I spent nearly three hours yesterday staring at a spinning wheel on the ID.me login screen, terrified that I was going to miss the IRS verification deadline. If you are reading this, you probably know the feeling: you upload your driver’s license, scan your face, and then… nothing. Just a refreshing page or a vague error message.
I have helped three different family members navigate this exact “doom loop” this tax season. It is not just a glitch; it is usually a specific data mismatch. Below is the breakdown of the errors I encountered and exactly how we cleared them to get back into the IRS portal.
| Error Displayed | Meaning | My Successful Fix |
| “Could Not Verify” | Photo blur / Glare | Use natural window light (no flash). |
| Spinning Loop | Browser Cache Issue | Switch to Incognito Mode immediately. |
| Code E-4301 | Duplicate Account | Contact Support (Do not make a new email). |
| “Reviewing Docs” | Manual Queue | Wait 24hrs (Do not re-upload). |
The “Incognito” Trick That Saved Me
The biggest breakthrough I found wasn’t on the help page. It was realizing that ID.me cookies often get “stuck” in Chrome or Safari. When I switched to an Incognito/Private window, the facial scan worked on the first try.
Video Call Verification (The Last Resort)
If the automated upload fails three times (like it did for my uncle), you will be pushed to a “Trusted Referee” video call.
- Warning: The wait times are showing as 2-4 hours right now.
- Tip: Join the queue at 7:00 AM ET sharp. I did this and got a referee in 15 minutes.
Do not ignore this. If the IRS is asking for identity verification (Letter 5071C), your refund is completely frozen until this green checkmark appears.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified tax professional or official government resources.
Evan Cole Editor-in-Chief | Breaking News & Public Policy
“From Washington to Wall Street, and Main Street to Hollywood—Evan Cole connects the dots.”
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