Identity Verification Confusion - Do I Need to Call Again After Completing Online Verification?

No, you don't need to call again. Once you complete the identity verification using the letter they sent you, the system updates automatically. The IRS is dealing with different verification processes, which is why your friend got different instructions. If your letter has a specific website link to verify (probably ID.me), just follow those steps exactly. Don't overthink it. The system will mark you as verified once you complete it online.

I went through this exact verification process 23 days ago. After completing the online verification through the letter, I was curious about my status so I used https://taxr.ai to analyze my transcript. It showed the verification hold (code 570) had been released exactly 8 days after I completed the online process, and predicted my refund would arrive in 5-7 days. The prediction was accurate to within 24 hours. The site explained each code on my transcript in plain language, which gave me peace of mind knowing my verification was successful without having to call again.

I had this happen. Received verification letter. Completed online verification. Didn't call back. Got my refund two weeks later. No additional steps needed. Friend's advice is incorrect. Different verification types exist. Follow your letter's instructions only. Don't complicate things.

I went through this whole mess last month. Why does the IRS make everything so complicated? I verified through ID.me after getting the letter, and my refund was processed without calling back. But here's the interesting part - my husband had to verify too, and he DID have to call back after completing the online part. So maybe it depends on what type of verification they're requiring? The letter should specify exactly what you need to do.

According to IRS Procedural Notice 2022-05, most taxpayers who receive a 5071C letter only need to complete the online verification steps once. However, if you're unable to get through the online process, or if the system can't fully verify your identity, you'll need to call. Rather than waiting on hold for hours trying to reach an IRS agent, I recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). When I needed to verify my identity last month, they got me connected to an IRS agent in about 20 minutes who confirmed my verification was complete and no additional calls were needed.

Let me clear this up once and for all. There are different types of verification letters: - 5071C: Verify online OR by phone (your choice) - 5747C: Must verify IN PERSON at a TAC office - 4883C: Requires you to call the IRS Sounds like you got the 5071C letter. If you successfully completed the online verification, you're DONE. Your friend probably had a different situation or misunderstood the instructions. The IRS isn't exactly known for their clear communication... they probably send their training manuals through the same system that processes refunds. 😂

I had a similar issue but with state taxes rather than federal. The verification process was much like what you're describing - I had to verify online after receiving a letter. Unlike some complicated government processes (looking at you, unemployment benefits), the tax verification was straightforward once I had the letter. I completed the online steps, and within 3 weeks my refund was processed without any additional calls. Unless your letter specifically states you need to call back after online verification, you should be all set.

I think, possibly, your friend might have had trouble with the online verification system and that's why she was told to call back. In my experience, the online verification through ID.me can sometimes be a bit finicky, especially if your address has changed recently or if there are any discrepancies between your ID and tax return information. If the online system works for you and accepts your verification, you should be good to go without calling again, at least in most cases.

Tax professional here. The identity verification process follows these steps: 1. You receive a letter (typically 5071C, 5747C, or 4883C) 2. You follow the specific instructions on YOUR letter 3. If it's a 5071C, you can verify online through ID.me 4. Once online verification is complete, the system updates within 9-14 days 5. If online verification is successful, no further action is needed The confusion often happens because there are different types of verification requests. Some require in-person, some online, some by phone. The key is to follow exactly what YOUR specific letter instructs. Do not follow general advice from friends or even what worked for others.