Dealing with the Internal Revenue Service is a massive pain for everyone. For many reasons, a return may be delayed in processing or require additional information. There once was a time when everyone who filed electronically and had the refunds directly deposited received their refunds within 21 days. That is not so much the case anymore.

Over the last two or three years, identity theft has become a big issue, and the IRS and States are taking steps to minimize fraud. One way is by asking folks to verify their identity through the websites confirming information from the last two years’ tax return copies.

The main IRS phone number is 1-800-829-1040

The taxpayer protection hotline 1-800-830-5084

Go to http://www.irs.gov to set up IDme

Go to http://www.colorado.com/revenueonline to create an account for the CO state.