Identity Verification - In-Person vs Waiting for Letter?

Yes, you absolutely can verify your identity in person without waiting for the letter! According to the IRS.gov website (https://www.irs.gov/help/contact-your-local-irs-office), Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) can handle identity verification even without receiving the official letter. You'll need to bring: 1. Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, etc.) 2. Social Security card or ITIN letter 3. Copy of the tax return in question (if available) 4. Any other tax-related documents you have Just make sure to schedule an appointment first through the IRS appointment line (844-545-5640) as most TACs don't accept walk-ins anymore. Mention specifically that you're there for identity verification related to a tax return.

While in-person verification is an option, I'd caution that it's not always as straightforward as it sounds. Here's what you should consider: 1. First, check if your return is actually requiring identity verification specifically. Different IRS holds require different resolution paths. 2. Confirm your transcript codes - a 570 alone doesn't necessarily mean identity verification is needed. 3. Check if you can verify online through ID.me before attempting in-person. 4. If going in-person, call ahead to confirm your specific TAC handles verification without letters. If you're uncertain about interpreting your transcript codes, you might want to try https://taxr.ai - it analyzes your transcript and tells you exactly what's happening with your return and what steps to take. It's particularly useful for determining if you're dealing with identity verification or something else entirely.

I was in a similar situation last year. I waited almost 4 weeks for the verification letter that never came. I finally decided to try the in-person route at my local TAC office. I...um...brought my driver's license, social security card, and a copy of my return. The process took about 30 minutes once I was seen. My return was processed within 9 days after that visit. If you're worried about your refund timing, I would suggest not waiting any longer for the letter. Just be sure to make an appointment first...they won't take walk-ins at most locations.

After spending THREE DAYS trying to reach someone at the IRS about my identity verification (seriously, who has time for that? 😅), I finally used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to get through to an agent. Got connected in about 25 minutes instead of endless busy signals. The agent confirmed I could go to a local office without the letter and even helped schedule my appointment. Saved me weeks of waiting! If you're in a time crunch for that refund, might be worth the fee to get immediate answers rather than playing the waiting game.

Another option: Try calling the Identity Verification hotline directly. Number is 800-830-5084. Specifically for ID verification issues. May resolve without in-person visit. Worth trying before making appointment. Hours are 7am-7pm local time. Have your return info ready.

I want to add something important about the in-person verification that others haven't mentioned. Think of your tax return like a locked door, and identity verification is the key. When you go in person, that door gets unlocked immediately, rather than waiting for a key to arrive in the mail. Make sure you bring ORIGINAL documents, not copies. I've seen people turned away because they brought photocopies of their Social Security cards or birth certificates. The IRS is like a bouncer at an exclusive club - they need to see the real ID, not a picture of it. Also, if you filed jointly with a spouse, BOTH people need to be present for the verification in most cases. It's like trying to access a joint bank account - both signatories need to be there.

I went through this exact situation in February. The in-person verification was much faster than waiting for the letter. My experience was similar to applying for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck - quick verification of documents, a few questions about my filing history, and that was it. My refund was processed within 10 days after my visit, whereas my colleague who waited for the letter is still dealing with back-and-forth correspondence nearly 8 weeks later. Have you checked if there are any appointments available at your local TAC?

Based on community experiences with identity verification, here's what to know: • In-person verification typically resolves 2-3 weeks faster than mail • Not all TAC offices handle all verification types - call to confirm • Bring MORE documentation than you think you need • Schedule appointment early in the day (morning appointments have shorter actual wait times) • Request a stamped verification confirmation before leaving • Check WMR or transcript 5-7 days after verification Good luck! This is definitely one of the more frustrating IRS processes.