Yes, you can visit a local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center to verify your identity in person, especially if you cannot do so online or over the phone. You will need to schedule an appointment, bring two forms of identification (including a government-issued photo ID), and your tax return information.
Locate a Taxpayer Assistance Center near you. Check what services are available at that location, then call 844-545-5640 to schedule an appointment.
Call our Taxpayer Assistance Center toll-free at the number on your letter to schedule an in-person appointment. Note: An authorized third party can represent the taxpayer, however, the taxpayer must be present at the appointment to authenticate their identity.
Login.gov offers in-person identity verification with the United States Postal Service (USPS). You will need to complete some identity verification steps online, then bring your ID to a participating Post Office. In-person identity verification is only available for some partner agencies.
Call to schedule your appointment ahead of time. Bring these items with you: A current government-issued photo ID. Two original forms of ID, including a current government-issued photo ID and, if filed, a copy of the tax return for the year in question.
The return will be rejected and investigated as identity theft/tax fraud if: verification fails to confirm your identity or that you filed the return. if the verification process is not completed, or can't be completed.
The fastest option is "Self-Service," which can be completed in only a few minutes. To complete Self-Service, you need three items: A mobile phone that belongs to you and has a camera, or a computer with a webcam. A government-issued photo ID (U.S. driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, or U.S. passport card)
When you call the IRS, they will ask you to verify your identity. IRS phone assistors take great care to only discuss personal information with you or someone you authorize to speak on your behalf.
Your refund
It may take up to 9 weeks to process your return after you verify it.
Verifying via phone
Verifying identity over the phone requires “something you know” methods. Ask standard questions like name, address, and phone number, but also ask something that only the individual would know.
We can conduct identify verification checks face to face in selected Post Office branches. If you've received a letter requesting one, please bring it in along with the documents listed on it. The team in branch will check and digitise your documents. Then they'll hand back the originals and a receipt.
Yes, you can walk into an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) without an appointment for some services, especially if you have an IRS notice or need identity verification, but it's often better and faster to schedule an appointment online at irs.gov/appointment to avoid long waits and ensure the office provides the service you need. Walk-ins are generally for things like identity verification or understanding notices, but many common issues can be resolved online or by phone first.
If you can't verify your identity through ID.me online, you will need to apply for unemployment benefits by phone, fax, or mail. For help with the ID.me verification process, you can: Speak with an ID.me video agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through your ID.me account.
Self–Service: The fastest method to verify; usually takes 5-10 minutes. For step-by-step instructions, visit Verifying your identity with ID.me Self-Service. Video call: You will upload your document, then join a quick video call.
If you can't verify online
Call us at the phone number on your notice. The number is for identity and tax return verification only. Other tax information, such as refund status, is not available.
IRS TACs operate by appointment. To schedule an appointment, call 844-545-5640.
You can verify your identity in person for your Login.gov account. Login.gov offers in-person identity verification at participating United States Postal Service (USPS) locations. You can choose this option from the start.
At a Post Office
go to a Post Office that offers 'in branch verification', where they'll scan your photo ID and take a photo of you.
Yes, you can verify your ID online, typically by using secure third-party services like ID.me or Login.gov for government services, or specialized platforms for businesses, by uploading photos of your ID, taking a selfie, and providing personal details for remote verification. This process securely confirms you are who you say you are, allowing access to online services like the IRS or other digital platforms.
Document verification, biometrics, and data-based verification are the three most effective and widely used methods for confirming a person's identity across digital platforms.