Identity Verification Quiz FAQs

1.  Why is the District of Columbia Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) requiring taxpayers to take a quiz?
OTR is committed to protecting taxpayer’s identity. Identity theft and refund fraud are the two top cybercrimes. We are implementing this safeguard to prevent someone else from stealing taxpayers’ identity and/or tax refund by filing a false tax return.

2.  How does OTR select taxpayers to take the quiz?
Factors that prompt returns to be selected for the quiz are based solely on analytics. Returns will be selected where various factors indicate the possibility of identity fraud. When this happens, OTR will require the taxpayer to take an identification quiz or provide documents proving their identity before processing their tax return.

3.  How does the process work?
Taxpayers who are selected to take an identity quiz will receive an identity verification letter asking them to complete the quiz or their identity verification process within 30 days. The quiz can be taken via OTR’s online portal, MyTax.DC.gov, or by telephone with an authorized representative to help with the process.

Once the quiz is complete, taxpayers will know whether they passed or failed the quiz. If passed, processing of their tax return continues. If a taxpayer failed the first quiz, and there is enough information available to administer a second quiz, they will have the opportunity to take a second quiz. If passed the second time, processing of the tax return will continue.

If a taxpayer fails twice, the taxpayer must provide documentation of their identity to OTR. The tax return will not be processed until OTR receives proper documentation.

4.  Can a taxpayer take the quiz if he/she has not received an identity verification letter?
No. Only those taxpayers who receive a letter will be allowed to take the identity quiz.

5.  Can someone other than the taxpayer take the quiz?
Only the primary taxpayer or the secondary taxpayer can take the quiz as the questions pertain to the primary filer listed on the return. No one else can take the quiz. If a taxpayer is deceased, please inform the Personal Representative to contact the Office of Tax and Revenue’s Return Integrity Team at (202) 741-8629 for further instructions.

6.  What information will be needed to take the quiz?
You will need the notice number from your Notice of Identity Quiz, the Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) of the primary filer and the original refund amount requested on the tax return. The letter you receive will provide necessary details concerning the quiz.

7.  What happens if the taxpayer fails the quiz?
If a taxpayer fails the quiz the allotted number of times, he/she will be prompted to upload the requested documents to OTR’s secure web portal, MyTax.DC.gov, to prove their identity. Once OTR receives the appropriate documentation, and validates their identity, OTR will continue the processing of their tax return. If OTR does not receive the documentation, OTR will deny the processing of their tax return.

8.  What documentation will the taxpayer need to provide?
Taxpayers will need to provide a copy of their government-issued photo identification (ID), such as a driver's license, passport, military ID or state ID card, plus a copy of one (1) of the following:

• Property deed
• Mortgage statement
• DC property tax bill
• Rental agreement signed by landlord and renter
• Utility bill (gas, electric cable, etc.)
• Letter with picture from Court Services or DC Department of Corrections certifying their name and DC residency
• Insurance policy (vehicle, homeowners, renters, health, life, etc.)
• DC vehicle registration

9.  How should the taxpayer provide the requested documentation?
Upload your documents listed above on OTR’s secure Taxpayer Access Portal, MyTax.DC.gov.
1. Under the INDIVIDUALS section, click on the "Respond to Verification Letter" link
2. Click on the "Submit Verification Documents" link
3. Fill out the required information, click "Next"
4. Upload the requested documents and click "Submit"

Uploading documents is the fastest way to provide the requested information and to complete the identity verification process.

Note: Taxpayers don't need a scanner to make a copy; use smartphone to take and share a clear and legible picture instead!

Taxpayers may also mail a clear copy of their Notice of Identity Quiz, along with copies of the required documents to:

District of Columbia Office of Tax and Revenue
Attention: Return Integrity Unit
PO Box 14260
Washington, DC 20044

OTR will not accept documents sent via email or fax. Please do not send original documents since they will not be returned.