IRS won't answer phone when calling to verify identity (letter 4883C)

[trollspinky]

I received letter 4883c which instructions to call [phone number removed] to verify my identity. I must call within 30 days or my return will not be processed. But every time I trying calling, I listen to a long recorded message before it says that they have reached capacity and cannot answer my call, please call back later today or another day. But I've called at least 5 times now and it never goes through. Any ideas on what I should do? Thanks.

[Critter-3]

Persistence is the key  ... try early in the day and put the phone on speaker so you can do something else while you wait.  Or get an appointment at your local IRS office.  

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-4883c-letter

[trollspinky]

What if I can’t get through before the 30 day deadline? What will happen? I heard all the IRS offices are closed due to covid, is that true?

[Critter-3]

Offices are open by appt ... that is why you need to call.

[sgw1433]

I rec'd the same letter and have tried daily, multiple times to get through without success.  I am NOT due a refund, they didn't have any issue cashing the check I included with the return.  If there is a danger of ID theft, then I appreciate their efforts, however, not being able to get through for 3 weeks is rubbish. I guess both my husband and I will have to take time off of work (not ideal in the current climate) and go into a local office, if anyone there will answer the phone and set up an appointment.  So frustrating.

[davidseider]

I've run into the same issues - day after day after day of having to "try the next business day" but I try early, I try late, and nothing.  How is this even reasonable?  I even then went to the page to schedule an appointment near me and they gave me a phone number to call there to schedule an appointment and, no surprise, same message "try the next business day" again!!  So frustrating.  How are others making appointments?  Can you just "drop by" ?

Frustrated in Seattle,

-David-

[tjarstad]

I'm in the same situation I actually called my local IRS office and got some one on the phone just to tell me they can't verify anybody's ID at the office with out permission from the IRS so I needed to call them to get approval to have my ID verified in an office  How does that even make since the IRS isn't taking calls obviously $@%!

[burts12]

Same problem in April 2022.

[ChondelLO]

Some people have been successful by calling the IRS early in the morning when they first open, or at different times during the day. Continue calling to reach a representative. For IRS contact information please visit the Help Article below.   @burts12

How do I contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)? - Intuit

[Copelandcul]

Did you ever get through

[Copelandcul]

Never

[Critter-3]

Sometimes the IRS chooses returns randomly to request verification of identity and sometimes there is something on the return that triggers the request.  No matter why the IRS has required you to verify your identity, you need to follow their instructions in order to receive your refund.  If you do not verify your identity you will not get your refund.

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/security/tips-for-handling-identity-verification-requests-from-...

https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/identity-verification-for-irs-letter-recipients

TurboTax cannot verify your identity.  You need to:

Verify online at IRS Identity Verification Service website
                                             or
By phone at the toll-free number listed on your  letter
                                             or

If you cannot verify online or by phone, make an appointment at a local IRS office.

[winthorpe2]

1.  The online system does not work.

2.  They never have anyone available to answer the phone.

3.  I am in another country, so I cannot make an appointment at a local office.

4.  Like someone from the IRS would actually meet me at a local office anyway?  That's funny.

[Critter-3]

Well you seem to have an issue to solve ... try calling at the moment they open if you can. 

Not sure they can help ... but try the taxpayer advocate office for help :  

See this IRS website for Taxpayer Advocate in your area and a toll free number - http://www.irs.gov/Advocate/Local-Taxpayer-Advocate

Also see the other answer I left you. 

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/4960395

[Vibrantlife]

This is ridiculous how they put the burden on us.  I thought the government were servents to the people?  I have called numerous times and they tell me to try back another day.  I've called morning midday end of day and Mon,Tue,Wed,Thue, Fri.   I've even called the advocate line and they give the same message.  I think I'm done filing taxes 2022 and going forward.