ID Verification – What to Expect

Jul 19, 2019

From Dust to Transfer



The other day a client came to the office so that Steve could assist him as he called the IRS in response to letter 5447C request for identification verification. The client's English was weak, and his familiarity with IRS bureaucracy was even weaker, so he wanted some support as he made the call.

Here's a review of what happened:

  1. The rep requested the tax year and control number on the 5447C letter
  2. Questions on the PREVIOUS tax year:
    1. Primary taxpayer name and social security number
    2. Complete address (including the postal code)
    3. Spouse name and social security number
    4. Chilren's names and social security number
    5. Dates of birth - everyone
    6. Filing status (single/married/head of house hold/ or married filing separately - as marked on form 1040)
    7. Number of dependents
    8. Primary source of income
      • Note - be sure to mention US based income even if the amounts are small because the IRS monitors these amounts and wants you to confirm what they see. Also mention that your salary is earned in Israel and reported on form 106 (change country and form as appropriate).
  3. Questions on the CURRENT year:
    1. Repetition of many of the same questions as above.
    2. Amount on line 7
    3. Amount on line 10
    4. Amount of refund

The IRS representative then put the client on hold for five minutes and then declared that he passed the test. The refund is expected to be released in 9 weeks.

In most cases, this is indeed what happens. But keep in mind that sometimes the IRS still refuses to release the refund despite passing the telephone interview. When this happens they unfortunately do not send any kind of notice. You only find out when you call them back and the representative says something along the lines of "gee, don't know what happened here but someone decided that we cannot send you your refund yet."

In cases where you do not get the desired result from the telephone interview, then you will need to submit the 1040 by paper snail mail. This means that you print out the entire 1040 and supporting schedules, attach supporting documents (generally a translation of form 106), and also ID documents including copies of US passports and social security cards. If you end up going this route, then allow six months for results (this is the slow but dependable route). If all else fails (phone calls, paper submission, and six months of patience, and more phone calls), then you will need to request assistance from the taxpayer advocate's office.

Hope this helps! Let us know what happens in the comments below.

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Many taxpayers receive identity verification notices from the IRS, and in most cases, the process is straightforward and can be resolved without much difficulty.

You have the following options to verify your identity:

Option 1: Verify through the IRS using your ID.Me account

 

Option 2: Use the IRS Document Upload Tool

    • Please note when they ask for the access code answer "no" and put in the notice/letter type 5447C

    • Alternatively, we can upload the documents on your behalf. (Please note additional fees apply.)

For both options 1 and 2:

    1. Allow at least 30 days to process.
    2. You can then check your status on IRS Where's My Refund or request that we pull your transcript.

    Option 3: Call the IRS

      1. Phone number: 1-267-941-1083

      1. When calling the IRS please note that there could be long wait times. We recommend the best time to call is as close to 1PM Israel time as possible, when the lines first open.

    When speaking with the IRS agent:

      • Let them know you are calling in response to a Letter 5447C letter for tax year 202x.

      • Provide the control number as it appears on the first page of the letter.

      • Be prepared to answer any question they ask from the first 2 pages on both tax returns, including:

          • complete address

          • filing status (Head of Household /Married Filing Separately / Married Filing Joint/ Single)

          • refund amount.

      • If you are unsure of an answer you may ask the agent where it can be found on the return.

      • Know the dates of birth for you and the children on the return

      • Know your mother's maiden name

      • If they ask about W-2 income, tell them since you live outside of the US your income isn’t reported on a W-2, but rather the equivalent form 106 instead.

    They hopefully will not ask any more financial questions.

    If your identity is successfully verified during the call, the IRS will typically inform you immediately. Your refund should then be released within approximately 6-9 weeks.

    Documents Required in All Cases

    Regardless of the verification method you choose, you will need:

      • a copy of the 5447C letter you received

      • the first 2 actual 1040 pages of your 202x and 202x tax returns

    Additional Documents for ID.me or Document Upload Verification

    If you are verifying online through ID.me or using the IRS Document Upload Tool, you will also need:

    Two clear copies of acceptable identification, as listed in the IRS letter (for example passport and license).