IRS Identity Verification by Phone: Tips and What to Expect?

I went through this last year. Here's what you need to do: - Gather all your important documents: Social Security card, recent tax returns, and any IRS notices you've received. - Have your personal info ready (address, DOB, etc.) - When you call, explain that online verification failed and you need to do it by phone. - Be polite but firm about needing help. - Write down any reference numbers or instructions they give you. Good luck! It's a pain, but you'll get through it.

Ugh, I feel your pain. I've been trying to get through to them for weeks. The hold times are insane. 😫

Pro tip: I found a way to get someone on the phone without the endless wait. 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/bDXD2SD0gGk

anyone else feel like the whole system is designed to make us give up? its ridiculous how hard they make it just to verify who we are 🙄

I had to do this last month. Here's a weird tip: if you get a grumpy agent, hang up and try again. I got way better help on my second try with a friendlier person.

Has anyone tried faxing their documents instead? I heard that can sometimes be faster than calling.

Just a heads up, they might ask about old addresses or employers. I got tripped up on that and had to call back. Make sure you have that info handy!

am i the only 1 who thinks its crazy we have to jump through all these hoops? like, they already have all our info. why make it so complicated? 🤔

Quick question - do they accept digital copies of documents or do they need to be originals?