ID verification

IRS letters and ID verification need careful handling.

Verification requests can involve sensitive identity details. Keep full letters private and use official IRS verification channels.

Common verification paths

  • Online verification through an official IRS page.
  • Phone verification using the number shown on an official letter or IRS page.
  • In-person appointment if online or phone verification is not available or fails.

What to prepare

  1. Tax year and filing status.
  2. Prior-year return information if requested.
  3. Current return details and identity documents.
  4. Letter number, issue date, and response deadline.

How to post safely

Share the notice type, general message, date received, and whether you verified online, phone, or appointment. Do not upload the whole notice or identity documents.

Only use official IRS verification links or phone numbers. Treat messages from strangers offering to "verify for you" as unsafe.