Forum Discussion

rmk9785e's avatar
rmk9785e
Newbie Caller
Hace 7 años

Why can't IRS verify my identity using My T-Mobile phone

I have tried to create an online account at irs.gov and go to the step where they ask for a mobile phone number to verify my identity. When I enter my T-Mobile phone number, I receive an error message saying "We weren't able to verify your identity using your phone." I am the primary account holder of T-Mobile account. T-Mobile support states they do not know the reason for this failure. Is this just me or for everyone on T-Mobile?

  • The name on the caller id must be you full legal name, match the IRS system.
    It took a while before i got this figured out, since the name on the bill is my full legal name but the caller id was just my initial.


    Good Luck!!

  • Same thing happening to me and i do not know what to communicate to support person besides IRS can't validate my identity on post-paid account, someone mentioned "indicator" what indicator was changed?

  • bublinki's avatar
    bublinki
    Roaming Rookie

    I too was trying to verify with the IRS and it would not work.

    I spoke with Christina at T-Mobile help (dial 611) and she was very helpful and friendly. She told me that the "short codes needed to be enabled".

    Even that little bit of information took her awhile to find.

    Just a heads up, the 1st rep I spoke with was "off shore" and tried to help but it took so, so long for her to even understand my question because of

    English not being her primary language. She obviously kept giving me "canned" responses and somebody was directing her in the background. Save your time and avoid the frustration and ask for a U.S. rep.

    Hope this helps.

    Kind Regards,

    Walter

  • exnihilo3's avatar
    exnihilo3
    Network Novice

    what i found was the full name I used on my IRS forms did not match the ID name T Mobile uses for my account. I found I filled out the IRS with my middle initial, on T Mobile I do not use it. Lucking for me my wife does not have a middle initial so I retried with her name and was able to create an account. The big issue is the online IRS form does not have a place to enter the middle initial.

    My guess is, if T Mobile allows it, change your account ID with your middle initial, and it should work.

  • Be careful with some MVNO's like mint, I got this hypothesis that caller ID has to be set to "your name" and by default they don't set it to a name at all...

  • ram1009's avatar
    ram1009
    Network Novice
    ThienTruong wrote:

    FYI from IRS website: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/taxpayer-identity-verification-information#registrationerror

     

    Mensajes de texto

    When you register for an IRS account, we will send a one-time activation code to your mobile phone number. Each time you log in to your account, we will send a security code by text message or phone call. Text messages from IRS Password Service originate from "77958" and message and data rates may apply. Phone calls originate from "202-318-5542."

    • When you receive the code, enter it quickly and accurately.
      • The code is only valid for 10 minutes. You can request a new code from the login screen. Note: you are limited to just a few attempts before you are locked out for 24 hours.
    • If you didn’t receive the text message:
      • You may have opted out of receiving messages from IRS password service. Mensajes IN to “77958” to resume service and receive the security code.
      • Your provider may be experiencing technical issues. Request a code via phone call from the login screen or try again later.

    Note: Our call center can't troubleshoot text message delivery issues. If you can't get a text message right now, you can get a security code via phone call.

     

     

    The last line of this message from the IRS says a code may also be sent over a phone.  If that were true none of us would be hare trying to solve this problem.  I did manage to get a code through the mail.  It allowed me to create an account.  The next time I tried to log into my new account I was AGAIN asked to provide my mobile number and so the problem repeats itself.  I still can't get in.  I just found this message board so I will monitor it for a solution I haven't tried.

  • T~Mobile often blocks 3rd party short codes. You need to call snd ask that the block be removed. 

  • ram1009's avatar
    ram1009
    Network Novice
    tmo_chris wrote:

    It is possible their records still indicate you as having a prepaid account and would need to be updated. I know finding a customer support option on their site might be a bit tough but did they provide any other ways of verifying?

    The IRS does provide an alternative ID method.  They will send you a code by "snail mail".  Mine took about a week to arrive and it allowed me to create an account.  Unfortunately, the first time I tried to log into my new account I was asked again to provide a mobile number to ID myself and received the same error message.  So, that's a dead end.

  • ram1009's avatar
    ram1009
    Network Novice

    I called T Mobile today and found out I had NO blocks on anything but I also discovered my outgoing caller ID was in someone else's name.  Probably the last person to have my number.  I had it changed but the tech said it might not take effect for 72 hours.  I'll try then and repost.

  • ram1009's avatar
    ram1009
    Network Novice
    ram1009 wrote:

    I called T Mobile today and found out I had NO blocks on anything but I also discovered my outgoing caller ID was in someone else's name.  Probably the last person to have my number.  I had it changed but the tech said it might not take effect for 72 hours.  I'll try then and repost.

    I have verified that my caller ID matches IRS records and the problem still exists for me.  I just got off the phone with T Moblle tech support for the past 2 hours.  They claim to be looking into this but I'll be surprised if I ever hear anything.

  • ram1009's avatar
    ram1009
    Network Novice
    ram1009 wrote:
    ram1009 wrote:

    I called T Mobile today and found out I had NO blocks on anything but I also discovered my outgoing caller ID was in someone else's name.  Probably the last person to have my number.  I had it changed but the tech said it might not take effect for 72 hours.  I'll try then and repost.

    I have verified that my caller ID matches IRS records and the problem still exists for me.  I just got off the phone with T Moblle tech support for the past 2 hours.  They claim to be looking into this but I'll be surprised if I ever hear anything.

    I never heard a word from T Mobile but I seem to have solved this at least temporarily.  I had previously tried (and failed) to use a code I received in the mail but I tried again and this time it worked.  I gained access to my account and no longer receive the error message upon logging in.  I hope it continues to work but won't be surprised if it doesn't.  Good luck to the rest of you.