For a joint tax return, typically, both parties may need to verify their identities if the IRS requests it. Each individual listed on the return has their own Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), so the IRS might require both parties to confirm their identities to ensure the return's legitimacy.
If one party has successfully verified their identity but the other hasn't, it's best to follow up with the IRS directly. You can contact the Taxpayer Protection Program Hotline listed on the notice you received. They can provide specific guidance based on your situation. Please read the link I have provided below for more information. There's also a phone number listed in the link if one wasn't provided in the letter.
You may attempt to send in your return with only one identity being verified but if it causes an error or rejects, then both parties need to verify their ID.
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