Received ID Verification Letter After Already Verifying by Phone - What Now?

Oh my goodness, this happens more often than you'd think! The IRS verification systems don't always talk to each other right away. If you already verified by phone, the letter was probably generated and mailed BEFORE your phone verification was fully processed in their system. I'd be frustrated too, but this is actually normal! You have two options: 1. Wait about 9 weeks from your phone verification date to see if processing continues 2. Verify again using the control number (which won't hurt anything

Verify again using the control number. I got the same letter after phone verification and waited for updates. Nothing happened for 3 weeks. Used the control number and my refund was approved 5 days later. Don't wait.

I totally understand your confusion! It's frustrating when you get mixed signals from the IRS. Have you tried calling them to confirm if your phone verification went through properly? When I was in a similar situation, I spent days trying to get through to someone. Have you considered using Claimyr? It's this service (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) that helps you skip the IRS phone queue. I was skeptical at first, but when I needed to confirm my verification status, they got me connected to an actual IRS agent in about 15 minutes when I had been trying for days on my own. The agent confirmed my verification status and explained exactly what I needed to do next. Would that be helpful in your situation? What other verification details did the letter include?

The IRS verification system is a nightmare this year! I've been through this exact situation twice now. Back in 2022, I verified by phone and then got the letter. The next year I verified online first, then got a phone call request. Here's what's really happening: The IRS has multiple verification pathways that don't communicate with each other. A phone verification might satisfy one system but not update in another. It's ridiculous but that's how they operate. My advice - always complete EVERY verification request they send you, even if you think you've already done it. Better to verify twice than have your return stuck in limbo for months.

Let me walk you through this step by step: 1. First, don't panic. This is a common occurrence with IRS verification systems. 2. When you verified by phone, that information was entered into the IRS Telephone Verification System (TVS). 3. The letter you received was generated by the IRS Identity Verification Letter System (IDVLS), which operates separately. 4. These systems eventually sync up, but it can take 2-3 weeks for that to happen. 5. Your safest option is to go ahead and verify again using the control number in the letter. 6. This creates a verification record in both systems, which prevents any processing delays. 7. Double verification won't cause any problems - the IRS systems will recognize you've verified through multiple channels. 8. After completing the second verification, allow 9 weeks for processing, though most returns are processed within 3-4 weeks after successful verification. Doing the second verification is the fastest path to getting your refund.

I might be in the minority here, but I'd verify again using the control number ASAP. My sister waited after phone verification thinking it was enough, and her return got stuck for nearly 3 months! When she finally used the control number from the letter, her refund was processed within 10 days. The deadline for claiming 2023 refunds is approaching quickly, so I wouldn't take any chances with delays at this point in the tax season.

This is one of those situations where the IRS systems don't work like most modern companies. If this were Amazon or your bank, one verification would be enough. With the IRS, each verification method is like a separate track. Compared to my experience with an amended return last year, this is actually simpler. For amended returns, I had to verify THREE different ways before it processed. For regular returns like yours, the general wisdom is to complete every verification method they offer you. The community consensus seems pretty clear: verify again with the control number, even though you've already done the phone verification. It's redundant, but it's the most reliable path forward.

I went through this exact same situation last month! Got the letter about 10 days after my phone verification. I was so annoyed thinking I'd have to do everything twice, but honestly, just bite the bullet and verify again with the control number. The phone verification and online verification through the letter are handled by completely different IRS departments, and they really don't talk to each other quickly. I waited about a week hoping my phone verification would kick in, but nothing happened. Once I used the control number from the letter, my "Where's My Refund" tool updated within 3 days showing my return was being processed. It's frustrating that their systems are so outdated, but the double verification actually gave me peace of mind that I was definitely in their system. Don't stress too much about it - just get it done and you'll be back on track!

I'm dealing with this exact same thing right now! Got my verification letter yesterday even though I verified by phone about 10 days ago. Reading through everyone's experiences here is really helpful - it sounds like this is just how the IRS systems work unfortunately. Based on what everyone's sharing, I think I'm going to go ahead and verify again with the control number rather than wait it out. The success stories from people who did the double verification (like Hannah getting her refund status updated in 3 days) are pretty convincing. It's annoying that we have to do this twice, but if it means avoiding a 3-month delay like Gianna's sister experienced, it seems worth the extra hassle. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this community really helps navigate these frustrating IRS situations!

I've been following this discussion and wanted to add my perspective as someone who works in tax preparation. What you're all experiencing is unfortunately very common this tax season - the IRS verification systems are operating more independently than ever due to their ongoing modernization efforts. Emma, I'd definitely recommend using the control number from your letter. Here's why: the phone verification you completed goes into what's called the "real-time" verification database, but your tax return processing happens through a different system that checks against the "batch" verification database, which only updates every 7-14 days from the phone system. The control number verification feeds directly into the batch system, which is why people like Hannah and others see such quick updates to their "Where's My Refund" status afterward. It's redundant, yes, but it eliminates the waiting period for the systems to sync up. One tip: when you verify online with the control number, take screenshots of the confirmation page. If any issues arise later, having that documentation can save you hours on hold with the IRS. This double verification situation has become so common that I now proactively tell my clients to expect it and just complete whatever verification requests they receive, regardless of previous verifications.