What Is IRS Error 2099 and How to Fix It?
IRS Error 2099 indicates a problem with identity verification, not your tax return. Learn why this happens and how to request your tax documents by other means.
When using Internal Revenue Service (IRS) online services, error codes can stop you from accessing needed tax documents. While this experience is inconvenient, it is a common issue with defined workarounds. Understanding why the error occurs is the first step toward finding a solution.
What IRS Error 2099 Means
IRS Error 2099 indicates a failure during the online identity verification process. This specific error is not a notice of an issue with your tax return itself, such as a miscalculation or missing form. Instead, it means the system could not match the personal information you entered with the data the IRS uses from third-party sources to confirm you are who you say you are. This security measure is in place to protect your sensitive financial data.
Several situations can trigger this verification problem. If you have recently moved, the address you provide may not match the one in the databases the IRS references. For individuals filing a tax return for the first time, there may not be a sufficient history to verify against. A common cause is having a security freeze on your credit report, which blocks the IRS’s verification system. A simple data entry mistake or a name change that has not fully processed across all databases can also lead to a mismatch.
How to Get Your Tax Information
When online verification fails, you must use an alternative method to request your tax documents. The IRS provides a “Get Transcript by Mail” tool on its website that bypasses the more stringent online identity proofing. To use this service, you will need your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), your date of birth, and the mailing address from your most recent tax return. A paper transcript will be mailed to this address of record.
If you have recently moved, you must first formally update your address with the IRS by filing Form 8822, Change of Address. After the IRS processes the form, you can request a transcript be sent to your new address. Otherwise, the request will be sent to the old address the IRS has on file.
To request a transcript by mail, navigate to the “Get Your Tax Record” page on the IRS website and select the “Get Transcript by Mail” option. The system will prompt you to enter the required personal information. You will receive a confirmation that your transcript is on its way after submitting the request.
A second option is to request a transcript via the IRS’s automated phone service at 800-908-9946. You will need to provide your SSN or ITIN and the numbers of your street address for verification. The automated system will guide you to select the “Return Transcript” for the specific tax year you need. This process also results in a paper transcript being mailed to the address of record within five to ten calendar days.