tip: if you have multiple credit cards or loans, have your most recent statements handy because they might ask about specific balances or payment amounts. The questions are all multiple choice though, so you're just confirming information they already have access to through credit agencies. You've got this!