Hey so I finally have an update for this and unfortunately I have bad news after all. I did a lot of researching around and it looks like a lot of people are having this same problem with the IRS needing to verify identity for this filing year . I called two different times and spoke to different people from the IRS. It took me around 5 minutes to get in touch with the first person and after asking for my information they could not help me and said to simply wait for the letter without giving me little to no information at all.
I called again this time speaking to somebody else and this person was very sweet and took their time. They asked for information again and was on hold for about 25 minutes but they could not help me fully. The only difference is that in my case they were able to tell me that I should expect a letter this month latest on the 19th. It is the 21 days process for the letter after filing unfortunately.
So yes, if you get the action required message asking for a control number you will need the letter to verify otherwise there is no way to bypass it. Also, this letter does not appear on the website even if you are supposedly sent one. The only information I was given was the timeframe and if not received after that to contact them again stating that you never got the letter after 21 days. Only thing we can do for now is wait and see if the letter gets here. Just bummed since this means they will delay the refund.
*On another note* if you get the letter and successfully verify it can take up to 9 additional weeks to fully receive that refund. Others have stated that its taken them 3 weeks to receive while others have not even gotten their owed refund from last year. It's luck at this point.
