When the System Rejects You — You Get Stuck

The IRS uses ID.me to verify identities for millions of taxpayers, but the system fails for a massive percentage of people.
Not because of fraud.
But because of credit history mismatches, outdated address records, low credit file depth, or simply insufficient data.

When ID.me rejects you:

• you cannot proceed with online verification
• your return enters a security hold
• your refund is frozen
• and the standard wait time becomes 8–12 weeks

Unless you know the secret workaround: requesting a live video call verification.

Why ID.me Fails

The automated system compares your data to multiple databases, including:

• credit bureau identity records
• telecom records for phone validation
• DMV photo ID data
• historical address history
• public records databases

If ANY item conflicts or lacks confidence level, ID.me assigns you a “cannot verify” status — and you’re stuck.

Common triggers:

• new phone number
• prepaid phone
• moved recently
• thin credit history
• undocumented name change
• locked credit bureau files
• use of PO Box or virtual address

The Secret Move: Request a Video Call Identity Verification

If ID.me fails three times, you unlock the ability to request a live human verification session.

Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-Step Video Verification Request

1. Go to ID.me
2. Log in
3. Select “Verify Your Identity”
4. After failure, choose “Try another method”
5. Select “Video Call with ID.me Trusted Referee”

Most taxpayers never see this option — because they give up after attempt #1 or #2.

Why Video Call Works Better

During the call, a live agent verifies:

• your face
• your government-issued ID
• a secondary document (if needed)
• your answers to personal identity questions

This manual method bypasses the entire algorithmic scoring system and allows you to authenticate even if your digital records are thin or mismatched.

What Documents You Should Have Ready

You will need:

• valid U.S. driver’s license or state ID
• OR passport
• OR military ID

Sometimes they request an additional document such as:

• Social Security card
• W-2 or tax document
• utility bill or lease
• birth certificate
• bank statement

The more you have, the smoother it goes.

How Long the Video Verification Takes

Once scheduled:

• the call itself takes about 5–10 minutes
• verification clears in 24–48 hours
• IRS account proceeds normally
• refund resumes processing

Compare that to the alternative:

Paper verification takes 6–12 weeks.

The Hidden Backup: IRS Manual Verification Line

If ID.me still gives trouble or refuses to offer the call option, use this script:

“I attempted ID.me verification multiple times and cannot complete verification. I need to request manual identity verification or a video-based verification session.”

This typically results in:

• agent identity confirmation
• identity verification scheduling
• PIN issuance if necessary
• removal of processing hold

What Happens After Successful Verification

Once your identity is confirmed:

• TC 570 hold gets overridden
• TC 571 or TC 572 appears
• refund moves to release stage
• TC 846 posts

Your refund is no longer held by identity security.

Real-World Example

Two taxpayers are flagged for identity verification:

Taxpayer A:
Fails ID.me → gives up → waits for paper mail request → files Form 14944 → waits 10 weeks
Refund delay: 70+ days

Taxpayer B:
Fails ID.me 3x → requests video call → completes verification manually
Refund delay: 4–6 days

That’s the difference.

Final Advice

• NEVER keep retrying the same verification method
• ALWAYS request the video call after 2–3 failures
• NEVER wait passively for IRS mail
• ALWAYS push for human verification

This single tactic can shorten refund delays by two months or more.