URGENT: IRS Identity Review (5071C) – Verify Return or Delay Refund

You filed your return in a timely manner and were waiting for your refund to be sent within the standard timeline that the IRS promises. But alas, it has been much longer than that and you are wondering, “Where is my DAMN refund!”

In several recent cases it appears that the IRS is delaying refund processing and payments by several weeks because they are spending a lot more time validating tax payer identities. This is mainly due to the rise in fraud and increased number of tax returns being processed.

This article will provide information on getting help and how tax payers know their return has been held up due to additional return verification; and how to quickly validate their identity with the IRS to get their refund as soon as possible. See the comments forum below for more taxpayer experiences and tips.

How you know your return has been held for IRS ID verification

In most cases if it has been more than 21 days after e-filing your return and you are seeing no progress on your tax return processing, despite WMR checking daily, there is a good chance your return has been held up for further review.

In particular, if you keep seeing a message like the one below after a month from your filing date it is highly likely that the delay is due to your return requiring further (identity) verification.

IRS return processing message showing after 21 days.

Generally speaking if you filed electronically via most leading tax software providers a lot of the basic information and math reconciliation checks have been done. So the most logical reason for the extended delays in processing is IRS systems have flagged your return for additional verification.

Flagging of returns is done programmatically in most cases by IRS tax systems, but could also be due to specific ID flags from past year returns, ex-spouse claims or if there are multiple returns with a similar SSN (a real case of identity fraud).

There are also cases where larger than normal refund payments (deposits) are also flagged for return verification – e.g. to validate bank account details. For example I experienced this when I had a $40,000 refund (because I paid too much in estimated taxes) delayed for several weeks, following a request for ID verification.

But its only when you get a formal notice or letter (see section below) from the IRS that you need to perform additional identity verification that you know that your return processing (and hence your refund) has been delayed.

Further, you likely won’t have a tax transcript and related processing codes available until you complete the ID verification process.

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IRS Identity Validation Process

The start of the identity validation process is getting an IRS letter. Until you get that, there is nothing much you can do and your refund processed status will show as “still being processed“.

It normally takes up to a month after filing to get the IRS return verification letter which will be mailed to the address listed on your latest filing.

The IRS notice will be of the series, 5071C, 5747C, 6331C or 5447. See the example below, which is a Letter “5017C – IRS Verify Your Identity” notice I received.

Letter 5017C - IRS Verify Your Identity Notice
Letter 5017C – IRS Verify Your Return and Identity Notice (Page 1)

The letter will confirm the return was received but asks tax filers to verify their identity in order for the IRS to complete processing of the return and issue a refund.

The letter will provide options to complete this process including what to do if you didn’t file, which means you could be a victim of identity fraud.

It is critical you complete the ID verification process ASAP to move your return processing forward and get paid any refunds you are due.

How to verify your identity with the IRS

The fastest and recommended way to verify your identity is to go online and use the IRS Identity Verification Service website. You can also call the IRS number (see section below for more) on your notice to complete your return verification.

You should only go to the IRS return verification website after being directed to do so after receiving the IRS verification letter which contains a unique 14-digit control number to start the online return verification process.

IRS Verify Your Return
IRS Verify Your Return

You will need one or more of the following to validate or confirm your identity. This must match what you provided on your most recent tax return:

  • Name
  • Social Security Number or Individual Tax ID Number (ITIN)
  • Date of Birth
  • Filing Status
  • Mailing Address
  • Third Party Verification Questions such as prior address, W2 information, mortgage information, etc., that only you should know.
  • Estimated Refund Amount (if applicable, per your filing)

Once your return identity is verified you will see the message below. This will resume processing of the tax return and any applicable refunds.

Verify Your Return Confirmation
Verify Your Return Confirmation

You can also use your IRS account to start the verification process. You still need the verification letter from the IRS to get the 14-digit control number, but your IRS account dashboard will show a link to verify your tax return information per the screen shot below.

If the IRS is unable to verify your identity online or over the phone they will likely ask you to schedule an appointment at your local IRS office.

Also beware online scams – The IRS will never request identity verification information via email nor will they call a taxpayer directly prior to sending an official letter, with a 14 digit control number for validation (per screenshot above).

If you get a call from someone who says they are from the IRS, it is likely a scam unless they can provide you with a specific case number – which is found in the upper corner of the letter you would have received from the IRS.

You can only use the above method (online or via the phone) if you submitted a past tax return. If not, or this is your first time filing, you will need to call the IRS or visit a local office.

How Long Will Return Identity Verification Delay My Refund?

Once you successfully verify your return and identity, the IRS refund processing clock resets from the standard 21-day timeline. This will mean your refund payment will also be delayed.

It can take up to 9 weeks for the IRS to process your return and make a refund payment after successfully verifying your identity and tax return information. This assumes no other errors are found with return in subsequent processing.

However your return and refund status will update on WMR and the IRS2Go after 2 to 3 weeks. You will also see updates on your transcript once IRS processing is underway.

Other Options to Verify Your Return

It is highly recommended you verify your return online, but if you cannot you can also call the Taxpayer Protection Program Hotline on 1-800-830-5084 or number noted on your IRS verification notice.

IRS Identity verification - Taxpayer Protection Program hotline
Taxpayer Protection Program hotline

You will need the same information as you would if verifying online, including current and prior year tax return information, to complete the verification process.

Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)

The IRS has put in place and IP PIN for those who have experienced identity fraud or verification issues in the past.

It can also be used to protect dependents from fraud or others (e.g. ex-spouses) from incorrectly claiming them on their tax return for dependent credits like the CTC and EITC.

The Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is basically a unique six-digit number (not your SSN or TIN) you can use with the IRS to verify your identity when e-filing your return. It is only valid for a single calendar year and a new one is issued every year.

You can apply for an IP PIN on the IRS website or one is automatically issued to you (CP01A notice) if you have been a victim of tax-related identity in the past. Your actual pin will be sent in the mail.

If you don’t already have an IP PIN, you may get an IP PIN as a proactive step to protect yourself from tax-related identity theft.

If you want to get one for your spouses or other dependents, they will also need to complete the IRS’ identity verification process.

Feel free to leave a comment on your experience or if you have any further questions

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177 thoughts on “URGENT: IRS Identity Review (5071C) – Verify Return or Delay Refund”

  1. I filled on the 20 th of February and now it’s almost April I hope these people that run the IRS are Happy cause they just got my pickup repod I hope that the USA abolishes the IRS so we don’t have to put up with this crap anymore

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  2. after confirming info bcuz 5071c was received, has anybody had the irs change the refund method from dd to paper check without any notification and/or authorization?

    Reply
  3. Anyone ever received there refund after verifying identity?
    Rewind back everything was approved and accepted, All 3Bars full
    I’m stuck seems, I went into office and Verified, received 810 the day before I went into office, now I’m on 8weeks without new notices or updates… I called and they keep saying they can’t see anything popping up. I don’t owe anything. Any advice

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  4. These people absolutely don’t give a crap about us and about our problems we can post on here until our fingers bleed and will never get results I literally hear the same thing over and over and over again we are sorry we apologize for the inconvenience but it’s been well over nine weeks since I did the identity verification and still have heard nothing and probably won’t hear anything it’s absolutely ridiculous that these people take our money right out of our paychecks and literally only need to push a button to give us our taxes and they can’t seem to figure out how to do that. The IRS is a joke same thing with all their employees. I have no more patience for this I’m tired of calling I’m tired of going on this stupid site that gives you no information I’m just tired of dealing with this crap all together

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    • I’m getting the run around big time. First it was verify my ID and Return. Did so. Still waiting.
      Jack, did you finally get your refund regarding your 2021 federal tax return?

      Reply
  5. So I filed early February and later then 21 days I called IRS and they stated I was going to receive a letter to verify my identity. The representative stated that if I want to get on it before I got the letter to go to I’d.me to verify it on the IRS website so I did that. It stated on their site and I got a email it was verified as of March 19th so today being may 24th still no refund it’s been over 9 weeks. so I called the IRS again and the representative stated that if I do it online the IRS doesn’t always get a update it’s been verified so did it again with a agent and now there saying I have to wait another 9 weeks before I get my refund!!!! Anyone else going through this?

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    • I did my identity verify on February 10 and all I ever get is we apologize for the inconvenience and no information so at least they told you something because I wait and wait and wait and this is just screwing me so much. These people don’t care about us they get paid regardless

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    • Yes it’s been 11 weeks since I’ve verified my identity. I can’t ever get through to the IRS and if I do I get a recording that states they are very busy and to try my call again later or tomorrow then disconnects. So we are all just screwed? There has to be some way to get information on my own refund. This system is completely ridiculous.

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      • Same situation I verified my identity April 22nd still waiting on my return. Can’t get a rep on the phone to inquire about what’s going on. WMR is a joke still saying processing…. 2 weeks ago it was telling me I was inputting the wrong info. Every site says up to 9 weeks I’m almost at 13 weeks this is ridiculous,

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    • I verified my identity in December 2021. 8 months later, still no refund and I cant get through on any number I have tried. what can I do? I need a new car and my daughter needs a car for college. would be really hepful right now

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    • Yes I verified my id the agent didn’t do all the paperwork properly but I didn’t find out until 12 weeks later so I called again this time I got an agent that had over 20 years at the IRS he said last agent didn’t complete he redid everything and double checked said was all good and that if I didn’t hear anything after 9 weeks to call well it’s been about 20 weeks and still nothing and when you call they have no answers

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  6. So I filed my 2021 taxes February 14th 2022, was accepted the next day(Feb. 15th 2022). I then received a 5071C letter to verify my Identity I did that immediately online the 1st week of March 3rd-6th 2022, I successfully verified my identity. It still says processing, refund date be provided blah blah blah (we’ve all have read it lol) on where my refund. It’s now been over the 9wks after verifying should receive refund… NOPE STILL HAVE NOT!! I’ve called IRS 50 times just this past week & got to speak to only a operator only 1 was somewhat helpful & said I should’ve definitely received it already!! Come on IRS all of us are struggling especially with the dang gas prices….. Lol

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  7. Stan
    I lost my 5071c letter, you can’t get ahold of IRS on the phone , all it mainly says is go to IRS.gov , Then you go to that. And there’s No option for verifying your identity. Then it’ll tell you to call the IRS. A big circle of being screwed yet another year

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  8. This is absolutely ridiculous. I filed on 2/14 and my refund was received and accepted 2/16 i believe. After months and months of waiting i received a notice to send in a few things from my tax return. After doing so it wasn’t until may that i was even able to speak with an actual person from the irs. Fast forward to June 10th i am told i have to verify my account or w.e because my return was flagged for identity theft /fraud. I was then told that it would possibly take up to 8 weeks before my return would be released or before i would know anything. Fast forward again to August 4, 2021 I’ve waited 8 weeks and still no DDD and no help from the irs. They now say that it could take longer then the 8 weeks due to processing which is confusing because there isn’t that much processing in the world needed to be done especially 6 months later. So now I’m just lost. I am a student trying to finish her externship (and if you don’t know externships are usually unpaid) and single mother. I cannot work due to school and externship hours and could really use my money from my taxes. People are getting checks back for over paying due to unemployment, ppp loans, or from what I’ve seen money for simply nothing from the irs and i have nothing! I’m lost and don’t know what to do.

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    • I filed on April 1st 2021 and had trouble proving my identity so I had to end up faxing it over to the IRS and they told me that will take a minimum of 16 weeks

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      • I filed an amendment for the year 2021 back in May and still haven’t received my return .now I filed Feb 15th 2022 and the IRS system keep telling..me to wait 24hours I filed through turbo tax what is going on behind in bills trying to keep my head above water until this return matter is resolved

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  9. filed on Mar1, Jul1 got letter asking id verify online. Online irs.idverify always responds “we cannot assist you”, have called since then the “special number” they provided in the letter. Call 5 times each day throughout the day and evening for last 6 days. Always the same at all times of day – after long phone message responds “we are sorry but we are too busy to take your call” I have been waiting months for both the January stimulus and several thousand $ refund.

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    • Mine was done in March and never even got last year’s. That number always say call back … I happen to wake up at 7:06am and figured I’d try they just opened …well it didnt tell me to call back although I had to wait thirty minor give number and have them call in 30 min, so I just had them call …the questions for verification was simple and only took a few minutes. I let her know I never got last year’s either or stimulus for my kid .. she said to give her three min on hold and she will idverify for 2019 return….she said it could take nine weeka but no long than that ..lol I hope they are wrong and I get it soon. Try calling right at 7 am like I did.

      Reply
    • I filed January 24was accepted then got a letter to do ID verification, I did it thru me. id.gov. done all set. Look at my transcript nothing done still processing. So anyone has an idea when will I get my refund.

      Reply
        • I fieled my 2021 on Jan 24th and it was excepted Jan 28th and mine says still prossesing a refund date will be available when it’s approved, but I also got a letter to prove my identity 3 weeks ago and I got all that done with a live agent on vidio call. So now I’m just waiting to see if anything changes. As of today it’s still prossesing on the where my refund app, but my online account says nothing available.

        • What are we supposed to do to reach a real person of IRS? I got the ID verification letter and tried online, but it does not work. And I call them at 7 AM and they never answered. I do not even have a chance to be on hold!! It always hangs up my calling.

  10. Check this out. I filed electronically with TurboTax (crooks) on Feb 20th. Got my state tax in literally 4 days. My federal was accepted & being processed. So 2.5 months go by, still no federal, WMR never changed. I get a IRS letter 5071C in mail, so I go on the website to verify ID, says they’re too busy lol. So a rainy day later I call the 800 number stay on hold 30-40 mins & finally get a real nice fella & was on phone with him 42 mins. He tells me everything looked good they’d process it & it could be 9wks but most folks were getting them 2-3wks business days. That’s been 3wks ago still no money. My address had changed, my direct deposit, my dependants & usual return amount changed so I was legitimately red flagged BUT I still don’t get why that kinda wait after you’ve literally gave them your blood oath & DNA to prove your valid for a measly $1200. Oh well we’ll see.

    Reply
    • It will take time as your return goes back into the “processing” queue. Currently IRS is running 10 to 15 weeks behind in processing.

      Reply
  11. Had to call and verify my identity. I did. Read a lot of articles that most people got their refund way before nine weeks. Im on week 8. Never got unemployment during covid shut down. Only have one kid. Pretty sure im gonna have to call the next 1800 number by the time nine weeks is up. And checking the refund tool just tells me its still processing. There is no bar. Its stuff like this… This is one reason why some people refuse to pay taxes.

    Reply
      • 7 am was when i called to verify the first time. It was a nightmare. After i had verified my identity the lady never actually sent it to processing. i verified two more times when i had called the number ending in 8040. But i had started hitting random numbers til i got a person. It sucked.

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  12. What do you do when when you can’t contact the IRS because they answer to try again another day,? My son is out to sea with no communication. I can’t verify for him since his cell phone is with him on the ship to get the code they send. It will be over 30 days. The IRS is not allowing time for people who have filed their taxes and then go to work overseas. No way to contact them. He applied the refund to his next year estimated tax so this is verify makes no sense. How do I contact them directly?

    Reply
  13. Filed in feb , finally got my letter to verify my identity.
    Tried online, said it needed more info to call.
    I have literally been on the phone on hold for 40 min at a time for the past 2 hours.
    When I finally get a hold of someone, they transfer me to another dept.
    if not I call numbers only for the automated system to say they’re not accepting calls, try again another time!!
    I verified my identity last year and now again??
    This is ridiculous. I’m sure if you owed taxes they’d want your $$$ ASAP!!
    I’m sorry but I work Monday-fri 7-5, when exactly am I suppose to call to get a hold of someone..

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  14. Im Desperate at this point i filed my 2019 taxes and am waiting on a refund i recieved a letter for my husband to verify his identity so we called and spoke with someone they fixed the issue and said to give it 9 weeks now its 4 months later and STILL NOTHING it says ‘we have recieved your refund and are still processing
    what Now ????
    Im so stressed out

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  15. I was in Prison for two and a half years, i got home in September 2020. I have not received any stimulus payments, and I’m sure its because i havent filed taxes in three years due to my incarceration. I filed for 2020 for the recovery rebate credit the return was accepted by the irs, expecting to get the much needed help but instead i get a letter telling me to verify my identity… The website wont let me register the phone line is constantly busy and to make it that much better i wont get the latest stimulus check either until i idverify… What can i do?? I cant get thru on the phone, website is not an option says that my info doesn’t match their records! This is insane please help me with an option to get this done i need this money more than you could imagine.. Thank you

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    • I’m having the same EXACT problem. I’ve tried different addresses. I wonder if its because I’m trying to get both my payments now and they don’t like it or WHAT. I cant reach ANYONE via phone. If you figure it out, hit me back. And I’ll do the same.

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    • I filed with Turbo Tax, was notified it was accepted by the IRS the same day. After waiting 3 weeks I get a letter to verify my ID, couldn’t do it on line. When I called I couldn’t get through, they were too busy. I finally got through by calling back to back. After verifying with the IRS I was told it can take 9 weeks to get my refund. Hopefully I get it much faster than that especially since it’s direct deposit. Keep calling and good luck.

      Reply
    • I was going thru the exact same thing this morning I made sure I was up and called the number on my 5071C exactly at 7am and after 30 minutes of being on hold I finally talked to someone who successfully verified my identity and said I should receive my refund which includes first 2 economic stimulus checks within 9 weeks.

      Reply
  16. My situation is a bit different from the rest of you. I filed my taxes early, we accepted on 2/12/21, and were processed and had the refund in my bank on 3/10, Then on 3/13 I get a 5071C letter saying I had to verify my identity before my return could be processed (???). I tried to call the irs, but they would not take calls concerning 5071C letters even though the letter clearly stated you could call. Had to go to web site, but had no place for questions or input. Anyone else have this happen to them?

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    • Same thing just happened to my mother. She filed her taxes a few weeks ago. Just got her return this week and the next day got this letter. What ever happened with yours?

      Reply
  17. So my money is getting delayed because they thought it was identity thief..so I verified my info so they was wrong for assuming but I still have to wait 9 more weeks when I defiled before the actual file date to get my money on time and now I gotta wait 9 weeks of a mistake they made but the get my money from my job before I do…i never had to identify myself when they take my money but when its time for them to pay up its a different story

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  18. I had to prove my identity to release my 2017 fed tax refund. I was told I should receive my check in about 10 weeks. That was 1st week of December 2019. By the time my check should have arrived we were in the midst of Covid 19. Still NO refund!!! Ugh!! What do I need a to do to get my darn refund! If I owed them, they would be penalizing me weekly for the delay.

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  19. Has anyone else been given a number to fax in all your information instead of the interview? I had an appt for ID verification in person and went to it only to be told they were not in and I should’ve got a call to reschedule (which I didnt). I called the rescheduling number and the lady I spoke with gave me a # to fax and said it would take 16 wks to get it. Well low and behold 12 wks later I get another letter saying I need to verify my ID and of course now I cant get anyone on the phone. I initially filed back in February!I was just wondering if anyone else had actually faxed theirs in and got a refund or some type of good news afterwards.

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    • Same thing here. They gave us the fax number but we were disconnected before they told us what to even send in the fax. Have called several times. We get put on hold and then disconnected. What forms did you have to fax? What did they tell you?

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      • I’m in the situation besides I think I wrote down the fax number wrong ..can u please help me out with the fax number? And you need to send 2 proofs of identity so 2 items with your picture on it along with you 1040 and the letter you recieved from the irs about needing to verift your identity

        Reply
    • I need to fax my documents in also but I’m thinking I wrote down the wrong fax number .is there anyway I can get the number they gave you

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  20. Received the 5071c letter and next thing I did was to verify online. I went through all the information and when the 2 last questions came on after establishing the account I answered yes I filed already this year 2019 and the next question was if I received a refund from 2019 which I saí no. Next thing I know it prompt me to a fraud screen with little to none information just labeling my tax return as fraudulent? Omg! Now what? Do I call the number in the letter since I already tried online but it didn’t go the way expected???? Anyone with this experience? I am not getting a refund and should I even bother? I mean what do I do now?

    Reply
    • I ran into the same problem. I didn’t get nor expected a refund for the 2019 tax year so when I got to the last question, I selected the option that closely represented that I did not expect a refund for 2019. The results screen made the wording sound like the system labeled my return as fraudulent.

      I’m really worried I made a mistake and I have little experience with this because it’s my second year filing a return. I’m hoping someone can point us in the right direction.

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      • I do believe I did the same thing. It had me worried too but it worked out. I even tried going back and was able to log right back in and it kept freezing up at the end. I filled everything out and was pushing finish and it just sat there processing. Like 30 min. Then if get sick of waiting and redo it again. Lol. I had 2 different complications on mine and it still worked out do you should be good

        Reply
  21. Exact same thing happened to me . 2018 came in the mail when I had confirmed it would be direct deposit so whats going on there. Then they said I had to verify my 2019 , this after submitting my 2019 back in May . Now I have to wait 9 weeks for my refund, my money , which would end up coming 7 months after I filed. I’m hoping it will come sooner than the 9 weeks.

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  22. I would like to know WHY there appear to be so many more “verify your identity” requirements coming from the IRS these days. How about if they concentrate on making the tax code more equitable (i.e., tax the rich and corporations at a fair rate) instead of withholding money from working and middle class families desperately waiting for their tax refunds to pay their bills, making them wait on hold for an hour or more, and then making them jump through hoops in order to prove they are who they say they are, and who they have been for the past several decades, before sending them money owed to them by the government? Gee, it’s as if the administration doesn’t really give a damn about anyone but the rich.

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  23. I filed on March 15th. I went 4 1/2 months. They didn’t even acknowledge that they had received my return. Got a letter saying I needed to confirm my identity. I did this online. Now I’m gonna wait up to 9 more weeks they say to get a direct deposit I already had set up. Crazy paper is I filed 2018 and 2019 taxes this year at same time. Within 2 weeks I got a check in the mail for 2018. Not a direct deposit. But not even a word about 2019 until today. Why did I get 2018 fine but my identity needed verified on my 2019. Same damn status. Same kids. Same job. Same wife. Same adress. Wish they’d get their shit together

    Reply
    • I filed 2019 through h and r block amd was accepted by irs on 2/15/2020 in august after no refund and not understanding what was going on i got a 5017c letter to verify my identy of course i waited tried online , that did not work kicked me out i called jan 11th 2021 verfied over the phone she said she released my return and itll take 9 weeks , its no april 4th still no 2019 refund and now i camt efile my 2020 because irs stating my agi doesnt match records i haven’t recieved my 2nd or 3rd stimulus because of this , its been well past 9 weeks since i verified my 2019 tax year identity and i cant e file my 2020 what the HELL do i do ?????

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  24. I am unable to speak with a live person from the IRS due to the Coronavirus epidemic. I filed my taxes with TurboTax on Jan. 23rd, 2020. I waited and was unable to see my refund status. I eventually received a letter in the mail from the IRS to confirm my identity on March 5th, 2020. I confirmed my identity on March 9th, 2020 and was told it would take an additional 9 weeks to process my tax return. My refund status changed to, “We have received your tax return and it is being processed.” It is now May 1st, 2020 with no update on my refund status. I have been researching online for information on what to do if it has been more than 9 weeks after proving your identity. I am unsure what to do at this point since you can not speak to a live person at the IRS. I am continuously waiting and hoping to receive a refund status change. I am a single parent of 3 children under the age of 8 years old during the Coronavirus epidemic. Any suggestions?

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  25. the phone website would not verify my identity using my mobile phone number i have been going through this for 2 weeks now what am i to do no stimulus check no tax refund. please help me figure it out at this point I cant contact anyone

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    • I’m going through the exact same thing . Single mother with a 12-year-old daughter I filed 2019 then got my letter to verify my identity so I make an appointment get to the IRS building and that’s when the pandemic first started and they gave me a number to call and they couldn’t verify my identity over the phone then I filed for 2020 And I have no idea what’s going to happen I didn’t get my first or second stimulus check either

      Reply

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