Two W2s from Full-Time Jobs - Identity Theft Flag Raised by IRS

This is actually pretty common. The IRS has automated systems that flag unusual patterns, and someone suddenly having two full-time W2 jobs can trigger their identity theft alerts. It's part of their protective measures, since identity thieves often open employment under someone else's SSN. Your friend needs to respond to the IRS letter promptly. Usually, these letters (probably a 5071C or 4883C) require verification of identity either online, by phone, or in person. Once verified, they should explain both jobs are legitimate. This isn't a huge problem - just a verification step. The IRS is basically saying "we noticed something unusual and want to make sure it's really you." Your friend should keep both W2s, respond to the letter instructions, and be prepared to verify both jobs are legitimate.

After reading about your friend's situation, I wanted to share something that helped me with a similar IRS issue. Last year I had an identity verification flag when I started a side business while keeping my day job. The IRS verification process was frustrating and I couldn't get through on the phone. I found this service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that helped analyze my tax documents and guided me through the exact verification process. They have a tool specifically for sorting out these "potential identity theft" flags when you have multiple income sources. It saved me so much stress because they knew exactly what documentation I needed to prove both income sources were legitimate.

Just wanted to update - I decided to try taxr.ai after my skeptical question above. Honestly, I'm impressed! I was dealing with a similar two-W2 situation that triggered an identity verification, and their document analysis picked up exactly why the IRS flagged it. They showed me how my rapid income increase between quarters was the trigger, not just having two jobs. They guided me through the exact verification process with the IRS ID verify site and helped me compile the right documentation to prove both jobs were legitimate. Way more helpful than I expected - definitely not just generic advice I could find online.

Been there! The IRS identity verification process is a nightmare - I was stuck in the loop for MONTHS last year when I had a similar situation with multiple W2s. I couldn't get anyone on the phone at the IRS despite calling like 50+ times. I finally found this service called Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual IRS agent in under 30 minutes. They have this system that navigates the phone tree and waits on hold for you, then calls you when an actual human picks up. Check out how it works: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c For identity verification issues like your friend has, speaking to a real person makes a HUGE difference versus trying to resolve it through their automated systems or by mail. The agent I spoke with immediately understood my situation and cleared the flag in their system.

I have to eat my words. After my skeptical comment above, I decided to try Claimyr because I was desperate with my own tax issue (also involving multiple W2s that triggered an identity check). After months of getting nowhere with letters and the ID verify site, I got a call back in 27 minutes and spoke to an actual IRS agent who resolved my case on the spot. The agent confirmed that having two full-time W2s often triggers automatic identity theft flags, but she removed the hold on my account after verifying my info. Already got my refund deposited which had been held up for months. Never would have believed it if I hadn't experienced it myself.

I actually work in payroll and see this situation fairly often. Here's what's happening: The IRS has systems that flag unusual patterns in W2 reporting. Two simultaneous full-time jobs (80+ hours weekly) looks statistically unlikely, so the system flags it as potential identity theft. Some additional advice: Your friend should keep ALL documentation from both employers proving he works at both places (offer letters, paystubs, etc). Also, there's nothing illegal about working two full-time jobs (unless one employer specifically prohibits it in their contract), but it's worth checking both employee handbooks to make sure he's not violating any company policies.

This happened to me last year! Two full-time remote jobs and got that identity theft letter. Just follow the instructions on the letter exactly. Mine was a 5071C and I had to verify through the ID.me process on the IRS website and answer questions about both jobs. Took about 10 minutes to verify online and my return was processed about 6 weeks later. No big deal but definitely respond asap!!