IRS rejected my e-file due to accidental identity theft question, now have to file by mail - what's the process? (SC)

Thank you so much! Is there a specific format I should use for the cover letter? Or just a simple explanation? Also, where do I find the correct mailing address?

Just a simple letter stating "I mistakenly answered 'yes' to the identity theft question. This was an error. I have not been a victim of identity theft." Sign and date it. For SC, mail to: Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, Kansas City, MO 64999-0002

Make sure u use certified mail with tracking. That way u have proof they received it if anything happens down the road.

Thanks for the tip! Definitely will send certified. Really don't want to lose it in the mail after all this trouble.

Ugh, the IRS makes everything so difficult. One tiny mistake and your stuck in bureaucratic hell for months 🙄

yeah paper filing is the absolute WORST. my brother did this last year (different reason) and it took 9 months to get his refund!!

Sounds interesting. How exactly does it work? Does it just read your transcript or does it do more?

It does WAY more than just reading transcripts. It basically analyzes your entire tax situation, explains everything in plain english, and gives you personalized steps to resolve whatever issues you're having. For this specific rejection problem, it told me exactly what forms to include, how to write the explanation letter, and even which IRS office to send it to. Worth every penny - my refund came faster than expected even with paper filing.

HOLY CRAP I JUST TRIED IT AND IT'S AMAZING. Why isn't everyone using this??? I've spent literal DAYS trying to understand my tax situation and this broke it down in minutes. The interface is super clean too. Thanks for recommending this!!!

another tax app? 🙄 what makes this one different from the 500 others?

The difference is it's not for filing taxes - it's specifically for understanding tax problems, IRS notices, and weird situations like refund delays or rejections. It's like having a tax pro explain everything to you without paying hundreds for a consultation.

wait does this actually work? i thought it was impossible to get through to the IRS

Yes it absolutely works! I spent 3 days trying to call the IRS myself with no luck - just that stupid automated system that kept hanging up on me. Claimyr got me through to an actual person in like 15 minutes. Best money I've ever spent considering how much time and stress it saved me.

sounds fishy... how do they do it when nobody else can get through? 🤔

They basically have a system that navigates all the phone menus and holds in line for you, then calls you back when there's an actual agent. Nothing sketchy about it - they just automate the painful waiting process. After getting my refund issue fixed in one phone call instead of waiting 6+ months, I'll never go back to calling the IRS directly lol

There's a section on your 1040 form (line 35) where you can enter your bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit. As long as you fill that out correctly, they'll still do direct deposit even with a paper return.

Oh thank goodness, I was worried about getting a paper check since my mailbox isn't super secure. Thanks for the info!

This happened to me too!! They claimed they never received my return even though I had tracking confirmation. I had to resend everything and wait another 4 months. Always make copies and always use certified mail!

Thanks for the warning. I'll definitely make copies of everything. Would taking pictures of each page with my phone be enough or should I actually photocopy everything?

Actual photocopies are better. Phone pics might not be clear enough if you need to reference specific line items later. Plus some phones compress images which can make text hard to read.

Great question! It depends on your state. Most states will still accept e-filed returns even if your federal return must be paper filed. For South Carolina specifically, you can still e-file your SC state return separately even if your federal is rejected.

sweet! at least thats something. one less headache to deal with.

The Taxpayer Advocate Service is so overloaded they're not even taking new cases unless you're facing immediate financial hardship. They won't help with this type of issue anymore - I tried last month.

I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to reach the TAS after trying for 2 weeks on my own. Got through in one day. They can help with getting through to the advocate service too, not just regular IRS.

THIS!! i have been saying this for years! all these "security measures" just punish normal people. my uncle got his identity stolen and the IRS was zero help, but god forbid you click the wrong box 🙄

Facts. What criminal is like "yes officer, i am doing a crime right now" lmaooo 💀

Right?? It's the most useless security theater ever. And then they wonder why people hate dealing with taxes so much.

That's a smart idea, I'll definitely try that! Did you still include a regular explanation letter too?

Yep! Had the detailed explanation on regular paper inside. The bright paper was just to catch their eye when they open the envelope. Can't guarantee it'll work for everyone but worth a try!

This! Tax professionals have access to the Practitioner Priority Service line which regular taxpayers can't use. They can sometimes resolve issues like this much faster than individuals can.

does it cost anything? the website doesn't make it clear.

Yeah there's a fee but honestly after spending days trying to figure things out on my own, it was completely worth it. The amount of stress it saved me was priceless. Plus I got my refund way faster because I knew exactly what to do.