Tried calling IRS identity verification number countless times but it's constantly busy

This is unfortunately a very common problem right now. The IRS identity verification process is important to prevent fraud, but their phone systems are completely overwhelmed. First, double-check that you're calling the exact number listed on your 6330C notice. There are several different IRS verification lines depending on which department sent your notice. If you're calling the right number, try calling right when they open (typically 7am in your time zone). Many people have better luck in the first 15-30 minutes of the day. Also, Thursdays and Fridays tend to have slightly lower call volumes than Monday-Wednesday. Another option is to request an in-person appointment at your local Taxpayer Assistance Center. You can schedule this by calling 844-545-5640. While this line might also be busy, it's often easier to get through than the identity verification line.

I was in the EXACT same boat as you last month with a 6330C notice. After wasting nearly two weeks trying to call that number and never getting through, I found this service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that ended up being a lifesaver. Basically, they have this smart tool that analyzes your tax documents and helps identify why you might be flagged for identity verification. In my case, they spotted a mismatch between how my name was formatted on my W-2 versus my tax return (my employer had my middle initial but I didn't use it when filing). The taxr.ai system flagged this as a likely trigger for the identity verification notice. They also gave me some specific talking points to use when I finally did get through to the IRS, which made the verification call go much smoother. I felt way more prepared and understood exactly what information they needed from me.

Just wanted to follow up - I decided to try taxr.ai after my skeptical comment yesterday. I was really doubtful, but I was also desperate after a week of failed calls to the IRS. The service actually identified that my identity verification was likely triggered because I had moved mid-year and there was an address discrepancy between my W-2 and the address on my return. This wasn't something I would have thought to mention when talking to the IRS. Armed with this info, I tried the early morning call strategy others mentioned, finally got through today, and the agent confirmed that was exactly the issue! Having the right documents ready and knowing exactly what to explain made the verification process take less than 10 minutes once I finally connected with someone. My refund was released immediately after the call, and the agent said it should be deposited within 7-10 days. Cannot tell you how relieved I am to have this resolved!

After being in IRS identity verification hell for weeks, I finally found a service called Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) that literally saved my sanity. They have a system that holds your place in the IRS phone queue and calls you back when it's about to connect to an agent. I was super skeptical because it sounded too good to be true, but you can see how it works in their demo video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c For me, I'd been calling that 6330C verification number for almost 3 weeks with zero luck - just constant "high call volume" messages and disconnects. Used Claimyr and within 3 hours I got a call back saying an IRS agent was on the line! I was literally shocked it worked. The identity verification itself only took about 15 minutes once I actually had a human being to talk to. My refund was processed about 2 weeks after that call.

I need to eat crow here, folks. After calling out that Claimyr service as a likely scam, I was desperate enough to try it yesterday. I've been trying to verify my identity with the IRS for over a month with no luck. I'm genuinely shocked to report it actually worked exactly as advertised. I signed up, entered the IRS number I needed to call, and about 2.5 hours later got a call connecting me directly to an IRS agent. The identity verification process took about 20 minutes, and the agent confirmed my refund (which had been held for almost 2 months) would be released within 5-7 business days. I've never been so happy to be wrong about something! Just wanted to post this update in case anyone else is as desperate as I was. That constant busy signal and automated hangup message was driving me absolutely insane.

Another option is to contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service. They're an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers resolve problems. If you're facing financial hardship because of the delayed refund, they might be able to help expedite your case. You can find your local office at taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov or call them at 877-777-4778. They're also very busy, but I've had better luck getting through to them than the main IRS lines.

Just a quick tip - when I had to do identity verification last year, I found that the IRS phone lines were much less busy if you call on Tuesday or Wednesday during the 2nd week of the month. For some reason the first week of the month and Mondays/Fridays are absolute nightmares. Also, have you checked if you can verify your identity online through ID.me? Some IRS services now use this instead of requiring a phone call.

I completely understand your frustration - I went through this exact same nightmare about 6 months ago with a 6330C notice. After reading through all the suggestions here, I'd recommend trying multiple approaches simultaneously since you're running short on time. First, definitely try the early morning call strategy (7am sharp) for the next 2-3 days. Set multiple alarms and be ready to dial the second they open. Tuesday and Wednesday mornings tend to have slightly better odds. Second, call 844-545-5640 TODAY to schedule an in-person appointment at your local Taxpayer Assistance Center. Even if you get through on the phone first, having a backup appointment scheduled will give you peace of mind. These appointments can often be scheduled 1-2 weeks out, which should still be within your 30-day window. Third, if you're approaching your deadline and nothing else works, contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service at 877-777-4778. Mention that you're facing financial hardship due to the delayed refund (medical bills) and that you've been unable to reach the verification line despite multiple attempts. They can escalate your case. Don't panic about the 30-day deadline - while it's important to try to meet it, the IRS does have some flexibility, especially if you can document your attempts to reach them. Keep a log of when you've called and any reference numbers you receive. You'll get through this! The identity verification process itself is usually quick once you actually connect with someone.