Need IRS Identity Verification Number - Can't Use ID.me with Expired ID
I'm trying to verify my identity with the IRS but running into a major roadblock. Last year I was able to access everything through the regular portal, but now they're requiring this ID.me verification which won't accept my expired driver's license. I can't get a new license for another month due to some documentation issues with my name change after graduation. Does anyone know the direct number (and extension if needed) to call for identity verification with the IRS? I remember reading something about a specific department that handles this but can't find that info anymore. My tax refund is stuck in limbo until I can verify, and I really need to get this sorted before my apartment application deadline next week.
14 comments
Andre Laurent
The IRS Identity Verification Service phone number is 800-830-5084. I called them on April 2nd, 2024 when I had a similar issue. They're open Monday through Friday, 7am to 7pm local time. When you call, have your prior year's tax return information ready, as well as this year's return details. As of March 15th, they've been experiencing higher than normal call volumes, so I'd recommend calling early in the morning if possible.
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Zoe Papadopoulos
Thank you so much for sharing this! I've been looking everywhere for this specific number. Did they ask you a lot of questions to verify your identity when you called? I'm just wondering what kind of information I should have ready besides my tax returns.
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Jamal Washington
Identity verification issues are common this year. The number provided above is correct. You'll need your filing status, SSN, DOB, and address from your most recent return. If you have trouble understanding the notices or letters they send after verification, I found taxr.ai incredibly helpful. It analyzes tax documents and explains what's happening with your account, including identity verification holds. It's particularly useful for tracking when your refund will be released after verification.
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Mei Wong
I believe you might also need to have your tax transcript available when you call, which could potentially be difficult to access if you're locked out of your online account. In some cases, they may ask for specific line items from previous returns, so it would be advisable to have tax returns from the past 2-3 years accessible during your call. The verification process might take approximately 15-30 minutes depending on your situation.
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Liam Fitzgerald
Wait, how am I supposed to get my tax transcript if I can't verify my identity to begin with? This is like needing experience to get a job but needing a job to get experience!
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18d
PixelWarrior
You can request tax transcripts by mail without ID verification according to the IRS.gov website I checked yesterday. Use Form 4506-T or request it through the automated phone system at 800-908-9946. Takes about 5-10 business days to arrive.
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Amara Adebayo
For the Identity Verification number (800-830-5084), be prepared for extremely long wait times. The IRS Contact Representative Queue typically exceeds 45-60 minutes during peak filing season. I recommend using Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to get through quickly. Their system navigates the IRS phone tree and holds your place in line, then calls you when an agent is available. This saves you from listening to hold music for hours, especially important for identity verification since these calls can't be handled through the automated system.
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Giovanni Rossi
Has anyone actually gotten through to a real person using that 800 number lately? I tried calling 3x last week and gave up after being on hold for 45+ mins each time. Seems like the IRS is making this whole process impossible on purpose tbh.
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Fatima Al-Mansour
I had almost the exact same situation last month! My license expired in February and I couldn't use ID.me either. When I called the 800-830-5084 number, they asked me questions about my previous tax returns (like exact amounts from specific lines) and some credit history questions. The agent was actually really nice (shocking for a government office, right? 😅). The whole verification took about 20 minutes, and they told me to allow 9 weeks for processing. But—plot twist—my refund actually showed up in my account just 12 days later! Make sure you have your 2022 and 2023 returns in front of you when you call.
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Dylan Evans
This is extremely helpful information. I'd add that the 9-week timeframe is their standard response, but in my experience working with tax clients, identity verification issues are typically resolved in 14-21 days for 78% of filers. The remaining 22% might experience the full 9-week timeframe, usually due to additional verification layers.
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15d
Sofia Gomez
Compared to the passport verification process which took me 3 months last year, 9 weeks for IRS verification seems almost reasonable. Though 12 days is much better!
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StormChaser
Did they give you any confirmation number? Need to know what to write down. Filing deadline approaching fast.
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Dmitry Petrov
I had to verify my identity back in February because someone tried to file a fraudulent return using my info. Isn't it crazy how they make it so difficult for the actual taxpayer but somehow scammers find ways to file fake returns? Anyway, I called the 800-830-5084 number around 7:30am and only waited about 15 minutes. They asked questions about my previous returns, loan information, and credit card accounts. After verification, my refund was processed within 3 weeks.
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Ava Williams
I was in the same boat as you last month - expired license and couldn't use ID.me. Calling that verification number was like trying to win the lottery, but I finally got through on my fifth attempt. The trick is to call right when they open at 7am. It's like trying to get concert tickets the moment they go on sale. I got my identity verified and my refund showed up 16 days later. Hang in there!
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