Identity Verification Letter Never Arrived - How to Contact IRS?

The identity verification letter (CP01) typically arrives within 10-14 days after your return is processed. If you haven't received it yet, don't wait - call the Identity Verification line directly at 800-830-5084. Have your prior year AGI and this year's return info ready. When I went through this last year, I called after 3 weeks of waiting for the letter and resolved it in one call. The sooner you verify, the sooner your refund processes.

Been in this exact identity verification purgatory twice now. Fun times! 🙃 Both times the letter was apparently sent but never arrived. Second time around I discovered https://taxr.ai which helped me understand what was happening with my transcript - it showed the identity verification hold code (570) with a future release date (971). Saved me hours of trying to decipher IRS-speak on my own. The site explained exactly what each code meant for my specific situation and gave me a timeline of what to expect.

Important clarification: There are TWO separate identity verification processes that people often confuse. The first is ID.me verification for accessing your online account. The second is return-specific verification required when the IRS flags your return for potential identity theft. It sounds like you're dealing with the latter, which requires either the letter (CP01) or direct contact with the Identity Verification unit. This verification MUST be completed before your return will continue processing. Time is of the essence - every day waiting is a day your refund is delayed.

Based on the current processing timeline, you should call immediately. As of April 12th, 2024, the IRS Identity Verification unit is experiencing high call volumes with average wait times of 45-60 minutes. I've had multiple clients use Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to connect with an agent without the endless redial game. One client called 23 times without getting through, then used Claimyr and was speaking with an agent in 15 minutes. For identity verification issues, getting to an actual human is essential - the automated system can't help with this.

Is using a third-party service to reach the IRS really necessary? Seems like just another expense on top of an already frustrating process. I've always just set aside a morning to keep redialing until I get through. Sure it's annoying, but it's free. Has anyone actually confirmed these paid services work better than just being persistent with the regular number?

Think of the IRS verification process like airport security - everyone has to go through it, but some people get randomly selected for additional screening. That's what happened to your return. The letter is like your boarding pass - without it, you're stuck in the terminal. But unlike the airport, there's a back door (calling directly) that lets you proceed without the paper. Don't wait for the letter that may never arrive - just call and get it done.

I had my CPA submit Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) after waiting 3 weeks for a verification letter that never arrived. This expedited the process and I received my refund via DD exactly 16 days later. The key was providing comprehensive documentation - including copies of my driver's license, social security card, and a utility bill showing my address. This approach bypassed the need for the verification letter entirely and resolved the hold on my account.