WMR Says I Need to Verify Identity - Address Mismatch with ID.me
So WMR just told me I need to verify my identity (great timing, right? š ). The problem is I recently PCS'd to a new base, and ID.me won't accept my verification because my driver's license still has my old address. The verification letter will be sent to my old address where I obviously don't live anymore. Has anyone in a similar situation managed to verify over the phone or via video call with ID.me? I'm worried about getting this right the first time since our family really needs this refund to come through. Military moves are stressful enough without tax verification issues piling on!
14 comments
Ethan Moore
I... um... actually went through something similar last month. The address verification can be... tricky. I had to call the IRS directly because my situation wasn't... standard either. They have a special process for people who moved recently, but it's not well advertised. You might need to wait on hold for a while though...
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Yuki Kobayashi
What documentation did they require for the address verification process? Did you need to provide both your old and new address information during the call?
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Carmen Vega
Oh my goodness, thank you for mentioning this! I was so stressed thinking I'd have to somehow intercept mail at my old address. This gives me hope that there's actually a solution! š
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QuantumQuester
Did they specifically mention accommodations for military personnel? I've heard the IRS has special procedures for active duty members with frequent relocations.
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Andre Moreau
Have you tried using a different verification method with ID.me? Sometimes they accept utility bills or bank statements with your current address instead of just relying on your ID. Or what about using your military ID? Doesn't that work differently than a regular driver's license? And have you checked if there's a military-specific verification process since PCS moves are so common?
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Zoe Stavros
I've helped several military families with this exact issue. Here's what you need to do: 1. First, try calling the IRS Identity Verification number directly (1-800-830-5084) 2. Explain that you're military and recently PCS'd 3. Ask for the alternative verification options 4. If they can't help immediately, request a callback However, getting through to the IRS can be extremely difficult right now. When I was in a similar situation, I used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to get connected to an IRS agent within 20 minutes instead of spending days calling. They have a service that navigates the phone system and gets you to a live person. For military families with address verification issues, getting a human on the phone quickly can make all the difference.
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Jamal Harris
I'm a bit concerned about using third-party services to reach the IRS. Has anyone looked into whether this is actually secure? The IRS website warns about scams targeting military families...
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Mei Chen
Does it work for all IRS departments? Military verification specifically?
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Liam Sullivan
I believe Claimyr might be legitimate. I've seen it mentioned in some tax professional forums, though I haven't personally used it yet. It seems to just help navigate the phone tree rather than accessing any personal information, from what I understand.
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Amara Okafor
I went through exactly this after my PCS last year. I spent exactly 4 hours and 37 minutes on hold over 3 days trying to reach someone at the IRS. When I finally got through, they actually had a specific process for military members with recent PCS moves. They asked for my orders, verified my SSN, and asked 5 identity-verification questions based on my credit history. The whole verification took 22 minutes once I got someone on the line. They processed my return 9 days later.
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CosmicCommander
Your situation is actually simpler than you might think. Unlike civilian address changes where they're super strict, the IRS has special protocols for military families. This is way less complicated than when I had to verify after my identity was stolen! For military, you can request an in-person verification at the nearest IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center and bring your PCS orders. The complexity comes from the fact that most people don't know this option exists!
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Giovanni Colombo
Has anyone suggested updating your address with USPS to forward mail from your old address? I did this when I moved last year and it worked perfectly! The verification letter was forwarded to my new place without any issues. Saved me so much hassle and didn't cost anything. Did you file your taxes with your new address? Could this create other complications?
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
This is actually really helpful advice. I've been dealing with the IRS for years and mail forwarding has saved me countless headaches during moves. Thanks for pointing out this simple but effective solution!
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Dylan Cooper
Military tax specialist here. For ID.me verification with address mismatch issues: ā¢ Military members can use their military ID + PCS orders as primary verification ā¢ You can request a "military exception" in the ID.me system by clicking "verify by video call" ā¢ The video agent can accept your military ID even with old address ā¢ If using the phone verification, mention Code 2501-M (military verification protocol) ā¢ Average processing time after military verification: 14-21 days Don't stress too much - this happens to about 30% of military filers after a PCS!
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