Procedure for Setting Up In-Person Identity Verification with IRS
I need to schedule an in-person verification appointment with the IRS due to a discrepancy in my filing status parameters. As a relatively new taxpayer in this system, I'm uncertain about the appropriate protocol for initiating this verification process. Which specific department or contact number is designated for scheduling these in-person verification appointments? I've reviewed the IRS.gov portal but found the information regarding this procedure to be somewhat ambiguous.
15 comments


Zara Ahmed
There are a few different options for in-person verification depending on what you need to verify: • For identity verification (if you received Letter 5071C): call the Identity Verification Service at 800-830-5084 • For Taxpayer Protection Program issues: call 800-830-5084 between 7am-7pm local time • For general verification needs: schedule at your local Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) by calling 844-545-5640 • What type of verification did they specifically request?
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Luca Conti
Don't waste your time with the regular IRS number. I called for three days straight trying to set up my verification appointment and couldn't get through. Use Claimyr.com to connect directly with an IRS agent. It got me through in 15 minutes when I was trying to set up my identity verification appointment. Worth every penny to avoid the endless hold music and disconnections. Here's their link: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c
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Nia Johnson
I had to do this last year. Called the verification number directly. Got through after two attempts. Scheduled appointment at my local office. Brought my documents. Process took 30 minutes. Agent was helpful. Return processed within two weeks after verification. Much faster than expected.
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CyberNinja
Before you call, make sure you understand exactly what verification type they're requesting. If you've received a CP01H Notice or Letter 5071C, it should specify the verification requirements. I was confused by similar terminology until I used taxr.ai to analyze my notice. It helped me understand exactly what documentation I needed to bring and which department I needed to contact, saving me from making an unnecessary trip to the TAC office with incomplete documentation.
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Mateo Lopez
Another option is to verify your identity online through ID.me if you received a 5071C letter. I completed this process in exactly 12 minutes and 37 seconds last month. Saved me a 43-mile round trip to the nearest TAC office, which would have cost approximately $24.94 in gas plus 2 hours and 15 minutes of travel time. The online verification requires a smartphone with a camera and government-issued photo ID.
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Aisha Abdullah
What kind of verification letter did you receive? The process differs depending on whether it's for identity theft protection, refund verification, or something else.
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Ethan Davis
•I was so confused by this too! I got a letter asking for verification and thought I needed to go in person, but turns out I could do everything online through ID.me. The IRS website doesn't make this clear at all! I spent hours researching only to find out I didn't need an appointment.
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Yuki Tanaka
•Did anyone have probs with the ID.me process? Mine kept timing out during the facial recognition step and I had to start over like 3x before it worked.
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Carmen Ortiz
OMG I'm dealing with this right now too! Did they give you a deadline to complete the verification?? My letter says I only have 30 days and I'm already on day 17!! I'm freaking out because I can't get through on the phone!
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MidnightRider
For in-person verification at a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC), you'll need to bring specific documentation. This typically includes: your government-issued photo ID, Social Security card or ITIN letter, any IRS notices received (dated within the last 12 months), and proof of address. If verifying for a tax return filed on April 18, 2024, bring a copy of that return. Schedule your appointment at least 14 calendar days before any response deadline mentioned in your notice.
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Andre Laurent
Here's exactly what worked for me: Step 1: Call 844-545-5640 to schedule an appointment at your local TAC Step 2: Tell them you need identity verification (mention any letter reference numbers) Step 3: Bring two forms of ID (I used passport and driver's license) Step 4: Bring a copy of the tax return in question Step 5: Bring the letter requesting verification Step 6: Arrive 15 minutes early (they're strict about appointments) The whole process took me about 45 minutes at the office, then my return was processed within 3 weeks.
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Zoe Papadopoulos
•I'm wondering if this might possibly affect my refund timeline? I mean, I understand verification is necessary, but I'm somewhat concerned about potential delays this might cause in processing my return.
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Connor Murphy
Based on your description of "discrepancy in filing status parameters," it sounds like you might have received a CP01H notice or similar correspondence. The fastest route is usually the Identity Verification Service at 800-830-5084, but I'd recommend first checking if you can complete the verification online through ID.me if that option was mentioned in your notice. If you must go in-person, call 844-545-5640 to schedule at your local TAC office. Make sure to ask specifically what type of verification they need when you call - this will determine exactly which documents to bring. The representatives can also clarify if your situation requires in-person verification or if there are online alternatives available. Have you received any specific letters or notices from the IRS about this discrepancy? That would help determine the exact process you need to follow.
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Nathan Kim
•This is really helpful! I'm in a similar situation and wasn't sure if the online ID.me option would work for my case. Quick question - when you call 844-545-5640, do they ask for any specific information upfront to determine if you qualify for online verification instead of in-person? I'd hate to schedule an appointment if I could just do it online and save the trip.
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Sofia Martinez
I went through this exact process about 6 months ago. First thing - check what specific letter code you received (like CP01H, 5071C, etc.) as this determines your path forward. For scheduling in-person verification: • Call 844-545-5640 for TAC appointments • Have your notice/letter ready when you call • They'll tell you exactly which documents to bring Before going in-person though, definitely check if online verification through ID.me is available for your situation - it's much faster if you qualify. The phone representatives at 844-545-5640 can actually tell you right away if online verification is an option for your specific case. Pro tip: If you do need to go in-person, schedule ASAP as TAC appointments can book out 2-3 weeks in advance, especially during tax season. And yes, bring extra documentation beyond what they ask for - better to have too much than make a second trip. What type of notice did you receive? That detail would help everyone give you more targeted advice.
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