Why Your Refund Can Be Held for Identity Verification and How to Expedite It

Why the IRS Holds Refunds for Identity Verification

The IRS places holds on refunds when its systems or a human reviewer detect signs that a return might not have been filed by the legitimate taxpayer. This is a protective measure designed to stop criminals from obtaining refunds using stolen Social Security numbers, fabricated returns, or altered personal information. In my 15+ years advising clients, I’ve seen the hold release quickly when people respond promptly and accurately — and stretch out for months when correspondence is ignored or documentation is incomplete.

Common triggers for holds include:

• Mismatches between names, Social Security numbers (SSNs), or dependents and SSA records.
• Sudden, large changes in income, withholding, or claimed credits (for example, EITC or Child Tax Credit) compared to prior years.
• Prior identity-theft flags on an account or a history of amended returns.
• Returns filed from IP addresses or regions associated with elevated fraud patterns.
• Third-party reports (banks, employers) that contradict reported information.

The IRS uses automated filters and manual reviews. If either flags a return, you’ll usually receive a notice with instructions on how to verify your identity.

How long does verification normally take?

Timelines vary. Typical cases are resolved in about 6–12 weeks after the IRS receives complete documentation, but complex cases or those requiring coordination with other agencies can take longer. If the IRS requests documents, responding quickly is the single most effective way to shorten the timeline. Keep in mind the IRS sometimes posts estimated times on its site, but individual cases depend on volume and complexity (IRS.gov).

How the IRS will contact you

The IRS will contact you by mail (not by text or social media) using an official notice. Common notices for identity verification include letters that instruct you to:

• Visit the IRS online identity verification portal (follow the notice URL), or
• Mail or fax specific documents to an address listed on the notice, or
• Schedule an in-person appointment at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center in limited situations.

Never provide personal information in response to a phone or email unless you initiated the contact and confirmed the identity of the agent. Scammers often impersonate the IRS, so verify communications against instructions on IRS.gov (IRS Identity Theft and Tax-Related Fraud).

Documents and evidence the IRS commonly requests

When asked to verify identity, you may be asked to submit one or more of the following:

• A copy of a government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport).
• A copy of your Social Security card or SSA documentation if SSN issues are cited.
• Recent pay stubs, Forms W-2, or 1099s to support income and withholding.
• Proof of address: utility bills, lease agreement, or bank statements.
• Birth certificates or school records where dependent claims are disputed.
• Signed affidavits if identity theft recovery steps were previously started.

Tip: Scan and save clear PDF copies of requested documents. If you mail originals, follow the notice instructions closely and keep a trackable method (certified mail) — but only send originals if explicitly required.

Step-by-step: How to expedite release of your refund

1. Read the IRS notice carefully and follow exactly what it asks for. The notice contains the unique case ID the IRS uses to match submitted documents to your return.
2. Use the IRS online verification method if offered. Online portals (document upload) are usually faster than mail and reduce processing time (see IRS online tools). If guidance in the notice points to a portal, use it.
3. Gather complete documentation. Missing pages or low-quality scans are frequent causes of rejections and re-requests.
4. Submit documents promptly. Time is the biggest controllable factor here.
5. Keep records of submissions. Save confirmation numbers, screenshots, and mailing receipts. This is useful if follow-up is needed.
6. Check your case status periodically using the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool and the notice reference. You can also reference our guide on using IRS online tools for updates and steps to check notices, payments, and refunds for more tips.
7. If your case involves identity theft, consider filing an Identity Theft Affidavit (Form 14039) per IRS instructions and follow recovery steps listed on IRS.gov (Identity Theft and Tax-Related Fraud).
8. If you’re stuck for more than the timeframe listed on the notice, contact a tax professional or the IRS; consider escalating if documentation was submitted but not acknowledged.

For detailed help navigating the IRS site and portals, see our article: How to Use IRS Online Tools to Check Notices, Payments, and Refunds.

Practical tips I use with clients

• Prepare a verification packet: one PDF per document, labeled clearly (e.g., “IDfront.pdf”, “W22024.pdf”).
• Match names exactly: if legal name changed (marriage, divorce), include supporting documents like a marriage certificate.
• If you’ve had identity theft, include any IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) correspondence or police reports; these speed verification.
• Avoid multiple submissions unless asked. Multiple or conflicting submissions slow processing.

Mistakes that prolong verification

• Ignoring the IRS notice or missing the response deadline.
• Sending poor-quality scans that can’t be read.
• Mailing documents without using a trackable method or omitting the IRS-assigned case number.
• Responding to suspicious calls or emails that ask for additional personal data — these could be phishing attempts.

What if your refund is offset or reduced while verification is pending?

The IRS can apply certain offsets (for federal or state debts, student loans, child support, or other federal obligations) even after verification. If you suspect an offset, our article on What Triggers a Refund Offset for Federal Debts? explains common offsets and how to check them.

When to get professional help

If you’ve responded and weeks have passed with little or no movement, or if the issue involves suspected identity theft or large-dollar refunds, consult a tax professional experienced in IRS identity verification cases. In my practice I’ve successfully shortened timelines by ensuring submissions are complete and routed properly, and by coordinating with the IRS when notice details are unclear.

FAQs (brief)

Q: Will the IRS call me to verify my identity?
A: The IRS primarily contacts taxpayers by mail about verification. If you get a call claiming to be the IRS asking for personal data, verify by checking the notice on IRS.gov and call the IRS at the official number listed there.

Q: Can I verify identity online?
A: Yes — many verification requests include an online option to upload documents that speeds processing, depending on the notice type.

Q: What if I already mailed documents but haven’t heard back?
A: Wait the timeframe in the notice, then follow up. Have your mailing receipt, case number, and copies of what was sent ready for any follow-up.

Authoritative sources and further reading

• IRS — Identity Theft and Tax-Related Fraud (IRS.gov)
• IRS — Where’s My Refund? (IRS.gov)
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — Identity Theft (consumerfinance.gov)

Internal links for next steps

• If you need detailed steps to investigate delays, see our checklist: How to Investigate Delays in Your IRS Refund: A Practical Checklist.
• For fraud prevention and recovery, read: Identity Theft and Tax Refund Fraud: Prevention and Recovery Steps.

Professional disclaimer

This article is educational and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Individual cases vary; consult a qualified tax professional for guidance tailored to your situation.

(Information current as of 2025; check IRS.gov for the latest procedures and timelines.)