How to verify identity with IRS - make sure you get your refund!

One of the most important responsibilities as citizens lies in keeping taxes up to date. These taxes are used to finance many public structures, maintenance and care of the state of the spaces, social works and an endless number of benefits to which any citizen can have access. However, sometimes the IRS will ask to verify your identity.

This is to be able to proceed with the tax return without the risk of someone stealing your identity. If that happens, it is important to have the right method for successful verification. Here's how.

What is the IRS?

To begin with, we must understand the entire function of the IRS. It is the Internal Revenue Service agents. It is the one in charge of handling everything related to the tax responsibilities of citizens.

It is the one who makes citizens responsible for their payments, informs them, follows up and takes the necessary measures to ensure the cancellation of such amounts and taxes.

Why should you verify your identity?

Identity theft has become a constant danger for U.S. citizens. Unfortunately, taxes are not exempt from it. Would someone want to steal your identity to pay for the favour of paying your taxes? Logically, no.

However, someone would want to steal your identity to receive money from IRS refunds after filing your taxes. To prevent this, the IRS may request a series of documents to prove that you are the rightful owner of your identity.

What documents do you need to verify your identity before the IRS?

None of the requested documents is difficult to obtain. However, it is important to present them to the letter clearly and in the best possible condition to avoid any delay in the process. Therefore, you should have the following documents and requirements with you to verify your identity:

• The letter sent by the IRS requesting identity verification.
• Proof of the income tax return for the year issued the letter, i.e., if the letter is dated 2022, the income tax return must be for 2022.
• Mailing address from the previous year's tax return.
• Cell phone number with the applicant's ownership.
• Account number of either a home equity loan, auto loan or student loan. Likewise, credit card or mortgage account numbers are also valid.

What to do after you have all the necessary documents?

The next step to verify your identity will be to present the documentation and apply it by one of the three existing means. Any of the three are equally valid and are shown below:

Online

For the IRS to protect your data, it works hand in hand with the provider ID.me. As such, you need to have an account with the provider above and be able to log in through them.

Through them, you can verify your identity and only need a photograph of a document showing your identity. A driver's license, passport, or state ID will suffice.

You will also be asked to set up a video chat with your cell phone or computer. Alternatively, you may be asked to take a selfie. Any of the three is equally valid; the important thing is to corroborate that the person behind the screen is you.

However, the process is quite precise. However, there may be problems with verification when uploading the content with the camera. If this is the case, making a ticket requesting support or reviewing the accessibility guide where you can rule out some errors will be helpful.

By phone

Suppose you are one of those who do not get along very well with online procedures; requesting to verify your identity can also be quite easy. In that case, the only drawback lies in the usually lengthy process. However, if waiting is not a problem for you, there is nothing to be afraid of.

Normally the contact number through which you can make the request is written in the same letter received. However, here is the IRS telephone number: 8008291040. You can make the call to make the application on Monday through Friday, from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.

In person

This option is not highly recommended due to the delay in requesting identity verification or any other process; it usually takes longer to process the request physically than online or by phone.

However, if you need or wish to go in person, you should locate the nearest IRS office and look for its contact number. Once you have the number, you need to call to make an appointment. Finally, you must wait for the day of the position and show up with all the documentation already mentioned.

And after applying?

If apparently everything went well in the process of verifying your identity, you have to wait. Although the IRS proposes a delay of fewer than 21 days in a general way in all its procedures, it is not a rule. This being the case, the process can take as long as nine weeks.

Once the entire process has been completed, and the identity has been approved, tax returns and refunds will be processed. However, just like the verification process, it can take longer than expected, taking up to 9 weeks or more if there are any problems. However, if there is a problem, you will be informed by the office of a prompt solution.