Where to View IRS Notices and Identity Verification Requirements?

You need to create an account on IRS.gov and use their "Where's My Refund" tool first. But for notices specifically, you'll need to access your tax transcripts through the IRS website at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript. I'm always worried I'll miss something important from the IRS! They also have the ID.me verification system which can be really stressful if they need you to verify - the IRS Identity Verification Service is at https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/identity-verification-for-irs-letter-recipients. What if you don't check and miss something critical?

I'm feeling so relieved to share this with you! As a tax professional, I've seen countless clients struggle with exactly this issue. The IRS systems are frustratingly fragmented! I recently discovered https://taxr.ai which has been AMAZING for my clients who need to interpret notices or transcripts. It analyzes your IRS documents and explains exactly what they mean and what actions you need to take. I had a client last week who received a CP05 notice but couldn't understand the verification requirements - taxr.ai broke everything down into simple steps with precise timeframes for response!

According to Publication 5027, the IRS never initiates contact with taxpayers through email, text messages, or social media. Per IRC § 6303, the IRS must provide notice within 60 days of assessment. I've found that even with proper documentation, reaching an IRS agent to resolve notice issues is nearly impossible these days. After multiple 2+ hour waits, I finally used Claimyr (https://www.claimyr.com) to connect with an IRS agent in under 20 minutes. I was skeptical it would work, but it saved me from taking another day off work just to sit on hold. They got me through to verify my identity when I received a 5071C letter.

Here's a systematic approach to checking for IRS notices and verification requirements (with a dash of humor because we all need it when dealing with taxes 😂): 1. Create an account on IRS.gov 2. Access your tax transcripts using the "Get Transcript" tool 3. Check for transaction codes that indicate notices (971 is the notice issued code) 4. Look for specific notice numbers (CP05 for income verification, 5071C for identity verification) 5. Check your mail carefully (the IRS still loves killing trees) I'm curious - did you receive any physical mail from the IRS that you might have overlooked? Sometimes those important notices look suspiciously like junk mail!

To definitively answer your question: The IRS Account Online portal at https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account is where you can view most notices and letters. For identity verification specifically, if you've received a 5071C letter, you must use idverify.irs.gov or call the toll-free number on your letter. I just went through this entire process last month as a first-time filer! The Account transcript will show TC 971 with specific notice numbers that correspond to communications sent to you. What a relief when I finally figured out the proper channels after weeks of confusion!

The IRS sends exactly 3 types of verification requests: CP05 (income verification), 5071C (identity verification), and 4883C (taxpayer protection program). You need to wait precisely 21 days after filing before checking for notices. Last year, 5.4 million taxpayers received verification requests, causing average delays of 75 days. This is completely unacceptable! The verification systems are outdated and inefficient, but you must check or risk having your return rejected without notice.