Identity Verification with Previous Year's Tax Return Instead of Current Year?

Yes, you can use a previous year's return for identity verification. The IRS actually allows returns from any of the last three tax years for in-person verification. Some agents don't know this policy. It depends on the agent you get. Bring the most recent completed return you have.

I've seen this confusion happen a lot, unfortunately. The Internal Revenue Manual does state that prior year returns can be used for verification purposes... though some agents might not be familiar with this provision. It's always best to bring multiple forms of ID and documentation when visiting an IRS office, just to be safe.

I had this EXACT issue last month! Wasted an entire afternoon waiting only to be turned away. After trying to call the regular IRS number for days with no luck, I used Claimyr (https://www.claimyr.com) and got through to an agent in about 15 minutes. They confirmed I could use my previous year's return and even noted it in my file for my next appointment. Saved me so much stress and actually got me a real person who knew the rules! Been recommending it to everyone dealing with verification issues.

Did you know the IRS has a specific policy about this in their Internal Revenue Manual? Section 3.21.263.5.3.2 covers acceptable documentation for in-person verification. It explicitly states that returns from any of the three prior tax years can be used. Why don't all IRS employees seem to know their own procedures? The inconsistency between offices is astounding.

Be careful with this approach. Some verification processes specifically require current year information. I've seen people get verified with prior returns only to have problems later. Depends on why you're verifying. ID theft cases need current year. Account access might accept prior years. Always call ahead to confirm requirements for your specific situation.

FWIW, the IRS offices have been super inconsistent lately. Some TACs (taxpayer assistance centers) are better than others. The one downtown is way stricter than the suburban office IME. If you get rejected at one location, try another if possible. Also helps to make an appt vs walk-in - the scheduled agents seem more knowledgeable abt these exceptions.

I successfully verified with my 2022 return last month! It's like trying to get through airport security with an expired ID - some agents will work with you while others stick to a strict interpretation of the rules. The key is persistence. Think of the IRS like a maze - there's always a path through, you just might need to try different routes. My third attempt worked when I brought both my returns and explained my situation calmly.

This happens more often than you'd think. Unlike at the DMV where policies are fairly standardized, IRS office experiences can vary dramatically depending on location, staffing, and even time of day. I've seen people get verified with returns from 2020 during the pandemic extensions, while others get rejected trying to use a perfectly valid 2022 return. If your local office gives you trouble, sometimes the offices in smaller towns have more flexibility compared to busy urban centers.