identity verification "service"

[BrewOne]

had an elderly client's daughter (not my client) call about an identity verification letter they received.  Strange thing was that they owed money--I told her to be wary as I had only seen the IRS hold up refunds for identity verification, not a mail-in return that included a check. Only scenario I can think of if someone had already filed under one of their social security numbers.

Has anyone else seen a taxpayer get the notice when there was no refund?

[I did get a chuckle when she read off the 800 number attached to the letter, thinking I could tell her if it was an IRS number.  I said if it doesn't end in 1040, I wouldn't know. And good luck with someone who still mails in their return to go online and get into their IRS account]

[Lee B]

If she received a 5447 C letter:

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-letter-5447c

[Jim Oh Bkkr]

Had a client get one of these a few years ago in late October, after early October filing.  Two days later, I got one.  We both owed, him a lot, me - not so much, as I paid the bulk with 4868.

The verification process was so DAMNED intrusive, that the client said forget it.  I did the same.  Neither of of ever heard anything afterwards.