IRS Now Requires 14-Digit Control Number from Mailed Notice to Verify Tax Return - Is This Legitimate?

Just got this IRS return verification screen asking for a 14-digit control number from some notice in the mail. The screen says "Verify Your Return" and "Verify Your Notice" at the top, and asks "Did you receive an IRS return verification notice in the mail?" Never seen this before in my life. Been filing taxes for 15 years and this is new to me. I'm currently looking at a verification page on sa.www4.irs.gov that says: "Verify Your Return Verify Your Notice Did you receive an IRS return verification notice in the mail? (You will need this notice to continue with this online service. If you received a notice, but don't have it with you, please come back later.)" There are two options provided: - "Yes" - which then requires me to "Enter the 14-digit control number provided on your notice, you don't need to use spaces." - "No, please resend the notice" - with a warning that states: "(If you have filed your return within the last 7 days, please allow an additional 14 days to receive the notice in the mail before requesting another one to be sent. You can then come back and continue verifying.)" This verification step is completely throwing me off. I'm not sure if I missed something in the mail or if this is some new security feature. The page is very clear that I need this specific notice with a 14-digit control number to proceed, but I haven't received anything like this. I checked the URL and it shows I'm on sa.www4.irs.gov which seems legitimate, but I've never encountered this verification step before in all my years of filing. Do I really have no choice but to wait for something to arrive in the mail? Has anyone else run into this new verification requirement? Is this some kind of new identity theft prevention measure?

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14 comments

Zainab Ahmed

This verification screen is part of the IRS's enhanced identity protection system, showing a two-step verification process that requires a physical mailing component. The 14-digit control number requirement ensures that the person accessing the account has physical access to official IRS correspondence sent to the registered address. The screen displays two key timing windows: a 7-day initial waiting period after filing your return, plus an additional 14-day window for mail delivery. This means you'll need to wait approximately 3 weeks total before requesting a new notice if you don't receive the first one. The URL (sa.www4.irs.gov) confirms this is a legitimate IRS secure access portal, indicated by the "sa" prefix. The verification notice will be automatically generated and mailed to your address of record - there's no way to bypass this physical verification step or receive the code electronically. If you haven't received a notice yet, don't select the "resend notice" option until at least 21 days have passed since filing. The IRS implemented this waiting period to ensure the original notice has sufficient time to arrive through the postal system and to prevent overwhelming their verification system with duplicate requests.

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