We received a letter (5071C) from the IRS with instructions to establish who we are.

Mind you, this same government, presumably, has been sending both of us Social Security checks for almost 10 years.  You’d think they know us by now. Plus we’re old. Mid 70s. Quite a few income tax returns have crossed their desks.

So like the good citizens we are, we entered into their computer labyrinth to do the verification. It is extremely painful just to establish that you have an email and a telephone wherein they send you codes to put into the labyrinth.

The first couple of times it wasn’t bad. We had patience. But hours went by as we struggled mightily.

Using our up-to-date, fancy iPhones we took pictures in the correct format (jpeg) at least 10 times and had each picture rejected.

Next we attempted a video chat. Again our photos of our drivers’ licenses and passports were rejected.

There is a telephone number to call but the recorded message informs you that you have the wrong letter to use for calling. (It doesn’t say “good luck, sucker” but it does feel implied.)

So now I guess we have to make an appointment to go visit the IRS (where are they, anyhow, does anybody know? ) with our 1040s, licenses and passport in hand to say “Hi, it’s us!” so they can send us our refund.

We are wondering how others are faring with this process. My husband just said let’s wait a couple weeks,  there will be a hue and cry as others try to navigate this byzantine nightmare they’ve created.

 

Elizabeth Dostie

Fairfield

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