When you contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by phone, you may be asked to provide certain information to verify your identity. This is an important step to ensure that your personal information is protected and that you are speaking to an authorized IRS representative.
Required Information for Identity Verification
To verify your identity, the IRS will typically ask you for the following information:
- Social Security numbers and birth dates for all individuals named on the tax return in question.
- Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) letter if you have one.
- Filing status (e.g., single, married filing jointly, etc.).
- Prior-year tax return or a copy of it.
- Tax return in question or a copy of it.
- Any IRS letters or notices you have received.
Additional Information that May Be Requested
In some cases, the IRS may also ask for additional information to further verify your identity, such as:
- Your address
- Your phone number
- Your email address
- Your occupation
- Your employer’s name and address
- Your bank account information
Why the IRS Asks for Identity Verification
The IRS asks for identity verification to prevent fraud and protect taxpayer information. By verifying your identity, the IRS can ensure that you are the rightful owner of the tax account and that your personal information is not being used by someone else.
How to Prepare for Identity Verification
To make the identity verification process as smooth as possible, it is recommended that you gather the following information before calling the IRS:
- Have your Social Security number or ITIN ready.
- Know your filing status.
- Have a copy of your prior-year tax return available.
- Have a copy of the tax return in question available.
- Gather any IRS letters or notices you have received.
Providing accurate information to verify your identity is essential when contacting the IRS by phone. By following these guidelines, you can help protect your personal information and ensure that you are speaking to an authorized IRS representative.
How to verify your identity with the IRS to receive your tax return
FAQ
What triggers IRS identity verification?
What triggers a 5071C letter?
What documents do I need to prove my identity to the IRS?
How long does it take after the IRS verify your identity?
How do I verify my tax identity?
They’ll also need to take a selfie with a smartphone or a computer with a webcam. Once their identity has been verified, they can securely access IRS online services. Taxpayers who need help verifying their identity or submitting a support ticket can visit the ID.me IRS Help Site.
Why do I need to verify my identity with the IRS?
You may receive a notice or letter asking you to verify your identity and tax return information with the IRS. This helps prevent an identity thief from getting your refund. Only taxpayers who have received a notice or a letter that included this website address will be able to use it.
What’s new in IRS identity verification & sign-in?
IR-2021-228, November 17, 2021 — The IRS today announced the launch of an improved identity verification and sign-in process that enables more people to securely access and use IRS online tools and applications.
How does the IRS verify a tax return?
To provide verification services, the IRS is using ID.me, a trusted technology provider. The new process is one more step the IRS is taking to ensure that taxpayer information is provided only to the person who legally has a right to the data.