What is the fastest way to verify my identity with the IRS?

Asked by: Reyes Reichert IV  |  Last update: February 1, 2026
Score: 5/5 (29 votes)

Self–Service: The fastest method to verify; usually takes 5-10 minutes. For step-by-step instructions, visit Verifying your identity with Self-Service. Video call: You will upload your document, then join a quick video call. For step-by-step instructions, visit Verifying with a short video call.

How can I verify my identity with the IRS right now?

The IRS uses ID.me, a technology provider, to provide identity verification and sign-in services. If you have an ID.me account from a state government or federal agency, you can sign in without verifying your identity again. If you're a new user, you'll have to create a new ID.me account.

How long does IRS identity verification take?

(added March 14, 2022) After you verify your identity and tax return information using this service, it may take up to nine weeks to complete the processing of the return. Visit Where's My Refund?

Can you verify yourself over the phone with IRS?

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.

What triggers the IRS letter 5071C?

The IRS sends a 5071C letter when it receives a tax return with your name and tax identification number, but believes the return to be fraudulent. A Letter 5071C will ask you to complete an online identity verification process to confirm your identity.

How to verify your identity with the IRS to receive your tax return

17 related questions found

Does it really take 9 weeks after identity verification to get a refund in 2024?

What happens after I successfully verify? We'll process your tax return. It may take up to 9 weeks to receive your refund or credit any overpayment to your account. However, if we find other problems, we'll contact you again and this may delay your refund.

Can I verify my identity for IRS without a letter?

The IRS works with ID.me, a technology provider, to provide authentication and identity verification for taxpayers and tax professionals accessing IRS applications. Proving your identity involves uploading government documents, taking a video selfie, and filling out personal information.

How do I speak to someone at the IRS to verify my identity?

Then, the taxpayer should call the IRS using the toll-free Identity Verification telephone number: (800) 830-5084. If the taxpayer did not file the return in question, they should still call the toll-free number to inform the IRS.

How do I regain access to my ID.me account?

Unlocking your account
  1. Select the "here" link in the "Your account has been locked" error message.
  2. Enter your account email address. On the “Unlock your ID.me Account” screen, enter the email address on your ID.me account. ...
  3. Check your email inbox. Check for an email from ID.me. ...
  4. Confirm and unlock you account.

How can I get my tax transcript online immediately?

1. The taxpayer must go to https://www.irs.gov/ and click on “Get Your Tax Record”. 2. Scroll down and click on “Get Transcript Online”.

What questions do the IRS ask to verify identity?

Verify that the name, social security number, address, date of birth and other personal information on record are consistent with the information provided through record checks with the applicable agency or institution or through credit bureaus or similar databases.

Can I live chat with an IRS agent?

IRS Customer Service, Online Live Chat

The IRS provides both chatbots and live agents for quick online assistance with basic questions.

How long does it take IRS to verify accuracy?

The first thing to note is it will typically take the IRS up to 60 days to complete their review of your tax return. The IRS will also hold any refund for which you may have filed. During this time, it is recommended you take a close look at your return to check for any errors.

How do I verify my identity?

Your driver's license or state ID card. You can upload a photo of your ID by phone or by computer. In some cases, you can verify by mail instead. Some services need you to take a photo of yourself with a phone to verify your identity online.

How long does it take to receive a verification letter from the IRS?

If the 4506-T information is successfully validated, tax filers can expect to receive a paper IRS Verification of Non-filing Letter at the address provided on their request within 5 to 10 days. Sign the IRS Verification of Non-filing Letter.

Does the IRS ask for your social security number over the phone?

Fact 2: The IRS Will Not Ask Certain Things Over the Phone

The IRS behaves in predicted ways. In fact, the IRS will never call you and… Ask for personal information, like your Social Security number, credit card or bank routing numbers, or other personal information.

How do I fix identity verification?

How do I fix identity verification failure?
  1. Review all details: It's important to double-check your ID number and bank details.
  2. Correct documentation: Make sure details on your ID match the information you give to SASSA to avoid any issues with profile check.

How do I unlock my IRS account?

How do I access a locked account? You may unlock your account directly within the IRS Online Registration System by resetting your password. Follow the steps on screen to proceed with your password reset.

How do I verify my ID.me account?

How to verify
  1. Go to the organization's site that you are verifying for. ...
  2. You must create your ID.me account or sign in to your existing account.
  3. To secure your account, set up your multi-factor authentication (MFA) method. ...
  4. When prompted, submit your driver's license or state ID by taking a photo of the front and back.

Can I go to IRS office to verify my identity?

These letters provide several ways taxpayers can authenticate their identity, including using an online option or calling the IRS directly. In limited situations, taxpayers will be asked to make an appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center and authenticate their identity in person.

Why can't my identity be verified online?

You may not be able to use online verification for the following reasons: You did not enter a SSN on your form. You have a limited credit history. You are the victim of identity theft.

What phone number is 800-829-0922?

Visit www.irs.gov/paymentplan for more information on installment agreements and online payment agreements. You can also call us at 1- 800-829-0922 to discuss your options. For information on how to obtain your current account balance or payment history, go to www.irs.gov/balancedue.

How do I speak to a live person at the IRS?

For individual tax returns, call 1-800-829-1040, 7 AM - 7 PM Monday through Friday local time. The wait time to speak with a representative may be long. This option works best for less complex questions. For questions about a business tax return, call 1-800-829-4933, 7 AM - 7 PM Monday through Friday local time.

What is the 971 code for the IRS?

Code 971 indicates that a notice was sent, and you found out it's a CP05 notice. This type of notice typically means the IRS is reviewing your return to verify income, tax withholding, or tax credits. They may need more information from you, but it doesn't mean there's a problem with your return.

How do I recover my ID.me account without email and password?

If you've tried to reset your password but don't have access to the email on your account or can't complete MFA, follow these steps to contact the Account Recovery Team. Start by submitting a support ticket: Visit the ID.me Contact Support page. Select Submit a ticket without signing in.