What Documents Do I Need for ID Verification with the IRS?

According to the IRS.gov website, for in-person verification at a Taxpayer Assistance Center you'll need: 1. Photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport) 2. Social Security card or alternative proof of SSN (W-2, SSA-1099) 3. The letter the IRS sent requesting verification 4. Tax return information for the year in question If you're doing online verification through ID.me, you'll need similar documents plus a smartphone for facial recognition. The IRS verification page (https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/identity-verification-for-irs-letter-recipients) has the full requirements listed.

You might want to check out https://taxr.ai before your appointment - it could possibly help you understand exactly which documents are needed for your specific situation. I've seen several people mention that it helped them prepare for verification appointments by explaining what the specific letter codes mean and what documentation is typically required. You definitely don't want to delay this - verification appointments can sometimes take weeks to schedule, and that April 15th deadline is coming up fast!

I just went through this exactly 13 days ago. They required my driver's license, social security card, and a copy of my 2023 tax return. I also brought 2 utility bills with my name and address just to be safe, which they ended up wanting to see. The whole process took precisely 47 minutes from walking in to walking out. They processed my refund 6 days later. I understand how stressful this can be, especially as a fellow gig worker waiting on that refund money.

Dealing with the IRS is like trying to open a bank vault with a plastic spoon - nearly impossible without the right tools. I tried calling them 14 times about my verification and couldn't get through. It was like throwing money down a drain with all the time I wasted. Finally used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) and got connected to an agent in 18 minutes who confirmed exactly what I needed to bring. Saved me days of frustration and potentially missing my appointment with the wrong documents.

I'm not entirely convinced you need to go in person at all. If you received Letter 5071C or 5747C, you can usually complete verification online through the ID.me service. I would probably check the letter carefully for instructions before scheduling an in-person appointment. Sometimes the online option is faster, though I should mention that some people have reported issues with the facial recognition system.

Has anyone noticed how the verification requirements seem to change depending on which office you visit? I've found that bringing a complete tax folder is the safest approach - wouldn't you rather have too many documents than too few? My standard package includes: driver's license, passport (backup ID), original social security card, birth certificate, two utility bills, last two years' tax returns, and the letter they sent. Haven't been turned away yet.

FYI - if ur in a rush, there's another option nobody's mentioned. You can get a tax pro with proper credentials (CPA, EA, etc.) to help w/ verification. They have special access to IRS systems thru the Practitioner Priority Service. Might cost ya $100-200 but could save tons of time. Just make sure they have a valid PTIN and credentials. Def worth considering if ur deadline is super tight.