Identity Verification

[JFS7]

After waiting 4 weeks for Fed refund, I got a notice that I need to Verify my Identity. I wondered why I was flagged to provide Identity, so i looked up possible reasons for getting picked. I read that in order to avoid this verification, you should provide your driver's license information on your tax return. We did this when we filed with TurboTax. So now I am wondering if there is an issue with TurboTax electronic filing where this information was not sent, or is the IRS just randomly picking tax returns for verifications

[xmasbaby0]

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

[jpotatoes]

TT user for past 17+ years.

We received a verification request letter.  

We have a federal MyID number and make all payments via our linked bank account.  The point is that we are well known to the IRS.

Our tax return showed us owing many thousands of dollars -- no refund.

Verification must be done via telephone (voice) contact with IRS.  Online is not possible.

IRS number was busy -- we tried 19 times on different days over four months.  Finally were put into queue and had to wait 57 minutes to talk to agent.

Answering the questions required two years of tax returns be available and were somewhat invasive.  

Agent indicated that these verification requests are randomly issued, even for otherwise legitimate returns.

Agent said that absent verification the return would not be processed.

Time wasted was in excess of six hours over four months.

As a product suggestion, TT could implement an improvement in their software so that the filer would not be subjected to this random approach by the IRS.  Possibly even charge for the feature/service.  

[fanfare]

I did ID Verify online by entering the Confirmation Number on the Notice and indicating that I did file a tax return.

No human was involved.

Evidently, YMMV .

@jpotatoes