How to verify your individual income tax return


Introduction

If you received an Identity Verification Letter or a PIN Verification Letter from the department, your return has been flagged for verification. Flagged returns must be verified before we can finish processing your refund.

You do not need to complete this process if you did not receive an identity verification letter.

If your return is flagged, you will receive one of the following letters:

PIN Verification Letter

This letter will ask you to complete the online verification process. We do not request any personally identifiable information or require that you create an account or login. To complete the verification, click  on the Verify My Return Link and enter the information as it appears in your letter. You will also need the amount of your expected Montana refund.

Identity Verification Letter

This letter will ask you to send us the requested information by mail, fax, or securely upload your documents using our TransAction Portal. No login is required; scroll to the Quick Links section and click on the submit requested documents link. Enter the letter ID from your verification letter; you may then upload your documents.

Once you’ve successfully completed the necessary steps, we will process your refund. If any item entered or sent does not match our records, we will deny your verification. Refunds will not be issued until your identity or address is verified.

Instructions

Verify Online using the TransAction Portal

When verifying your PIN online, you will need:

Your Tax Verification Code
This code is included in the PIN verification letter the department sent you. Enter the code as it is shown in your letter.
Your Last Name
Use your last name as shown on the PIN verification letter
Your Refund Amount
This amount is found on page 2 of your Montana individual income tax return on line  4 of the Refund Schedule. Taxpayers filing married separate on the same form should enter the combined refund amount.

To verify your return:

  • Go to the TransAction Portal (TAP)
  • Click on Verify Return found on the Individuals panel.
  • Follow the onscreen instructions.

Verify Identity Online or by Mail

Do not mail your original documents. We cannot return them.

If you prefer to respond by mail or need to verify your address, you must send your verification letter and two documents, one from each category:

Category One:

  • Montana driver's license (current or expired less than one year)
  • Driver's license from any other state (current)
  • State identification card
  • Passport
  • Government issued photo identification

Category Two:

Documents in this category must be less than 3 months old and include your full name and complete mailing address, such as:

  • Utility bill (gas, electric, cable, cell phone, etc.)
  • Bank statement
  • Payroll stub
  • Tax bill
  • Rental agreement (signed by landlord and renter)
  • College or university transcript
  • Insurance policy (vehicle, homeowners, renters, health, life)
  • Credit card statement

If you have moved since filing, please send proof of your current mailing address and a written request to update the address we have on file.

Submission Options

TransAction Portal (TAP)
Submit documents using the Submit Requested Documents in Quick Links on the TransAction Portal.
Mail
Montana Department of Revenue
Attn: Verification Letter
P.O. Box 7149
Helena, MT 59604-7149

We do not accept documents via email.