There is a moment of genuine panic that happens when you open your mailbox and find a letter from the Internal Revenue Service. It doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned tax professional or someone filing their first return—seeing that government envelope can make your heart skip a beat. Now, imagine opening that letter to find a request to verify your identity for a tax return you filed several years ago. Confusing? Absolutely. But for many Americans dealing with tax return delays in 2025, this scenario is becoming increasingly common.
If you have recently received Notice 5071C, 5447C, or 5747C from the IRS regarding your 2020 tax return, you are likely searching for answers about the verification process. The online portal designed specifically for this purpose is idverify. irs.gov 2020, and understanding how it works in the current tax landscape is essential for getting your refund released.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using idverify. irs.gov 2020 tax returns, what has changed since the pandemic years, and how to successfully complete your verification in 2025.
Understanding Why the IRS Needs to Verify Your Identity
Before diving into the technical details of the verification portal, it helps to understand why the IRS is asking you to prove who you are for a tax return filed five years ago. The answer lies in security and fraud prevention.
The 2020 tax season was unlike any other in American history. The COVID-19 pandemic brought economic uncertainty, widespread job losses, and the distribution of stimulus payments that many Americans relied upon to pay bills and put food on the table. Unfortunately, crisis situations also bring out bad actors. Tax-related identity theft surged during this period, with criminals filing fraudulent returns using stolen personal information to claim refunds and stimulus money.
When the IRS detects something unusual about a return—even years later—they hit the pause button. This could be triggered by:
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The return being filed from an IP address that doesn’t match your geographic location
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Suspicious banking information provided for direct deposit
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Income amounts that don’t align with what employers reported
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Multiple returns filed using similar personal information
The verification process through idverify. irs.gov 2020 serves as a gatekeeper. It ensures that the person who filed the return is actually the person who should be receiving the refund. For 2020 returns specifically, the volume of verification notices sent was unprecedented, and the IRS is still working through the backlog in 2025.
What is idverify. irs.gov 2020 and How Does It Work?
The website idverify. irs.gov 2020 is the IRS’s dedicated identity verification portal. It is not the same as your regular IRS online account, nor is it connected to where you file your taxes. This is a standalone system designed for one specific purpose: confirming your identity so your tax return can be processed.
When you receive a letter from the IRS requesting verification, that letter contains something incredibly important—a control number. This 14-digit number is essentially your key to the portal. Without it, you cannot use the online system and must verify your identity by phone or in person at a Taxpayer Assistance Center.
The portal was launched years ago to streamline the verification process and reduce phone wait times. During the height of the pandemic, phone lines were overwhelmed with callers, sometimes facing hold times of four hours or more. The online option was designed to give taxpayers a faster, more efficient way to complete this mandatory step.
In 2025, the system has been updated with enhanced security features, but the core functionality remains the same. You answer a series of questions about your 2020 tax return and your personal history, and the system determines whether your responses match what the IRS has on file.
Documents You Need Before Visiting the Portal
Preparation is everything when it comes to identity verification. You do not want to start the process only to realize you are missing critical documents halfway through. The system may time out after a period of inactivity, forcing you to start over.
Before you navigate to idverify. irs.gov 2020, gather the following items:
Your 2020 Tax Return
Even though you filed this return years ago, you need access to the actual document. This includes all schedules and attachments. The verification questions will ask about specific figures from your return, such as your adjusted gross income, refund amount, or specific deductions you claimed.
The IRS Letter
Keep your verification notice nearby. You will need the 14-digit control number prominently displayed on the letter. This number is unique to you and your return, and it expires after a certain period. If your letter is more than 30 days old, check the expiration date before proceeding.
Prior Year Tax Returns
Some verification questions may pull from previous years’ returns. Having your 2019 tax return handy can be helpful, especially if the system asks about income from that year as a security measure.
Financial Documents
If you claimed specific deductions or credits, you may need documents supporting those claims. For example, if you claimed education credits, you might need your 1098-T forms. If you claimed charitable donations, having those receipts accessible can jog your memory about specific amounts.
Identification Documents
While you won’t upload these to the portal, having your driver’s license or state-issued ID nearby is helpful. Some verification pathways may ask for ID numbers or issue dates.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using idverify. irs.gov 2020 Portal
Now that you understand the purpose and have your documents ready, let’s walk through the actual process of using the verification portal. Remember that this guidance is based on how the system operates in 2025, with security updates and interface changes that have occurred since the portal first launched.
Accessing the Portal
Open your web browser and navigate to idverify. irs.gov 2020. You will immediately notice that the site uses government-grade encryption. Look for the padlock icon in your address bar to confirm you are on a secure connection.
The landing page will present you with information about the verification process. Take a moment to read this information—it explains what to expect and how your data will be used. There will be a prominent button or link to begin the verification process. Click this to proceed.
Entering Your Control Number
The first screen will ask for the 14-digit control number from your IRS letter. Enter this number carefully. Transposing digits or misreading a number is a common mistake that can lock you out of the system. If your letter contains multiple numbers, ensure you are using the correct one designated for online verification.
After entering the number, the system will verify that it is valid and not expired. If your control number has expired, the portal will display instructions for what to do next—typically calling the IRS to request a new letter or verify by phone.
Answering Identity Verification Questions
This is the core of the process. The IRS uses a knowledge-based authentication system, meaning you will be asked a series of multiple-choice questions that only you should be able to answer correctly.
Questions typically fall into several categories:
Financial Account Questions: You may be asked about specific financial accounts you have held, such as “Which of these banks have you had a mortgage with?” or “Which of these credit card companies have you used?”
Prior Address Verification: The system may present a list of addresses and ask which one you have lived at previously. These questions often pull from credit report data.
Tax Return Specific Questions: You will definitely be asked about figures from your 2020 tax return. For example, “What was your adjusted gross income on line 11 of your 1040?” or “What was the refund amount you requested?”
Personal History Questions: These might include questions about your vehicle, your employment history, or other personal details drawn from public records.
Take your time with each question. There is no timer on individual questions, so read carefully. If you do not recognize any of the options presented, look for the option that says “None of the Above” or “Does Not Apply.” Selecting this when one of the options is actually correct will cause verification to fail.
Creating Your IRS Online Account
After successfully answering the identity questions, the system may prompt you to create or link an IRS Online Account. This step was added in recent years to streamline future interactions with the IRS. While you can sometimes skip this step, creating an account provides benefits such as the ability to view your tax transcripts and check the status of your refund.
Creating an account requires additional identity verification, including providing a mobile phone number for two-factor authentication and possibly uploading images of your identification documents.
Confirmation and What Happens Next
Once you complete all steps, the system will display a confirmation message indicating that your identity has been successfully verified. Print this screen or take a screenshot for your records. You should also receive a confirmation email if you provided an email address during the process.
The portal will inform you that your verification has been submitted to the IRS for processing. This is important—verifying your identity does not automatically release your refund. It simply confirms to the IRS that you are who you claimed to be, allowing them to continue processing your return.
Common Problems and How to Resolve Them
Even with careful preparation, things can go wrong during the verification process. Understanding common pitfalls and how to address them can save you hours of frustration.
The Control Number Doesn’t Work
If your 14-digit number is rejected by the system, first double-check that you entered it correctly. Letters from the IRS can be difficult to read, and a smudged digit or faded printing can lead to errors. If you are certain the number is correct but still cannot proceed, the number may have expired.
IRS verification letters typically have a 30-day window for online verification. If your letter is older than that, you will need to call the phone number provided in the letter to verify by phone or request a new verification letter.
Failing the Identity Questions
It is possible to fail the knowledge-based authentication questions even if you are the legitimate taxpayer. This can happen if your credit report contains errors, if you have limited credit history, or if the questions draw from outdated information.
If you fail the questions, the portal will typically allow you to try again. However, there is usually a limit—often three attempts—before the system locks you out. If you reach this limit, the portal will provide instructions for alternative verification methods, usually by phone.
System Errors or Technical Issues
Government websites can experience technical difficulties, particularly during peak usage times. If you encounter an error message or the site seems unresponsive, try these troubleshooting steps:
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Clear your browser cache and cookies
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Use a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, and Edge are generally well-supported)
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Disable browser extensions that might interfere with secure connections
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Try accessing the site during off-peak hours, such as early morning or late evening
If technical issues persist, document the error message and contact the IRS technical support line rather than the general taxpayer assistance line.
Married Filing Jointly Complications
If you filed jointly for 2020, the verification notice may be addressed to one spouse. In most cases, only the spouse named on the letter needs to complete verification. However, both spouses’ information may be used in the verification questions.
If both spouses receive separate verification notices, each must complete their own verification process. You cannot verify for your spouse, even if you have power of attorney.
What Happens After Successful Verification?
Completing verification through idverify.irs.gov 2020 return is a significant milestone, but it is not the finish line. Understanding what happens next helps set realistic expectations for when you will receive your refund.
Processing Timeline
Once your identity is verified, your return is released from the fraud hold and enters the normal processing queue. In 2025, the IRS advises that taxpayers should allow nine to twelve weeks for processing after verification. This is longer than normal processing times because verified returns often require additional manual review.
The nine to twelve weeks is an estimate, not a guarantee. Some returns process faster, particularly if they are simple returns with no errors or additional issues. Others may take longer if the IRS identifies discrepancies that require further review.
Tracking Your Refund
After verification, you can track your refund using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website or through the IRS2Go mobile app. However, there is a lag between verification and updates in these tracking systems.
You may see your status remain at “Received” for several weeks after verification. This is normal. The status will update to “Approved” when your return has been fully processed and your refund has been scheduled for issuance. Finally, it will update to “Sent” when the refund has been disbursed.
Method of Refund Delivery
Your refund will be issued according to the method you selected on your 2020 tax return. If you requested direct deposit, the funds will be sent to the bank account you provided. If you requested a paper check, it will be mailed to the address on your return.
If your banking information has changed since 2020, this can complicate matters. The IRS cannot change your refund delivery method after verification. If the bank account on your 2020 return is closed, the deposit will be rejected, and the IRS will eventually mail a paper check to your address of record.
Interest on Delayed Refunds
Here is some potentially good news: if your refund was delayed due to the verification process and the delay was caused by the IRS, you may be entitled to interest on your refund. The IRS pays interest on refunds when processing takes beyond a certain timeframe, typically 45 days after the filing deadline or date of filing, whichever is later.
Interest rates on refunds fluctuate quarterly. For 2020 returns being processed in 2025, the interest amount could be substantial. The interest is taxable income and must be reported on your tax return for the year you receive it. The IRS will send you a Form 1099-INT showing the interest paid.
Protecting Yourself from Scams
Whenever there is discussion about IRS verification processes, scammers are listening. They know that taxpayers are anxious about their refunds and may be vulnerable to manipulation. Protecting yourself from scams is just as important as completing the verification process itself.
How the IRS Will NOT Contact You
The IRS has clear policies about how they communicate with taxpayers. They will never:
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Initiate contact via email, text message, or social media
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Demand immediate payment using gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers
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Threaten arrest or deportation for non-compliance
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Ask for credit card numbers over the phone
If you receive any communication claiming to be from the IRS that does not come through the United States Postal Service, it is almost certainly a scam. The only exception is if you have an ongoing case with a specific IRS agent who has provided you with their direct contact information.
Recognizing Phishing Attempts
Scammers have become increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to steal personal information. Some phishing emails look nearly identical to official IRS communications. They may include logos, official language, and links that appear legitimate.
Never click on links in unsolicited emails claiming to be from the IRS. Instead, type the website address directly into your browser. For identity verification, the only legitimate address is idverify.irs.gov. Scammers create lookalike websites with similar addresses, such as idverify-irs.com or irs-idverify.net, to trick unsuspecting victims.
What to Do If You Suspect a Scam
If you receive a suspicious communication claiming to be from the IRS, report it. You can forward phishing emails to phishing@irs.gov. Do not alter the subject line or forward the message as an attachment—simply forward it as received.
If you have already provided personal information to a scammer, act quickly. Visit identitytheft.gov for guidance on protecting your identity. You should also contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490 to alert them to the situation.
Special Circumstances for 2020 Returns
The 2020 tax year was unique in many ways, and these unique factors can affect the verification process in 2025.
Recovery Rebate Credit Issues
Many taxpayers who did not receive their stimulus payments automatically in 2020 claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2020 tax return. This credit was based on the first two rounds of economic impact payments.
If you claimed this credit, the IRS may have additional verification steps to ensure you did not actually receive the payments already. Your 2020 tax return should show the calculations for this credit. Have those worksheets available when you verify, as questions may reference these specific figures.
Unemployment Compensation Exclusion
In 2020, the American Rescue Plan Act created a special exclusion for unemployment compensation. Up to $10,200 of unemployment benefits per person were tax-free for households with incomes below certain thresholds.
If you received unemployment in 2020 and your tax return reflected this exclusion, the IRS may have flagged your return for review. The calculations for this exclusion were complex, and many taxpayers had to file amended returns. During verification, you may be asked about unemployment income and the exclusion amount.
Filing Status Changes
The pandemic caused many couples to delay weddings and, unfortunately, accelerated some divorces. If your filing status in 2020 differs from your current marital status, verification questions may still reference your 2020 situation.
Answer all questions based on your 2020 circumstances, not your current situation. If you are asked about a spouse or joint accounts, provide information about the person you were married to at that time, even if you are no longer together.
Alternatives to Online Verification
While idverify.irs.gov is the fastest verification method for most taxpayers, it is not the only option. Understanding the alternatives helps you prepare if online verification fails or is not available to you.
Phone Verification
Every verification notice includes a phone number for taxpayers who cannot or prefer not to verify online. When you call, you will speak with an IRS representative who will ask the same types of verification questions you would encounter online.
Phone verification has become more efficient in 2025 than it was during the pandemic years. Wait times have decreased, but you should still expect to be on hold for at least 30 to 60 minutes. Call early in the morning or later in the afternoon for the shortest wait times.
When you call, have all your documents ready, including your verification letter, tax returns, and identification. The representative will guide you through the process and should be able to complete verification during the same call.
In-Person Verification
For taxpayers who cannot verify online or by phone, in-person verification at a Taxpayer Assistance Center is available. This option requires scheduling an appointment, which can sometimes take weeks to secure.
To schedule an in-person appointment, call the IRS appointment line at 844-545-5640. When you attend your appointment, bring:
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Your verification notice
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Government-issued photo identification
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Social Security cards for all taxpayers on the return
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A copy of your 2020 tax return
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Any supporting documents for credits or deductions claimed
In-person verification provides the advantage of face-to-face assistance. If there are questions about your return or complications with verification, the representative can often provide immediate clarification and help resolve issues.
Verification by Mail
In rare circumstances, the IRS may accept verification by mail. This typically happens only for taxpayers who cannot access online, phone, or in-person options due to disabilities, lack of access to transportation, or living overseas.
Mail verification is the slowest option, potentially adding months to your processing time. If you must verify by mail, follow the instructions in your notice exactly. Send your documents by certified mail with return receipt requested so you have proof of delivery.
Final Thoughts on Navigating the Process
Receiving an identity verification notice for a 2020 tax return in 2025 is understandably frustrating. You filed your taxes years ago, likely received any refund you were owed long ago, and have moved on with your life. Having the IRS reach back into your financial history feels invasive and inconvenient.
However, approaching the process with patience and preparation makes it manageable. The verification requirement is not a reflection on you or your tax situation—it is simply a necessary step in the IRS’s efforts to combat identity theft and protect taxpayer funds. Thousands of legitimate taxpayers go through this process every year, and the vast majority complete it successfully without further issues.
Remember these key takeaways as you navigate idverify.irs.gov for your 2020 return:
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Prepare thoroughly before starting the online process. Having your documents organized saves time and reduces stress.
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Answer carefully and take your time with each question. There is no penalty for reading slowly.
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Keep records of your verification confirmation and any correspondence with the IRS.
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Be patient after verification. Processing can take nine to twelve weeks, and tracking systems update slowly.
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Stay vigilant against scams and remember how the IRS will and will not contact you.
The identity verification process exists to protect you. While it may feel like an obstacle standing between you and your refund, it is actually a safeguard ensuring that your tax dollars and personal information remain secure. By completing verification promptly and accurately through idverify.irs.gov, you are not only helping yourself receive your refund but also contributing to the integrity of the tax system as a whole.
If you have additional questions beyond what this guide covers, the IRS website provides extensive resources about identity verification and tax-related identity theft. Your tax professional may also be able to offer guidance, though they cannot verify your identity on your behalf due to the personal nature of the verification questions.
The path to your 2020 refund may have taken an unexpected detour through identity verification, but with the right information and approach, you can successfully navigate the process and finally close the book on your pandemic-era taxes.