Identity Verification Letter Never Arrived - IRS Agents Giving Conflicting Info?

Per IRS Procedural Notice 2023-11, identity verification letters (Letter 5071C, 5747C, or 4883C) must be sent within 14 calendar days of the determination that verification is required. However, during peak processing periods (typically February-May), systematic delays can occur. According to IRS Publication 5027, you have three verification options: 1) online via ID.me, 2) telephone verification at 800-830-5084, or 3) in-person with an appointment. The conflicting information you received may be due to a system flag for letter generation that hasn't actually resulted in physical mailing.

Have you attempted to access your IRS online account through the official portal? The Identity Verification process can sometimes be initiated through your online account without the physical letter. Additionally, have you checked if your transcript shows any Transaction Code 570 (refund hold) with a corresponding 971 (notice issued)? This combination would confirm that verification is legitimately required versus a possible miscommunication between departments.

OMG this is so frustrating! I finally got through to a supervisor today who explained what's happening. Apparently there's a HUGE backlog in the ID verification dept rn. They flag accts for verification but the actual letters are taking 3-6 weeks to go out! And yes, some agents can see it's been "queued" for a letter while others only see if it's actually been sent. The system is a mess! 🤦‍♀️

This is like trying to enter a building where one security guard says you need a blue pass, another says you need a red pass, and nobody is actually handing out passes! I've been through this exact maze last month. After wasting hours on hold, I found Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) which got me connected to an IRS agent in about 15 minutes. The agent was able to confirm my identity over the phone and override the letter requirement completely. It's like having a fast-pass at an amusement park when everyone else is standing in the regular line.

Have you tried contacting the Taxpayer Advocate Service yet? They can often intervene when there are these kinds of communication breakdowns within the IRS. What exactly did the first agent tell you about the verification process? And did either agent provide you with a reference number for your case?

I feel your pain! Last year I was stuck in identity verification purgatory for THREE MONTHS. 😩 They kept telling me they sent a letter that never arrived. What finally worked was calling at exactly 7:00am Eastern (when they first open) and specifically asking for the identity verification department. The morning staff seemed to have more authority to help, oddly enough. Had to provide my driver's license number, last year's AGI, and answer some questions about my credit history. Refund showed up two weeks later like magic! Hang in there - it's frustrating but solvable!