Website Says I Need to Verify Identity But No Letter Received - How to Proceed?

This is a common issue right now! As of March 15th, 2024, the IRS has been sending verification notices electronically through the website before paper notices arrive. If you log into your IRS online account, you should see a specific action item for identity verification. The paper notice (Letter 5071C or 5747C) is probably still on its way, but you don't need to wait for it. I appreciate you bringing this up - many people are experiencing the same confusion!

There are exactly 3 ways to verify your identity with the IRS right now: 1. Online verification through ID.me (takes approximately 15 minutes, processes in 24-48 hours) 2. Phone verification by calling the number on your notice (average wait time 37 minutes, verification takes 12-15 minutes) 3. In-person verification at a Taxpayer Assistance Center (requires appointment scheduled 7-14 days out) Since you don't have the letter yet, option 1 is your best bet. Go to irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/identity-verification and follow the prompts. You'll need a photo ID, access to your email/phone, and information from your last filed tax return.

I went through this exact situation last month! I got the website notification but no letter in sight. I panicked for a few days, but finally decided to just go ahead with the online verification through ID.me. I uploaded my driver's license, took a selfie video (felt weird lol), and answered some questions about my previous tax returns. The whole thing took maybe 20 minutes, and my refund was approved 3 days later. The physical letter finally showed up a week AFTER my refund was already processed! 🤦‍♀️

Got stuck in this same situation. Called IRS. Waited forever. No help. Used Claimyr instead. Got through in 15 minutes. Agent confirmed I could verify without letter. Problem solved. Check them out: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. Worth every penny. Saved me days of stress.

I'm shocked at how unnecessarily complicated this process is! I found a different approach that worked for me: • Call your local Taxpayer Advocate Service • Explain the situation and ask for guidance • They can sometimes verify your identity status • They might even expedite the process Their number is different from the main IRS line and they often have much shorter wait times. You can find your local office at taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov.

FWIW, the community wisdom here is don't wait for the letter. The IRS is super backed up with these notices rn. Most ppl are getting the online notification first, then the letter weeks later. If u have access to ur online acct, that's legit and u should proceed. Just make sure ur on the actual IRS.gov site (check the URL carefully) and not some random email link. GL with it!

For those wondering about the verification process, here's what to expect: Step 1: Go to IRS.gov and navigate to the Identity Verification Service Step 2: Choose to verify online with ID.me Step 3: Create or sign into your ID.me account Step 4: Verify your identity by uploading a photo ID Step 5: Complete a video selfie (this prevents fraud) Step 6: Confirm your personal information Step 7: Authorize ID.me to share your information with the IRS The system is designed to be secure while preventing fraudulent returns. Most people complete this in under 30 minutes, and your return processing typically resumes within 48 hours after successful verification.