Identity theft, refund fraud, and data breaches continue to rise nationwide — and many taxpayers are now receiving IRS identity verification letters more frequently than ever.
Whether you’re filing early, expecting a refund, or dealing with a tax notice, understanding the IRS identity verification process can help prevent delays and keep your information secure.
This guide breaks down the IRS’s updated verification requirements for the 2025 tax year (filed in 2026) in clear, community-friendly language.
The IRS uses identity verification to:
Make sure the correct person is filing the return
Protect you from someone trying to file in your name
Prevent fraudulent refunds
Confirm changes to your personal information
Keep tax records secure
If the IRS needs additional proof of identity, they will send you a letter by mail. You will never receive this request by email, text message, or social media.
You may receive one of the following:
The IRS wants you to confirm your identity because something on your return triggered a security check.
Typically used when you must verify your identity in person at an IRS-authorized location.
Used when the IRS suspects possible identity theft or suspicious activity.
Sent to taxpayers who have been victims of identity theft in the past.
Some taxpayers may be asked to verify through ID.me for additional protection.
These letters do not mean you did anything wrong. They are simply part of the IRS’s fraud-prevention process.
The IRS uses a combination of IRS.gov Secure Access, ID.me, and in-person verification options.
Here’s what to expect:
ID.me continues to be the primary identity verification method for many taxpayers.
You will need:
A government-issued ID
A selfie for facial recognition
Basic personal information
Access to your email and phone
Most taxpayers complete verification in about 5–10 minutes.
This method verifies your identity using:
Financial account information
Credit bureau records
Phone number validation
Some taxpayers may be directed to this method instead of ID.me depending on their letter.
If online verification fails or the IRS specifically requests it, you may need to verify in person at:
A Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC)
An IRS partner location
You must schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are not accepted.
Many community members experience:
Frequent moves can lead to IRS mismatches.
Temporary address changes often cause verification flags.
Schedule C returns trigger more security checks.
The IRS increases verification for at-risk taxpayers.
Early filers may be flagged because W-2s and 1099s may not be fully processed yet.
Identity verification letters are time-sensitive.
Go to IRS.gov and type in the tool name listed on your letter (such as “5071C verify”).
Never click a link in an email or message.
You may need:
Last year’s tax return
Current-year tax return
Government-issued ID
W-2s and 1099s
Social Security card
Delays can hold up your refund.
I can help you interpret your letter and make sure you respond correctly.
Until verification is complete:
Your return will not finish processing
Your refund will not be released
Future notices may be delayed
Once verified, the IRS will resume processing — usually within 2–3 weeks.
At MBA, I support our community by helping taxpayers:
Read and interpret IRS ID verification letters
Complete ID.me steps correctly
Understand when in-person verification is required
Prepare the right documents
Protect their identity and personal information
Respond to IRS letters without stress
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My goal is to help our community understand what is, why it matters, and how to respond confidently when identity verification is required. IRS security checks may become more common, but with clear steps and the right support, the process can be simple and secure.
I’ll continue sharing updates as the IRS releases new information for the 2026 filing season.