Think of the IRS verification process like airport security - everyone has to go through it, but some people get randomly selected for additional screening. That's what happened to your return. The letter is like your boarding pass - without it, you're stuck in the terminal. But unlike the airport, there's a back door (calling directly) that lets you proceed without the paper. Don't wait for the letter that may never arrive - just call and get it done.

I had my CPA submit Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) after waiting 3 weeks for a verification letter that never arrived. This expedited the process and I received my refund via DD exactly 16 days later. The key was providing comprehensive documentation - including copies of my driver's license, social security card, and a utility bill showing my address. This approach bypassed the need for the verification letter entirely and resolved the hold on my account.

I experienced this exact scenario during the 2023 filing season. According to Internal Revenue Manual section 21.4.1, the IRS has separate systems for refund processing and account transcript updates. Under high volume conditions, these systems can become desynchronized by up to 7-10 business days. My refund arrived on April 4th while my transcript didn't update until April 11th. The relief I felt when I finally saw that deposit was incredible after weeks of uncertainty!

The IRS tech systems are like that friend who says they're "5 minutes away" but is actually still in bed. 😂 I had this happen twice - got paid with zero updates on any system. One year my transcript never updated at all! I actually called in November (tax season long over) and they confirmed everything was processed correctly, but their status systems just never caught up. My theory is that during peak times, they prioritize processing payments over updating status systems, which honestly makes sense - I'd rather have my money than an accurate status bar!

I tried doing exactly what you're planning last year and it didn't work out. The agent told me they could only verify the year that was specifically mentioned in the letter I received. I referenced the same IRM section and they still refused. Apparently different offices have different policies. I ended up having to make a second appointment and wait another 6 weeks. The whole system is much more complicated than I expected for something that should be straightforward. I've been filing for 20+ years and never had these issues until recently.

I successfully got 3 years verified in one appointment exactly 47 days ago. The key was bringing precisely the right documentation. For each year I had: original W-2s (not copies), 2 forms of ID (passport and driver's license), Social Security card, and printed copies of the returns. The agent initially said they could only verify the year on my letter, but when I showed I had all the proper documentation and cited Publication 17 page 93 regarding multiple-year verification procedures, they processed all 3 years. My refunds were deposited 14 days later for all years. Being prepared and polite but firm about your rights makes all the difference.

Just FYI - the WMAR (Where's My Amended Return) tool is pretty useless rn. It'll show "received" forever even when they're actually processing it. If u amended electronically, check ur tax transcript instead - look for TC 971 codes w/ specific action codes. TC 971/290 combo usually means they're working on it. TC 977 means it's been processed. Def don't call IRS unless it's been 20+ wks, they'll just tell u to wait anyway.

Will this affect my current year return? Filed 2023 already. Don't want delays.

Have you checked your account transcript or just your return transcript? Sometimes your account transcript will update first. And have you verified that you're actually looking at 2023 and not accidentally pulling 2022? I've seen people panic over nothing because they were looking at the wrong year. Did you e-file or paper file? E-file should show acceptance within 24-48 hours, but paper can take weeks just to show as received. Patience is key with the IRS, especially during peak season.

According to Internal Revenue Manual 21.4.1.3, normal processing time for electronically filed returns is 21 days, though the IRS is not obligated to issue refunds within this timeframe. Section 6402(a) of the Internal Revenue Code gives the IRS broad authority to determine refund timing. Community wisdom suggests checking transcripts on Thursdays or Fridays between midnight and 6am EST when batch processing typically occurs. Most returns with filing status changes undergo additional verification per IRM 25.25.3, but this rarely results in audit selection.

I've been through three CP05 notices in the last five years. Here's what works: 1. Don't call before the 60 days are up - complete waste of time 2. Don't send any documents unless specifically requested 3. Set up direct deposit if you haven't already - it's faster once approved 4. Check your transcript weekly, not daily (saves sanity) My most recent CP05 took 52 days to resolve. The first took 41 days. The middle one took 78 days because they needed additional verification. In all cases, I received my full refund amount. If you absolutely need the money sooner, consider a tax refund advance loan from a reputable company, but be aware of the fees.

Isn't it frustrating how we're expected to file perfectly and on time, but then the IRS can just hold our money for months with a vague explanation? I received a CP05 in early March. My return included some gig work and rental income, which seems to trigger these reviews more often. After 47 anxious days of waiting, my transcript updated and the refund was deposited three days later. What helped me was understanding that this is actually a good anti-fraud measure, even though it's inconvenient for us honest filers. Think about it - would you rather have this delay or have someone steal your identity and claim your refund? I empathize with your stress though. The uncertainty is the hardest part.

I'm wondering... did they tell you specifically what triggered the verification requirement? Was it something about your business filing that might have raised a flag? I'm asking because I may be in a similar situation and want to prepare myself for what might be coming.

I had nearly the identical situation last year with my small business return. Verified in person, then nothing for weeks. I kept checking online and calling with no updates. Turns out there was a secondary review happening that nobody told me about. When I finally got through to someone, they said my return was flagged for a "business rule exception" that required manual review after the identity verification. By the time I found this out, it had already been resolved, but I wasted so much time and stress not knowing. Document everything from your visit and be prepared for a longer wait than they tell you.

This is normal. Don't worry. It's a good sign. Your refund is processing. WMR isn't reliable. Transcripts matter more. Check those instead. Look for codes 846 and 570. Those tell the real story. The FAQ page is just a placeholder. IRS systems are updating. Give it a few days. You'll see movement soon.

I believe I might have insight into this situation. My return followed this exact pattern in early March. The WMR changed from code 152 to the FAQ page on a Tuesday. I cautiously monitored my transcript daily. By Friday morning, my transcript updated with cycle code 20241105 and code 846 with a direct deposit date. The money appeared in my account the following Wednesday, exactly as indicated. I was surprised by how the WMR tool provided so little information during this critical transition period.

Have you tried checking your transcripts directly? Sometimes the account message gets stuck in limbo while your actual processing moves forward. I'd recommend looking for the 570 code (hold) and then a 571 code (release) which would indicate they've processed your verification. My message stayed up for 17 days after verifying (talk about anxiety-inducing!) but my transcript showed movement after just 8 days. The IRS really needs to sync their systems better... they're running on technology that was outdated when dinosaurs roamed the earth. 😂

I completed in-person Identity Verification on March 3rd last filing season. My account showed the verification message for exactly 11 days afterward. The Cycle Code on my transcript was 20230905, indicating I was on the weekly processing schedule. The verification status in the internal IRS systems updated before the portal did - when I called the Taxpayer Protection Program line at day 10, they confirmed verification was complete despite the website message. Direct deposit hit my account on day 19 after verification. The system isn't real-time - there's significant lag between internal updates and what we see.

Is paying for a service like Claimyr really necessary though? According to Internal Revenue Manual section 21.1.3.3, taxpayers are entitled to status information on their returns without incurring additional costs. Per the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (IRC § 7803(a)(3)), we have the right to quality service and to be informed. Couldn't one just call early in the morning when wait times are shorter?

Have you actually tried calling the IRS recently? I'm curious about your experience if so. In theory, calling early makes sense, but in practice, the situation is quite different this tax season. I called at 7:01am last Tuesday (one minute after they opened) and still got the "due to high call volume" message and was disconnected. Tried again at 7:05am - same result. By 7:30am, I finally got into the queue but waited 2 hours and 47 minutes before speaking to someone. While you're absolutely right about taxpayer rights in principle, the practical reality is that the IRS is severely understaffed relative to call volume. What was your experience when you tried calling?