Need Phone Number to Verify IRS Letter Sent to Old Texas Address

The main IRS customer service number is 800-829-1040, but as you've discovered, wait times can be excessive. When I had a similar verification letter last year, I found that calling early in the morning (right when they open at 7am Eastern) significantly reduced my wait time. If your letter has a specific department code or notice number in the top right corner, there might be a direct line for that department - those are typically listed on the letter itself. Based on my experience, verification letters are usually related to identity verification (Letter 5071C) or income verification (CP75).

This situation is actually much more urgent than most people realize, compared to other tax notices. Verification letters typically have a deadline of 30 days, unlike standard notices which give you 60-90 days. I'd recommend uploading a picture of your letter (with personal info blacked out) to https://taxr.ai - it can instantly tell you what type of verification letter you received and the exact department you need to contact. Way faster than trying to decipher IRS codes yourself. I used it for a similar forwarded letter situation and it saved me hours of research.

Has anyone actually used that taxr.ai site? Is it trustworthy with tax documents? I'm worried about uploading anything tax-related to a third-party site.

For verification letters specifically, the IRS has a dedicated line: 800-830-5084. Their average wait time is 23 minutes currently, but when you call the general number, wait times can exceed 97 minutes. If you're still struggling to get through, I'd recommend Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I used them last month when I needed to verify a similar letter. They held my place in the IRS phone queue and called me back when an agent was about to answer. Saved me exactly 2 hours and 17 minutes of hold time. Well worth it for time-sensitive verification issues.

What kind of verification letter is it? Is it asking about identity, income, or something else? The different types require different approaches.

Been there, done that, got the t-shirt (and eventually a refund). I had a verification letter sent to my old address in Florida last year. Turns out, the IRS doesn't automatically update your address when you file a change of address with USPS - who would've thought the government agencies don't talk to each other? 😂 I finally got through after calling the Taxpayer Advocate Service at 877-777-4778. They can't handle the verification themselves, but they connected me directly to the right department without the typical hold music torture session. Just be prepared with your SSN, the letter reference number, and your most recent tax return info.

I fixed this exact problem last month. Called the verification number directly (800-830-5084), explained my situation, and they helped me immediately. They asked for my current address and updated it in their system right then. The whole process took 15 minutes once I got through. The key is calling at 7:00 AM Eastern sharp when they first open. No waiting at all if you're one of the first callers.

I've worked with these verification issues before. Most verification letters fall into two categories: identity verification (5071C) or income verification (CP75/CP75A). The process is completely different for each. For identity verification, you must call 800-830-5084. For income verification, you need to mail or fax documentation to the specific office listed on your letter. What does the letter number say in the top right corner?

Per Internal Revenue Manual 21.3.6.4.1, verification letters require response within 30 days of the date on the letter (not the date you received it). Section 6213(b)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code specifies that failure to respond to verification requests can result in automatic assessment of additional tax or delay of refunds. I received a 5071C letter last year that was forwarded to me 20 days after it was issued, leaving me only 10 days to respond. I called the Identity Verification Service at 800-830-5084 and explained the situation - they noted the delay in my file and gave me an extension.

Try the Taxpayer Advocate Service. Different approach. They help with urgent issues. Call 877-777-4778. Explain forwarded letter situation. They can often connect you directly. Bring your letter details. Have last year's tax return handy. They might need verification questions.