Non-Filer Submission Rejected Due to Duplicate Submission Error - What Now?

This is actually a common issue with the IRS identity verification process. When you received that letter (it was probably a 5071C or 5747C letter), the IRS flagged your return as potentially fraudulent, which is actually a good thing - they're trying to protect you from identity theft. What happened with your non-filer submission is that the IRS system already has your original return in the system, so when you tried to submit the non-filer form, it was rejected as a duplicate since you can't have both a regular return and a non-filer form for the same tax year. Unfortunately, you do need to complete the identity verification process before your original return will be processed. The mail option (Form 14039) is your only choice if you can't verify by phone. The 8-week timeframe is frustrating but generally accurate. Once you receive and return the form, it typically takes another 6-9 weeks for processing. In the meantime, I'd recommend checking your tax transcript online if you can access that - it sometimes shows processing status even when your return is on hold.

I went through something really similar last year! After weeks of frustration, I discovered taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) and it was a complete game-changer. I uploaded my rejection notice and tax documents, and their system analyzed everything and gave me a detailed explanation of what was actually happening with my "duplicate submission" error. Turns out the issue was more specific than I realized. Their analysis showed that my original return was still in the system but in a "suspended" status awaiting identity verification, which is why the non-filer form was being rejected as a duplicate. What really helped was that they provided a customized letter template to send to the IRS that specifically addressed my situation. The taxr.ai system also has this cool feature that shows you the exact IRS internal processing codes on your account and what they mean in plain English. Makes dealing with these cryptic IRS messages way less stressful.

Just wanted to update everyone - I tried taxr.ai after posting my earlier question, and wow, it actually worked! I uploaded my rejection notice and the letter requiring identity verification, and they were able to tell me exactly why my return was stuck in limbo. The analysis showed that my return hadn't been rejected completely but was in "suspense status" (their exact term) waiting for identity verification. They gave me a detailed explanation of what form I needed to submit (in my case it was a 14039 Identity Theft Affidavit) and exactly where to send it based on my specific situation. The best part was they provided this template letter with specific IRS codes to reference that apparently helps expedite the process. I sent everything in last week and just checked my transcript online - my return is now being processed! Definitely saved me weeks of waiting and confusion.

If you need to actually speak with someone at the IRS about this (which I'd definitely recommend for identity verification issues), good luck getting through their phone system. I spent HOURS trying to get a human on the line before I found Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c Basically, they navigate the IRS phone maze for you and call you back when they've got an actual IRS agent on the line. I was super skeptical at first, but after being on hold for 2+ hours myself the previous day, I was desperate. They got me connected to an IRS representative in about 40 minutes, and I didn't have to sit there listening to that awful hold music. The IRS agent was able to verify that my identity verification form had been received and gave me a direct number to call for follow-up. Saved me so much frustration, especially since these identity verification issues often require multiple calls to resolve.

I need to eat my words from my earlier comment. After posting that skeptical reply, I was still desperate to talk to someone at the IRS about my identity verification issue. Spent another two hours on hold yesterday and got disconnected AGAIN. Out of desperation, I tried Claimyr this morning. Not only did it work, but I actually spoke to an incredibly helpful IRS representative within 35 minutes. The process was exactly as described - they called me when they had an agent on the line, and I just picked up and started talking to the IRS. The representative confirmed my identity verification form had been received but was waiting in a backlog. She expedited my case after I explained my situation and gave me a direct callback number if I didn't see movement in my account within 10 days. This would have been impossible to arrange without actually speaking to someone. For anyone in "identity verification hell" like I was, being able to actually talk to a human at the IRS makes all the difference.

Something else to consider - check if you qualify for the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service. They're designed to help when normal IRS channels aren't working. If your situation is causing financial hardship (like you're waiting on a significant refund you need for living expenses), they might be able to help speed things up. The catch is that they're also overwhelmed with cases, but they can sometimes cut through the bureaucracy faster than waiting for the normal process. You can find your local office here: https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/contact-us/

Has anyone tried going to their local IRS office in person for this? I'm wondering if bringing all my documents to an actual human might be faster than all this waiting around for forms and phone calls.