What Number to Call for Verification? Return Stuck Since January

The IRS verification department is like that trendy restaurant with no sign - hard to find but definitely exists! You want the Identity Verification line at 800-830-5084. They handle these specific delays. Think of it as the express lane when the main highway (regular processing) is backed up. Your return is likely sitting in a digital waiting room until you verify something.

Have you received ANY correspondence from the IRS? • Letter 4883C (identity verification request) • Letter 5071C (potential identity theft) • Letter 6330C (income verification) These usually come 2-3 weeks after acceptance but sometimes get lost in mail. The login errors are frustrating but actually a clue - often means verification needed!

I haven't received any letters at all, which is part of why I'm confused. Did you find that people commonly have to verify even when they don't get a letter? My mailing address is correct on my return, so I'm not sure why I wouldn't have gotten something.

I was in the exact same situation last year! After researching online, I found out the IRS phone lines are completely overwhelmed - only about 1 in 10 callers actually get through using the regular numbers. I used https://claimyr.com (here's their video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) and it got me connected to an agent in about 15 minutes! Cost me a small fee but saved me literally days of redialing. The agent confirmed I needed to verify my identity and transferred me directly to that department. I was shocked at how complicated the whole process is!

Have you tried calling the Taxpayer Protection Program directly? When my return got stuck last year, I found out they had flagged it for verification but never sent the letter. I wasted three weeks waiting for something that wasn't coming! The direct number is different from the main IRS line.

I had the exact same error message and login problems! You know what worked for me? I called the Taxpayer Protection Program directly at 800-830-5084. Waited about 45 minutes, but the agent was super helpful and verified me right over the phone. My refund was deposited exactly 9 days later. Didn't you find it strange that they expect you to verify but make it so difficult to do so?

You might want to try the Taxpayer Advocate Service if you're experiencing financial hardship because of this delay. I'm not completely sure they can help with verification issues specifically, but they might be able to expedite the process if you're facing eviction, utility shutoffs, or other urgent financial needs. Their number is 877-777-4778, but prepare documentation of your hardship before calling - they're overwhelmed right now with the tax season ending soon.

This happened to me last year but with an even longer delay. Filed in February, stuck until MAY! Compared to my previous years when I got my refund within 2 weeks, it was maddening. Turned out I needed to verify my identity, but unlike most people who get letters, mine never came. The frustration you're feeling is completely valid - I remember checking WMR obsessively every morning at 3am hoping for a change. Hang in there!