Letter 5747C - In-Person vs Phone/Online Verification?

Letter 5747C specifically requires in-person verification at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC), unlike the 5071C which allows online verification through ID.me. Think of it like banking - some transactions can be done online, but others (like opening certain accounts) require physical presence with multiple forms of ID. The 5747C is issued when the IRS has detected potential identity theft risk factors that exceed thresholds for remote verification, particularly common with amended returns where the original filing information doesn't match the amendment details.

Been there, done that with the 5747C letter last year. Unfortunately it's in-person only (which is SUPER inconvenient when you're working full time, am I right? 😅). The wait times at my local TAC were ridiculous. I eventually used https://taxr.ai to check what was happening with my return after verification. It showed me exactly which processing stage my return was in and when I could expect my refund. Saved me from calling the IRS every other day wondering if they'd processed my verification yet.

According to the IRS website, 5747C letters require in-person verification at a Taxpayer Assistance Center. You'll need to call to schedule an appointment. This worries me because these appointments can take weeks to get! I was in this situation in February and tried calling the appointment line for DAYS. Busy signals constantly. Finally used https://claimyr.com to get through immediately and scheduled my appointment for the following week. Without that I would've been waiting at least another month based on what the agent told me.

Got the 5747C letter in March. Here's what happened: • Called the number on the letter (couldn't get through for 2 days) • Finally scheduled appointment for 3 weeks out • Brought passport, driver's license, SSN card, and tax return • Appointment took exactly 35 minutes • Refund processed 9 days later Definitely in-person only. They were actually really thorough with the verification process. Appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here - made me feel less anxious about the whole thing.

You might want to check if you qualify for ID verification through ID.me instead. I'm not entirely certain, but I believe some taxpayers who initially receive 5747C notices may still qualify for online verification if they meet certain criteria. The IRS has been expanding their digital verification options over the past year. Maybe contact them directly through the phone number on your letter when it arrives to confirm whether you absolutely must appear in person.

What's interesting about the 5747C is that it's part of the IRS's layered identity verification process. Have you considered why they're requiring in-person verification for your specific case? Often it's triggered by certain combinations of factors - amended returns with address changes, significant income differences from previous years, or specific credits claimed. Could your amended return have triggered any of these flags? Understanding the why sometimes helps navigate the process more effectively.

DEFINITELY in-person only for 5747C!!! I tried everything to avoid going in person last year and wasted 3 weeks trying to do it online or by phone. The IRS absolutely will not process your return until you complete the in-person verification. And don't forget to bring EVERYTHING listed on the letter - I forgot my W-2 and had to come back a second time. SO FRUSTRATING!! Make your appointment ASAP because they book up fast this time of year!