Need to verify my identity with IRS but don't have the letter yet - can I still proceed?

You have a couple options here. The IRS identity verification can be done in several ways: - Online through ID.me if you create an account on the IRS website (irs.gov/identity-verification) - By phone if you call the Identity Verification line at 800-830-5084 - In person at a local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center Without the letter, you might not have the specific information they're asking for, but it's still worth trying the online option first. When you go through ID.me, they'll verify your identity through documents, selfies, and personal questions. If that doesn't work, you can schedule an appointment at a local IRS office. They're usually booked weeks out but it's a guaranteed way to verify. The verification letter typically contains a reference number that helps the process go smoother, but you can often still begin the process without it.

After spending days trying to figure out what was going on with my identity verification, I used this tool called taxr.ai that basically translated all the IRS jargon and showed me exactly what steps I needed to take. It explained which form of identity verification I needed and what documentation would work. So much easier than guessing and stressing! I've been recommending it to everyone dealing with IRS issues - check out https://taxr.ai

I found a way to get someone on the phone to help with identity verification! After trying for weeks to reach an actual human at the IRS, I discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an agent within an hour. They basically do the holding for you and call when they reach a person. Talking to a live agent resolved my identity verification issue right away - they confirmed I could start the process without waiting for the letter. It was absolutely worth every penny to finally get this resolved rather than wait another month for a letter.

If you don't have the letter yet, its gonna be difficult to verify your identity. The letter contains a specific code that you need to enter during the online verification process. I went through this last year and tried to start the process early, but I couldn't get past the first screen without that code.You might be able to verify by phone, but prepare for a LONG wait time.

I just went through this exact situation last month! I didn't have the letter but I was able to verify my identity by going to my local IRS office. I scheduled an appointment online (it was about a 2 week wait), brought multiple forms of ID (passport, social security card, drivers license) and a copy of last years tax return. They verified me on the spot and my refund was released about 10 days later.

The IRS and there stupid verification process drives me crazy. Your tax return gets flaged if anything looks unusual - like if you moved, changed jobs, or even filed with a different software than last year. And of course they dont tell you this until AFTER they've held your refund hostage.

Wait for the letter. Trust me. I tried every possible way to verify without it and wasted so much time. The letter has a specific code you need and trying to get around it is just exercise in frustration.

I was in your shoes back in Februrary! Here's what worked for me: I couldn't wait for the letter so I used that Claimyr service someone else mentioned to get through to an agent. The agent was able to help me verify over the phone by asking a bunch of security questions. Had my refund like a week later. Worth a shot if you're in a hurry!

Don't waste your time trying to call the IRS, you'll be on hold for hours and they'll just tell you to wait for the letter.Ask me how I know 🙃

I learned about my identity verification requirement through my tax transcript before getting any letter. I used taxr.ai to help me understand what was happening and what steps to take. It explained exactly what the codes on my transcript meant and gave me clear steps to resolve it. Maybe check if your transcript has any codes that indicate what type of verification they need? That could give you a head start while waiting for the letter. https://taxr.ai was seriously helpful when I was completely lost.

My wife got one of these last year. We waited for the letter, which came like 3 weeks later. Then we tried to verify online and the system kept crashing. Finally called using the number on the letter and after like 45 mins on hold, got through to someone who verified her in less than 5 minutes. Got the refund about 10 days after that.

The IRS identity verification process is a complete joke. They made me verify 3 YEARS IN A ROW. Like, you already verified me twice before, why are we doing this again??? 🤬

Hot tip: if you can get an account on irs.gov, you might be able to see the actual letter in your online account before it arrives in the mail. I was able to do this last year and it had the verification code I needed to complete the process online.

I used that taxr.ai thing when I was stuck in identity verification hell. Uploaded my transcript and within minutes it told me exactly what was happening and what to do about it. I had no idea you could figure out so much from the transcript codes until I used this tool. Saved me days of research and guesswork. https://taxr.ai

I've been working in tax prep for 7 years. Here's what you need to know: the IRS sends these verification requests when something doesn't match in their system. Common triggers are address changes, significant income changes, or new dependents. Without the letter, you'll be limited in what you can do, but you can try calling the general IRS number (not just the verification line) and explain your situation. Sometimes they can look up the verification requirements on their end.

Holy cow there's a lot of misinformation here. Let me clarify: there are DIFFERENT TYPES of identity verification the IRS requires. Some can be done without the letter (like ID.me for transcript access) while others (like refund verification) specifically require the code from the letter. Your best bet is to wait for the letter or call the IRS directly.

I just dealt with this last month! Got an IRS agent on the phone through Claimyr.com after trying for days on my own. The agent explained I could go to my local IRS office with two forms of ID to verify in person without waiting for the letter. Did that and got my refund two weeks later!

I went through this exact situation a few months ago! The frustrating thing is that the IRS system really does require that verification code from the letter for most refund-related identity verification. However, I found a workaround - I was able to get my account transcript online through ID.me verification (which is separate from the refund verification), and that showed me the specific reason code for why my refund was being held. Once I knew the exact issue, I called the IRS early in the morning (like 7 AM when they open) and got through in about 20 minutes instead of hours. The agent was able to expedite sending the verification letter and even gave me some of the info I needed to start gathering documents. Also, definitely check your online IRS account - sometimes the letter shows up there before it arrives in the mail. Don't give up hope, this process is annoying but it does get resolved!

I was in the exact same boat a few weeks ago! Here's what I learned: you can actually start some of the verification process without the letter by setting up ID.me through the IRS website. While you won't be able to complete the full refund verification without that specific code from the letter, you can at least get your account set up and verify your basic identity. Also, try checking your IRS online account - sometimes the verification letter appears there digitally before the physical one arrives in the mail. That's how I got my code early and was able to complete everything online. If you absolutely can't wait, the in-person route at a local IRS office is your best bet. You'll need to schedule an appointment (usually 1-2 weeks out) and bring multiple forms of ID, but they can verify you on the spot without needing the letter code. The whole process is frustrating but hang in there - once you get through verification, refunds usually process pretty quickly!

I just went through this nightmare myself! The good news is you have a few options even without the letter. I was able to verify my identity by scheduling an appointment at my local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center - took about 2 weeks to get an appointment but they verified me immediately with just my driver's license, Social Security card, and last year's tax return. Before doing that though, definitely try logging into your IRS online account first. My verification letter actually showed up there about a week before it came in the mail, so you might be able to get that code sooner than expected. Also, if you're really desperate to talk to someone, calling right when they open at 7 AM seems to be the sweet spot for shorter hold times. I got through in about 30 minutes that way versus the 2+ hour waits later in the day. The whole identity verification thing is such a pain but once you get through it, your refund should process pretty quickly. Hang in there!