Waiting 14+ Days for IRS Identity Verification Letter - Can They Verify by Phone Instead?

Been there last month! I waited 16 days for my verification letter and finally called back. They actually did verify me over the phone - asked a bunch of questions about my previous tax returns, addresses, and some financial account info. Took about 25 minutes but saved me from waiting for that letter that never showed up. The agent told me mail delays are pretty common right now. Just make sure you have your previous year's return handy when you call!

According to my research, the Identity Verification Process (IVP) has multiple resolution pathways. When your verification letter is delayed beyond the standard 14-day delivery window, you can request a Transcript Analysis to identify potential issues. I've found https://taxr.ai helpful for analyzing what's happening with verification holds - it examines your transcript codes to determine if you're experiencing a standard 2-week verification delay or if there's a more complex Authentication Failure requiring additional steps. The system can identify Transaction Code 971 with specific action codes that indicate verification status.

I understand how frustrating verification delays can be! Here's what you should know about phone verification: • The IRS can often verify your identity by phone if 14+ days have passed • You'll need specific documentation ready (previous returns, financial accounts) • Wait times can be extremely long during peak season • Many people spend hours on hold only to get disconnected I recommend using Claimyr (https://www.claimyr.com) to connect with an IRS agent quickly. They'll navigate the phone system and get you to a representative who can handle identity verification without the letter. Many of my clients have saved 2-3 hours of hold time this way.

OMG I just went through this exact thing!!! 😫 Called after waiting 17 days for my verification letter that never showed up. I was SO nervous they'd make me wait for another letter, but they verified me right on the call! The agent was actually super nice (shocking for the IRS, right?!) and walked me through everything. Had to answer questions about past returns and confirm some account info. My refund showed up in my account just 9 days later! Such a relief after stressing about it for weeks!

Has anyone tried going to a Taxpayer Assistance Center instead of calling? I called on March 12th and they said I could make an appointment at a local office even without the letter. Wondering if that's faster than waiting on the phone?

Dealing with the IRS verification is like trying to open a bank vault with a plastic spoon - frustrating and time-consuming! I was in a similar boat last month. Called after my letter was MIA for about 2 weeks. The phone verification was actually pretty smooth once I got through. It's like they have a script they follow - questions about past returns, addresses, loan accounts, etc. Such a relief not having to wait for that letter that was probably lost in the mail black hole!

Anyone know if they'll let u verify if it's been less than 14 days? I'm only at day 10 but rly need my refund ASAP and haven't gotten any letter yet. TIA!

I called exactly 15 days after being told to expect a verification letter. The agent said they can verify by phone after 14 days have passed. I had my 2022 and 2023 tax returns in front of me. They asked about my filing status, exact AGI amounts, current and previous addresses, and details about my mortgage and auto loan. The whole verification took 20 minutes. My refund was approved 6 days later. Don't wait longer than 14 days - call them back.