To verify identity with the IRS, a government-issued photo ID, Social Security Number, and possibly the previous year's tax return are generally needed. This is especially true if a notice to verify the return was received.
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.
Once you successfully verify your identity, your tax return will be processed, which typically takes about six weeks.
Identity and Address Documents
To support your identity, you'll generally need government-issued documents like a Passport, Driver's License, or State ID (primary photo ID), plus supporting documents for secondary verification, such as a Birth Certificate, Social Security Card, or utility bills, depending on the specific requirements of the entity requesting the ID.
Bring the following identity verification documents to your appointment:
The Taxpayer Protection Program will identify a suspicious tax return filed with your name and SSN and will send you a letter to let you know. The letter will ask you to verify your identity and tax return information.
Request an expedited refund by calling the IRS at 800-829-1040 (TTY/TDD 800-829-4059). Request a manual refund expedited to you.
No, you generally cannot use your Social Security card as a standalone ID because it lacks a photo and physical description, but it is crucial for proving your Social Security Number (SSN) for employment, taxes, and government benefits, often used as a secondary document alongside a primary photo ID like a driver's license or passport for things like opening bank accounts or getting a REAL ID.
Typical documents include the following:
The most common way to verify identity in person is to see the individual and a government-issued photo ID card, such as a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. This method combines the “something you have” and “something you are” factors.
These letters provide taxpayers with several means of authenticating their identity, including online options or directly calling the IRS. In rare cases, taxpayers will be required to make an appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center to authenticate their identity in person.
(updated Oct. 31, 2023) A: To verify your identity with ID.me, you'll need to provide a photo of an identity document such as a driver's license, state ID or passport. You'll also need to take a selfie or choose to video chat with a live ID.me agent.
Then, the taxpayer should call the IRS using the toll-free Identity Verification telephone number: (800) 830-5084.
Your refund
It may take up to 9 weeks to process your return after you verify it.
Be ready to verify your identity when calling the IRS
When the IRS is questioning whether a return is legitimate, it will send taxpayers a letter asking them to authenticate their identity, and it will not process their return and issue their refund until the taxpayer responds to the letter and completes the authentication process.
The biggest tax mistakes people make include filing late, math errors, incorrect personal info (like Social Security numbers), forgetting deductions/credits (like EITC), misreporting income, not signing forms, and making errors with bank details for direct deposit, all leading to delays, penalties, or missed savings, with using tax software or professionals helping avoid these common pitfalls.
Prepare for your appointment