With tax refund scams on the rise and identity theft a pressing concern, be prepared to answer more questions when you reach out to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS has confirmed that it will ask taxpayers and tax preparers to verify their identities over the phone as part of continuing efforts to keep taxpayer data secure from identity thieves. To protect taxpayer privacy, IRS representatives must ensure that they are discussing personal information only with the taxpayer or a person authorized by the taxpayer.
Individual taxpayers calling the IRS should have the following information handy:
- Social Security numbers and birth dates for individuals listed on the return (including spouse and dependents, if applicable)
- Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) letter, if applicable
- Filing status
- Last year’s tax return (used for verification purposes)
- Copy of your current tax return (or other tax return at issue)
- Applicable letters or notices from the IRS
Third parties who are authorized to contact the IRS on behalf of a taxpayer should have the following information at the ready:
- Verification of the taxpayer’s name, SSN/ITIN, tax period, and tax form(s) filed
- Verbal or written authorization from the third party to discuss the account which may be evidenced by:
- Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) or PIN if a third-party designee
- Valid form 8821, Tax Information Authorization (downloads as a PDF)
- Valid form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative (downloads as a PDF).
If you have a written authorization that has not already been filed or processed by the IRS, you will be asked to fax (yes, I said fax) that information over to the IRS representative before you can discuss any taxpayer issues. Remember that, by law, the IRS can only speak with the taxpayer or to their legally designated representative. You can find out more about third-party help here.
The reminder is timely: The days leading up to Presidents Day weekend mark the peak period for telephone calls to the IRS during tax season. Expect longer than average wait times, and when you reach a representative, be prepared. You don’t want to have to call back because you didn’t have the right documentation.
To avoid long waits on the phone, you can find quick answers to commonly asked tax questions on the IRS website at IRS.gov. The fastest way to check on the status of your tax refund is the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website or through the IRS2GO mobile app. You can also call 1.800.829.1954 for automated phone service. The IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days, although some may require additional time.