When IRS Identity Verification Fails Online and How to Move Forward Quickly

If you received an IRS identity verification letter (like 5071C or 5747C) and attempted to verify online, you may have run into an all-too-common problem: the system rejected your verification attempt. This happens to thousands of taxpayers each year—not because they did anything wrong, but because the online verification process is extremely sensitive and relies heavily on credit-based identity matching.

This guide explains why online verification fails, what it means for your tax return, and what you must do next to ensure your refund is released as quickly as possible.

Why IRS ID Verification Fails Online

Even if you entered everything correctly, online verification may fail due to:

1. Limited Credit History

You may have too few lines of credit for identity-matching questions.

2. Credit Report Lock or Freeze

If your credit bureau account is locked for security, the IRS cannot validate your identity.

3. Incorrect or Outdated Records

Addresses, or employer records on file with the bureaus, may not match historical data.

4. Name or Address Variations

Examples:

• maiden name vs married name
• initials vs full name
• apartment number formatting differences
• old addresses still on file

5. Non-Traditional Credit History

If you don’t have active loans, mortgages, or major credit cards, ID verification often fails.

6. Recently Changed Address

If you moved within the last year, your address history may not match online verification prompts.

7. Difficulty Answering Background Questions

The system may ask questions like:

• “Which of the following loans have you held?”
• “What was your payment amount on this account in 2017?”

Even one incorrect answer can trigger a failure.

What Happens to Your Refund When Online Verification Fails

Your return is placed into a hold status—often reflected as:

• TC 570: Refund Hold
  or
• TC 971: Notice Issued – Identity Verification Required

Until you complete verification successfully, the refund will not be released, and TC 846 will not post.

The Correct Next Step: In-Person or Alternative Verification

If online verification fails, the IRS will require one of the following:

Option 1: In-Person Verification at a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC)

You must:

• Make an appointment
• Bring required documents
• Verify identity face-to-face with an IRS agent

Accepted documentation includes:

• Social Security card
• Driver’s license or state ID
• Passport
• Birth certificate
• Prior-year tax return
• Current-year tax return
• W-2 or 1099

Once verified, your refund processing resumes.

Option 2: Paper-Based Verification (Mail-In)

Less preferred—but possible.

You may be instructed to mail:

• copies of identity documents
• Form 14039 (if identity theft suspected)
• return verification responses

Mail-in verification is slower and can add several weeks to processing time.

Option 3: IRS Phone Verification (Limited Cases)

Some taxpayers are permitted to verify by phone if online verification fails, but only if specifically instructed by the IRS notice.

What NOT To Do If Online Verification Failed

• Do not attempt to re-file the return
• Do not file an amended return
• Do not ignore verification letters
• Do not call asking for refund dates before verifying
• Do not attempt multiple failed verification sessions

If you keep trying online after failure, it may lock your verification profile.

How Long Does In-Person Verification Take?

• Appointment wait time: 1–3 weeks
• In-office verification: Same day
• Refund release after verification: 3–6 weeks typically

Once identity is confirmed, you may see:

• TC 571/572 – Hold lifted
  followed by
• TC 846 – Refund Issued

Is Verification Failure a Red Flag or Suspicion?

No.

Online verification failure does not mean:

• Your identity was stolen
• The IRS believes you committed fraud
• Your return is incorrect
• You are under audit

It simply means:

The system could not confidently match your identity with digital records.

Online ID verification failures are extremely common and often unavoidable due to credit history, record mismatches, and documentation limitations. When verification fails, the IRS simply requires a different identity-confirmation method—usually in person.

The fastest path to refund release is:

• Schedule an appointment
• Bring strong identity documents
• Verify in person
• Wait for processing to resume

Once verification is complete, your refund will move forward.