How Do I Verify My Identity for the IRS?
An IRS identity verification request is a standard security measure. Understand what this means for your tax return and how to respond effectively.
Receiving a letter from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requesting identity verification is a standard procedure. The agency uses this process as a protective measure to combat tax-related identity theft. By confirming that the individual who filed the tax return is the correct person, the IRS prevents fraudulent refunds from being issued to criminals.
This verification is a common step in the tax filing process designed to safeguard taxpayer information. When certain characteristics of a filed tax return are flagged by the IRS’s automated systems, it can trigger a manual review that includes identity verification. This does not necessarily mean there is an error on your return, but that the IRS is taking extra precautions.
Understanding the IRS Verification Request
The primary reason for receiving an identity verification request is that the IRS’s fraud detection system has flagged a tax return. This can be triggered by various factors, such as a change in filing status, a new address, or other discrepancies from historical filing patterns. The IRS sends a letter through the U.S. Postal Service to the address on record for the taxpayer to initiate the verification process.
Several different letters are used for this purpose, with the most common being the 5071C, 5747C, and 6331C. Each letter will instruct you to use either the online Identity Verification Service or a toll-free phone number to complete the process. The letter contains a unique control number that you will need to enter, linking you to the specific tax return under review.
You must confirm that the letter you received is authentic IRS correspondence. An official IRS letter will never ask you to provide personal information like PINs, passwords, or financial account details through email. The correspondence will always direct you to the official IRS.gov website or a specific toll-free number. If you are suspicious, you can check the letter number on the IRS website or call the taxpayer assistance line to confirm its validity.
Required Information for Verification
Before you begin the verification process, gather all the necessary documents. You will need the IRS letter you received, as it contains the required control number. You will also need a complete copy of the tax return for the year indicated in the letter, which is the Form 1040 and all its associated schedules.
From that tax return, you will need to reference your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), the exact amount of the refund you claimed, or the total tax owed. The IRS will ask specific questions using these figures. It is also recommended to have a copy of your tax return from the prior year available for comparison.
You must also have all the income-supporting documents for the tax year in question. These include:
- Forms W-2 from employers
- Forms 1099 for miscellaneous income
- Schedule C for self-employment income
- Schedule SE for self-employment tax
A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, state ID card, or passport, is mandatory for all verification methods. For the online route, you will also need a smartphone with a camera or a computer with a webcam, and a phone number registered in your name to receive a security code.
Step-by-Step Online Verification
The online verification method is the fastest way to confirm your identity with the IRS. First, navigate to the official IRS Identity Verification Service website provided in your letter. Remember to have the unique control number from the letter ready.
Upon reaching the site, you will be directed to create or sign in to an account with ID.me, a third-party technology provider that partners with the IRS. This secure platform is used by various government agencies to verify identity. The registration process requires you to provide personal information, including your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
The ID.me process involves providing visual proof of your identity. You will be prompted to upload clear images of the front and back of your valid government-issued photo ID. Following the ID upload, you will use your device’s camera to take a live video selfie, which the system compares to your ID photo. In some cases, you may be required to complete a brief, live video call with an ID.me agent to finalize the verification.
Once you have passed the ID.me identity check, you will be redirected back to the IRS website. Using your tax documents, you will answer a series of questions about your tax return, such as your AGI or refund amount. After correctly answering these questions, you will receive immediate confirmation that your identity has been verified.
Phone and In-Person Verification Options
For individuals who are unable or prefer not to use the online system, the IRS provides alternative methods. You can verify your identity by calling the toll-free number printed on your letter. This number connects you to the IRS’s Taxpayer Protection Program, which handles these specific cases.
When you call, an IRS representative will ask a series of questions to confirm your identity. These questions will be based on your current and prior-year tax returns and supporting income documents. Have all your documents organized and ready before calling. Due to high call volumes, wait times can be significant, so it is recommended to call early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
If you cannot verify your identity online or over the phone, the IRS may require you to do so in person at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC). This option is available by appointment only. You must first call the IRS to determine if an in-person appointment is necessary and to schedule it.
For your appointment, you must bring all the documents previously outlined, including the IRS letter, your tax returns, income documents, and a valid photo ID. An IRS employee will review your documents and ask questions to verify your identity. This method is the most time-consuming but provides an option for complex cases.
What Happens After Verification
Once you have successfully verified your identity, you will receive a confirmation that the process is complete. The IRS system will then be updated, removing the identity verification hold from your tax account. This allows the agency to resume processing your tax return.
After successful verification, the IRS advises that it can take up to nine weeks to process the return and issue any refund you are due. During this time, the IRS will conduct a final review of your return. If no other problems are found, your refund will be issued through the method you originally selected, either by direct deposit or a paper check.
If during the verification process you realize you did not file the tax return in question, this indicates you are a victim of identity theft. You should inform the IRS representative of this immediately. The next step is to file an Identity Theft Affidavit, Form 14039. This form officially reports the identity theft to the IRS, which will then take steps to secure your account and investigate the fraudulent filing.