IRS identity verification letter: What to expect when calling? Tips needed
I got a letter in the mail saying I need to call and verify my identity. Has anyone else gotten this? What should I expect when I call? I'm kinda nervous about it and don't want to mess anything up. Any tips or advice would be really appreciated!
28 comments
Tom Maxon
I found a way to solve identity verification call anxiety, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRdTodP32_o
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Andre Rousseau
Word of advice: DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Write down who you talk to, when you called, and what was said. Trust me, it'll save you headaches later if theres any issues.
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Zoe Stavros
Solid advice. Keeping track can really help if something goes awry.
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Jamal Harris
lol welcome to bureaucracy hell. may the odds be ever in your favor 😂
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GalaxyGlider
Right? Sometimes it feels like a never-ending spiral of paperwork!
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Malik Jackson
Yep, I got one of those too. Don't stress too much, it's pretty standard procedure. They'll probably ask for your social security number, date of birth, and maybe some other basic info to confirm it's really you. Just have your letter and any other relevant documents handy when you call.
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Isabella Oliveira
Totally agree. It feels daunting at first, but it really is just routine verification.
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Luca Russo
Is this for unemployment benefits? I got a similar letter but it was for my tax return. Make sure you're calling the right department!
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LunarLegend
Oh shoot, I didn't even think about that. I'll double-check the letter. Thanks for the heads up!
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Nia Wilson
Good catch! The last thing you want is to waste time on hold with the wrong dept 🤦♂️
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Chloe Robinson
Anyone else spend hours on hold trying to get through? 🙄 I swear, their phone system is a joke.
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Diego Flores
Omg yes! I tried calling 5 times yesterday and never got through. It's ridiculous!
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Anastasia Kozlov
Pro tip: call right when they open. You'll still wait, but not as long.
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Sean Flanagan
I found a way to skip the hold time! There's this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, and then calls you when a real person picks up. It costs $20, but it saved me hours of frustration. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/bDXD2SD0gGk
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Omar Zaki
Thanks everyone for the replies! This is really helpful. @profile 3, that list is exactly what I needed. I feel a lot better now.
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Omar Zaki
No problem! We're all in this together. Let us know how it goes!
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CosmicCrusader
Glad ur feeling better about it. these calls can be nerve-wracking af 😅
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Zara Mirza
Just remember, these ppl are just doing their jobs. Be nice to them even if ur frustrated with the system. A little kindness goes a long way!
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NebulaNinja
Absolutely! A nice attitude can sometimes make the whole process smoother.
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Freya Andersen
I went through this last month. Here's what you need to know: • They'll ask for your full name, SSN, and DOB • Have your driver's license or state ID ready • They might ask about recent employment history • Be prepared to verify your address • They may ask about any recent claims or benefits you've received Just stay calm and answer honestly. It's not a test, they're just making sure it's really you. If you're unsure about anything, it's okay to ask for clarification.
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Mateo Sanchez
I've been dealing with identity verification issues for MONTHS. It's a total clown show 🤡 Hope you have better luck than me, OP!
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Aisha Mahmood
That sounds incredibly frustrating. Hopefully things work out soon!
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Ethan Clark
Has anyone else noticed that these verification requests seem to be happening more often lately? I wonder if there's been an increase in fraud or something.
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AstroAce
Now that you mention it, yeah. My cousin and I both got letters within the same week. Weird.
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Yuki Kobayashi
I read an article about increased unemployment fraud during the pandemic. They're probably just being extra cautious now.
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Carmen Vega
Security measures have definitely ramped up. It's inconvenient, but it's probably for good reason.
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Ravi Patel
Ugh, I hate these verification calls. Always feels like they're trying to trip you up or something. Good luck, OP!
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Mei Wong
These letters can definitely be nerve-wracking, but they’re generally just part of routine checks, especially these days with heightened security measures. When you call, have all the requested documents ready, such as your ID, social security number, and any reference number from the letter. If you face long wait times, consider using services like Claimyr. While some find the $20 fee steep, others appreciate the time saved. Regardless of the path you choose, patience is key, as phone lines can be swamped. Many have found success by calling early in the morning when hold times might be shorter. Remember, the verification process aims to protect your identity, despite how cumbersome it may feel. Good luck!
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