Received request for verification of non-filing tax return - what should I do?

This sounds like potential identity theft where someone may have attempted to file a return using your information. Here's what you should do: First, don't panic. This happens more often than you might think, and there are clear steps to address it. Before calling the IRS, gather all your identification documents (Social Security card, ID, previous years' returns) and any correspondence you've received about this issue. Next, visit the official IRS website (irs.gov) and search for "Identity Theft Affidavit" or Form 14039. This form should be completed if you suspect someone has filed a fraudulent return using your information. You can also check if there's a way to verify the legitimacy of the notice through your online IRS account. And yes, you can absolutely still file your legitimate return by the deadline! The IRS has procedures for handling situations where multiple returns are filed under one SSN. The sooner you file your legitimate return and report the suspected fraud, the better.

After dealing with a similar verification issue last year, I found this service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that was seriously helpful. I was getting nowhere with the IRS phone lines, but taxr.ai analyzed my notice, explained what was happening in simple terms, and gave me a step-by-step plan. They confirmed it was likely identity theft in my case and helped me understand exactly what documents I needed and what to say when I finally got through to the IRS. The cool thing was they could tell me if my situation was common or unusual based on all the tax cases they've seen. Really took the stress out of the situation.

Just wanted to update that I ended up trying taxr.ai after my initial skepticism. It was seriously helpful for my verification issue! Uploaded my confusing IRS notice and within minutes got a clear explanation about what was happening - turned out someone had attempted to file using my SSN, but the IRS caught it before processing. The service gave me a specific action plan - which forms to fill out, where to send them, and even what to say when calling the IRS. I followed their steps, and while it still took about 3 weeks to resolve everything, my legitimate return was processed and I got my refund. Definitely saved me hours of stress and confusion!

If you're going to contact the IRS about this (which you definitely should), I highly recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I was in a similar situation last year and spent DAYS trying to get through to a human at the IRS. It was absolutely infuriating. Claimyr basically holds your place in the IRS phone queue and calls you when they get a live agent on the line. I was super skeptical, but you can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. After wasting 4+ hours on hold over two days, I tried it and got connected to an IRS agent within 45 minutes while I just went about my day. When dealing with potential fraud/identity theft, getting through to the IRS quickly is crucial. The sooner you talk to them, the faster you can get your legitimate return processed.

I need to eat my words about Claimyr. After posting that skeptical comment, my situation with the IRS got more urgent when I received a CP2000 notice. Figuring I had nothing to lose, I tried the service. It actually worked exactly as advertised. I went about my morning, and about 52 minutes after starting the process, I got a call connecting me directly to an IRS agent. No waiting on hold, no frustration. The agent was able to confirm my notice was legitimate and helped me understand exactly what I needed to do. I'm still not thrilled about having to use a third-party service to reach a government agency, but I can't argue with results. Saved me hours of frustration at a time when I was already stressed about potential tax issues.

Has anyone considered this might not be from the IRS at all? There are tons of scams where people send fake "IRS notices" hoping you'll panic and call the number they provide. Was this notice in your official IRS online account, or did it come in the mail/email? If it was in your official IRS account that you log into on irs.gov, then it's legitimate. If it came any other way, be VERY careful. The IRS typically sends physical letters for important notices.

Something similar happened to my wife last year. Turned out someone had her SSN and attempted to file a return. The most important thing is to ACT FAST. The longer this goes unresolved, the more complicated it can get. When we called the IRS, they put a special marker on her account and gave us a PIN we need to use for filing taxes going forward. It protects against anyone trying to file with her SSN again. You should ask about this when you talk to them!

I went through something very similar about 6 months ago - that sinking feeling when you see something unexpected in your IRS account is awful! Since you confirmed it's showing up in your official IRS online account, this is definitely legitimate and needs immediate attention. Here's what worked for me: I filed my legitimate return first thing the next morning (even though I was worried about the verification issue), then immediately called the IRS. When I got through, I explained that I had a verification notice in my online account but had never failed to file. The agent was actually really helpful and walked me through the process. In my case, someone had attempted to file a return with my SSN but it got flagged by their fraud detection system before processing. The "verification of non-filing" notice was basically the IRS asking me to confirm I hadn't actually filed yet, which cleared up the confusion. The whole thing took about 2 weeks to resolve, and I did get my refund (just delayed). The agent also set me up with an IP PIN for future protection. Don't let the stress eat you up - this is more common than you'd think and the IRS has good procedures for handling it!