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The IRS flagging your tax return for identity verification can be a bit of a shock, causing worry and confusion. But don't fret! This is a common security measure taken by the IRS to protect taxpayers from identity theft and fraudulent returns. While it might seem like a hassle, it's a necessary step to ensure your financial security. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of scheduling and preparing for an appointment with the IRS to verify your identity. Let's get started!
How to Schedule an Appointment with the IRS to Verify Identity: A Step-by-Step Guide
Has the IRS sent you a letter asking you to verify your identity? If so, you're not alone. Many taxpayers receive these letters as part of the IRS's efforts to combat identity theft. While the process can feel a little intimidating, it's manageable with the right approach. Let's break it down!
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| How To Schedule An Appointment With The Irs To Verify Identity |
Step 1: Understand the IRS Letter – Your First and Most Crucial Clue!
Before you do anything else, carefully read the entire letter you received from the IRS. This letter is your primary guide and will contain vital information about why the IRS needs to verify your identity and what specific actions you need to take.
QuickTip: Skim the first line of each paragraph.
- Identify the Letter Type: The IRS typically sends letters like Notice 5071C, 4883C, 5447C, or 6331C for identity verification. The letter will explicitly state the reason for the verification.
- Look for Instructions: The letter will usually provide instructions on how to proceed. This might include an online verification option (often through ID.me) or a phone number to call for an appointment.
- Note the Tax Year: Pay close attention to the tax year mentioned in the letter. You'll need documents for that specific year.
- Don't Ignore It: Ignoring an identity verification letter can lead to significant delays in processing your tax return and refund. Your refund will be held until your identity is successfully verified.
Never respond to calls, emails, or texts claiming to be the IRS asking for identity verification. The IRS initiates identity verification only through official mailed letters.
Step 2: Explore Online Verification Options (If Available)
The IRS has made strides in providing online options for identity verification, often through a third-party service called ID.me. This can be the fastest and most convenient method if your letter allows for it.
Tip: Avoid distractions — stay in the post.
Sub-heading: Verifying Identity Online with ID.me
If your letter directs you to idverify.irs.gov or a similar online portal, follow these steps:
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- Access the Website: Go to the official IRS identity verification page (the URL will be provided in your letter, but generally it's
idverify.irs.govor the "Verify your return" section onIRS.gov). - Sign In or Create an Account:
- If you already have an ID.me account (perhaps from another government service), you can likely use that to sign in.
- If not, you'll need to create a new ID.me account. This involves a robust identity proofing process.
- The ID.me Verification Process:
- Upload Documents: You'll typically be asked to upload images of government-issued photo identification (like a driver's license, state ID, or passport).
- Take a Video Selfie: For many online verifications, you'll need to take a video selfie to compare against your uploaded ID. This is a crucial biometric step to confirm you are who you say you are.
- Provide Personal Information: You'll fill out personal details and may answer knowledge-based authentication questions (e.g., questions about your credit history, past addresses, etc.).
- Video Call (if self-service fails or is not preferred): If the self-service option doesn't work for you, or if you prefer a live interaction, you may have the option to connect with an ID.me video chat agent. They will guide you through the process of showing your documents and verifying your identity.
- Complete Tax Return Questions: Once your identity is verified by ID.me, you'll be redirected to the IRS website to answer specific questions about the tax return in question. Have a copy of your notice and the tax return for the year shown in the notice readily available. If you didn't file the return, you'll indicate that during this process.
- Confirmation: You should receive a confirmation that your identity has been verified. Keep this for your records.
Important Note: The ID.me process can sometimes be challenging for those without strong internet access, a smartphone, or who have difficulty with technology. If you encounter issues, don't hesitate to proceed to Step 3.
Tip: Highlight what feels important.
Step 3: Schedule an In-Person Appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC)
If online verification isn't an option for you, or if your letter specifically instructs you to call for an in-person appointment, this is your next step. The IRS operates Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) across the country where you can get face-to-face help.
Sub-heading: Finding Your Local TAC and Scheduling
- Locate a TAC: Use the IRS's "Contact Your Local Office" tool on IRS.gov (easily searchable) to find the nearest Taxpayer Assistance Center. This tool will also list the services available at that location and their operating hours.
- Call to Schedule: You cannot just walk into an IRS TAC for identity verification without an appointment. You must call the IRS to schedule your visit.
- The general number for scheduling TAC appointments for identity verification is 844-545-5640.
- If your IRS letter provides a different specific phone number for identity verification, always use the number on your letter first. The dedicated Identity Verification telephone number often cited for Letters 5071C or 4883C is 800-830-5084.
- Be prepared for potentially long wait times when calling the IRS, especially during peak tax season (January to April). Wait times are often shorter on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
- Provide Information: When you call, the IRS assistor will ask you for information from your letter and some personal details to help schedule your appointment.
- Confirm Appointment Details: Make sure you get a confirmation of your appointment date, time, and location. You may also receive an automated email confirmation.
Sub-heading: What to Bring to Your In-Person Appointment
This is perhaps the most critical part of the in-person verification process. Arriving unprepared will likely result in a wasted trip and further delays.
Tip: Use the structure of the text to guide you.
You will need to bring several key documents to your IRS TAC appointment:
- The IRS Identity Verification Letter: This is paramount. Bring the original letter (e.g., 5071C, 4883C, 5447C, or 6331C) that you received.
- Valid Government-Issued Photo Identification: This is your primary form of ID. It must be current and include your photo. Examples include:
- Driver's License
- State Identification Card
- Passport or Passport Card
- Military ID
- At Least One (and preferably two) Additional Form(s) of Identification: These should also be official documents and different from your primary photo ID. Examples include:
- U.S. Social Security card
- Birth certificate
- Mortgage statement with current address
- Lease agreement for a house or apartment with current address
- Car title
- Voter registration card (not the application)
- The Tax Return in Question: Bring a copy of the Form 1040-series tax return (e.g., Form 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR) for the tax year referenced in the IRS letter. Forms W-2 and 1099 are not considered tax returns themselves, but you'll need them as supporting documents.
- Supporting Documents for the Tax Return: Bring all relevant documents that support the income, credits, and deductions claimed on the tax return in question. This typically includes:
- Forms W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement)
- Forms 1099 (e.g., 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-MISC, 1099-R)
- Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business)
- Schedule F (Profit or Loss from Farming)
- Any other forms or schedules filed with your return (e.g., Form 8863 for Education Credits, Form 8812 for Child Tax Credit, etc.)
- A Prior Year's Tax Return (if available and different from the year in question): While not always strictly required, having a copy of a prior year's tax return can be very helpful for the IRS to cross-reference information and confirm your identity history.
Sub-heading: What to Expect at the TAC Appointment
- Arrive on Time: Be punctual for your scheduled appointment.
- Security Procedures: You'll likely go through security, similar to an airport, before entering the main area.
- Identity Verification: An IRS assistor will review your identification documents and the tax return in question. They will ask you questions to confirm your identity and verify the details on your tax return.
- Processing Time: Once your identity is verified, the IRS will continue processing your return. It can take up to 9 weeks for your return to be fully processed and your refund issued after successful verification. The assistor will provide you with an estimated timeframe.
Step 4: After the Appointment – Patience is Key!
Once you've completed your identity verification, either online or in person, the waiting game begins.
- Monitor Your Refund Status: You can use the IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov to check the status of your refund. Remember, it can take several weeks (up to 9 weeks) after verification for your return to be fully processed.
- Keep Records: Retain all copies of your IRS letter, appointment confirmations, and the documents you used for verification. This is good practice for any tax-related interaction.
- What if I didn't file the return? If the IRS letter is asking you to verify a return you didn't file, it's crucial to inform them during the online verification process or at your in-person appointment. This indicates you might be a victim of identity theft. The IRS will guide you on the next steps, which may include filing Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit.
10 Related FAQ Questions about IRS Identity Verification
How to know if my IRS identity verification letter is legitimate?
- Quick Answer: The IRS only sends identity verification requests via physical mail. They will never call, email, or text you for this purpose. Look for an official IRS letterhead and specific notice numbers like 5071C, 4883C, 5447C, or 6331C.
How to verify my identity with the IRS if I don't have a Social Security Number (SSN)?
- Quick Answer: If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), you can generally use it for identity verification. The process will be similar, requiring you to present your ITIN documents and a valid government-issued photo ID.
How to get an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) from the IRS?
- Quick Answer: An IP PIN is a six-digit number assigned by the IRS to prevent identity theft. You can opt-in to the IP PIN program through IRS.gov, typically by using the "Get an IP PIN" tool after verifying your identity via ID.me, or by applying with Form 15227.
How to proceed if I cannot verify my identity online with ID.me?
- Quick Answer: If you encounter issues with online verification (e.g., technical difficulties, cannot upload documents), your letter or the IRS website should provide alternative instructions, which typically involve calling the IRS to schedule an in-person appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC).
How to check the status of my tax refund after identity verification?
- Quick Answer: Use the IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov. Enter your SSN/ITIN, filing status, and the exact refund amount. It can take up to 9 weeks after successful verification for your refund to be processed.
How to find my nearest IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC)?
- Quick Answer: Visit the "Contact Your Local Office" tool on IRS.gov. Enter your ZIP code to find the nearest TAC, its operating hours, and the services it provides. Remember, appointments are usually required for identity verification.
How to prepare for an IRS identity verification appointment?
- Quick Answer: Gather your IRS letter, a valid government-issued photo ID, at least one other form of ID (e.g., Social Security card, birth certificate), the tax return in question (Form 1040 series), and all supporting documents (W-2s, 1099s, etc.) for that tax year.
How to tell if someone filed a fraudulent tax return using my identity?
- Quick Answer: If you receive an identity verification letter from the IRS for a tax return you did not file, or if you are unable to file your own return because one has already been submitted under your name, it's a strong indication of identity theft. Notify the IRS immediately.
How to contact the IRS if I have questions about my identity verification letter?
- Quick Answer: Use the specific phone number provided in your IRS letter. If no specific number is listed, or for general inquiries about identity verification, you can call the main IRS individual assistance line at 800-829-1040, or the dedicated TPP line at 800-830-5084 if it's related to Letters 5071C or 4883C.
How to ensure my identity remains protected after verifying with the IRS?
- Quick Answer: Consider enrolling in the IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) program. Always use strong, unique passwords for online accounts, be wary of phishing attempts, and regularly monitor your financial statements and credit reports for suspicious activity.
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