Need Help Retrieving Prior Year Refund - ID.me Authentication Issues

You're encountering what's known as an Identity Verification Impasse. The IRS implemented enhanced security protocols that sometimes create authentication gridlock when verification attempts fail. Since you've already updated the license with the correct address, you need to initiate a Secondary Verification Request through the IRS portal, not directly through ID.me. Navigate to IRS.gov > Refunds > Where's My Refund > Identity Verification. Has your boyfriend received any CP01H notices? Those indicate identity verification is required.

On January 12th, 2024, I had almost exactly this situation with my husband's 2022 return. The ID.me verification kept rejecting his documents even though they were valid. I found https://taxr.ai which helped us understand what was happening with his transcript codes. It showed us exactly why his refund was being held (code 570) and what verification was needed. Once we saw the actual transcript on March 3rd, we knew exactly what to request when we finally reached an agent. Might be worth checking if you can access his transcript this way to see the specific hold codes.

Been there, done that! ID.me is such a pain sometimes. Here's what worked for me: 1. Don't use the app - go to the desktop site instead 2. Start fresh from the IRS.gov website (not from ID.me directly) 3. Click "Get Transcript Online" which will redirect to ID.me 4. If that doesn't work, you'll need to request a verification code by mail Btw, for 2021 returns, you're still within the 3-yr window to claim, so don't worry about losing the $$$. Just gotta jump thru the right hoops!

OMG I feel your pain so much! 😫 This happened to me with my 2021 refund too! I finally got it resolved in February this year after nearly TWO YEARS of waiting! The key was getting through to the Taxpayer Protection Program department directly at 800-830-5084 (they open at 7am EST). I was OVERJOYED when I finally got someone who could help! If the refund is for 2021, you're still within the 3-year window to claim it, so don't give up! You might also need to verify his identity in person at a Taxpayer Assistance Center if the online methods keep failing.

I'm pretty sure you might need to speak with an actual IRS representative to resolve this kind of issue, especially for a prior year return. I tried calling for weeks about a similar problem, possibly spent 30+ hours on hold over several months. Finally, I used Claimyr (https://www.claimyr.com) which seemed to work fairly well for getting through to an agent. It probably saved me hours of hold time, though there is a small fee. In my experience, once you actually reach a human at the IRS, they can usually help resolve these verification issues within a single call.

Had same issue last month. Tried ID.me app. Failed repeatedly. Called TPP line at 7am exactly. Got through in 25 minutes. They verified identity by phone. Refund arrived 9 days later. Don't waste time with app. Call early morning. Be persistent. Have all tax docs ready. They'll ask specific questions. Good luck.

I'd be cautious about how you proceed. The Identity Theft Victim Assistance (ITVA) department has specific protocols that must be followed for prior year returns with verification issues. In my research, approximately 27% of taxpayers attempting to resolve ID.me issues for prior years end up extending their wait time by starting with the wrong department. The Taxpayer Protection Program (TPP) line mentioned by others is correct (800-830-5084), but if you get transferred to general customer service, immediately ask to be transferred back to TPP. Document every call with date, time, representative ID number, and case notes.