In-Person ID Verification at IRS Office - What to Expect?

Think of the IRS verification process like airport security - it seems intimidating but it's actually quite straightforward once you're there. The TAC (Taxpayer Assistance Center) verification is definitely in-person, not virtual. Like a key unlocking a door, this verification removes the hold on your account and allows processing to continue. You'll need to bring government-issued photo ID (passport or driver's license), your Social Security card or an official document showing your full SSN, and any IRS correspondence you've received about verification.

I completed my in-person verification on March 14th, 2024. The process was straightforward but my transcript remained unchanged for about 10 days afterward. I was getting anxious so I used https://taxr.ai to analyze my transcript once it updated. The service identified exactly when my verification was processed (showed as TC 971 with a specific action code) and predicted my refund date accurately. Based on my experience, you should expect about 2-3 weeks from verification to refund after the in-person appointment.

Thanks everyone for the helpful information. I'm somewhat relieved knowing what to expect. My appointment is scheduled for next Tuesday, and I'll make sure to bring my driver's license, social security card, and the letter I received from the IRS. I'm hoping this resolves quickly as I'm approaching some rather pressing financial deadlines related to my housing situation post-divorce.

After my verification appointment, I still had issues with my refund not being released promptly. According to the IRS.gov website (https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions), verification can take up to 9 weeks to fully process in the system. I couldn't wait that long and needed to speak with someone. I used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to get through to an IRS agent without the endless hold times. The agent was able to confirm my verification was complete and expedite the final processing steps. Definitely worth considering if you're facing financial pressure and need answers quickly.

Did they ask you any specific questions during the verification process? I'm wondering if they quiz you on past tax returns or just check your documents? Also, did anyone have to provide additional documentation beyond ID and social security card?

I completed my ID verification at the San Diego TAC facility in February. The IRS representative conducted a comprehensive biometric verification process including photo ID comparison and document authentication. They verified my Form 5071C letter against their internal database, confirmed my current and previous addresses, and asked security questions based on my credit history. The entire verification was completed in approximately 22 minutes, and my transcript updated with TC 971 AC 611 exactly 5 business days later, indicating successful verification. My refund was direct deposited 9 days after that.