IRS Identity Verification for Refund - What to Expect?
Hey everyone, I just got a letter from the IRS asking me to verify my identity for my refund. Has anyone gone through this process before? What should I expect? I'm a bit nervous about it and want to make sure I have everything ready when I call them.
19 comments


Ella rollingthunder87
Yep, been there done that. Don't stress too much, it's pretty standard these days. Make sure you have: 1. The letter they sent you 2. Your social security number 3. A government ID (driver's license or passport works) They'll ask you some questions to verify it's really you. Just be honest and you'll be fine. Good luck!
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Tony Brooks
•Thanks for the info! Do you remember how long the whole process took?
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Ella rollingthunder87
•No prob! The call itself was maybe 15-20 minutes, but getting through to someone took forever. I was on hold for like 2 hours 🙄
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Yara Campbell
•2 hours? You got lucky! I was on hold for 4 hours last week ðŸ˜
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Isaac Wright
ugh the irs and there stupid verification process. why cant they just give us are money?? 🤬
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Maya Diaz
•I feel you, but it's *their and *our. Sorry, couldn't help myself 😅
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Isaac Wright
•whatever grammar police 🙄
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Tami Morgan
Pro tip: Try verifying online first! Go to the IRS website and look for their identity verification tool. Might save you a phone call.
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Tony Brooks
•Oh, I didn't know that was an option! I'll definitely check it out, thanks!
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Rami Samuels
I found a way to get someone on the phone without waiting for hours. 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 the link: https://www.claimyr.com
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Haley Bennett
•Sounds sketchy. Is it legit?
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Rami Samuels
•Totally legit! I was skeptical too, but it saved me hours of hold time. Worth every penny imo
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Douglas Foster
•20 bucks to avoid hold time? Sign me up! 💯
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Nina Chan
Am I the only one who thinks its ridiculous that we have to jump through all these hoops just to get our own money back? The system is broken af 🤡
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Ruby Knight
•Preach! 🙌 It's a total clown show
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Diego Castillo
Quick question - does anyone know if this identity verification thing affects how long it takes to get your refund? I'm in the same boat and really need that money soon 😬
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Logan Stewart
LPT: While you're waiting for this to get sorted, check out r/beermoney for some ways to make a few extra bucks online. Might help tide you over!
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Tony Brooks
•Thanks for the tip! I'll check it out
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Amara Okafor
Hey Tony! I went through this same thing last year. The whole process took about 3-4 weeks from start to finish, but that included the phone verification and then waiting for them to actually process the refund after verification. Make sure you call early in the morning (like 7-8am) to avoid the worst of the hold times. Also, have your tax return handy - they might ask you specific questions about amounts or forms you filed. Don't worry, it's mostly just a formality these days with all the fraud going around. You'll get your money!
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