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My son e-filed his 2023 tax return exactly 37 days ago on February 15th, 2024, and we're seeing absolutely no updates in the system. I've analyzed his situation from my home office, and there are 3 concerning factors: 1. Where's My Refund doesn't even show his return as received 2. Transcript shows no updates whatsoever when we check online 3. He already completed ID.me verification last year Based on my research, most e-filed returns show as "received" within 24-48 hours. Is there a secondary verification process he needs to complete? What's the most efficient way to speak with an IRS representative about this issue? I've documented all submission confirmation numbers and have all his filing information ready.
According to the IRS2Go app and the official IRS processing timeline (https://www.irs.gov/refunds), most electronic returns should be processed within 21 days. However, the IRS Operations page shows they're currently working through a significant backlog. Your son's return might be caught in what they call the "Error Resolution System" which doesn't necessarily mean there's an error - just that it requires manual review.
My return was stuck. No updates. Filed February 10th. Called March 15th. Got simple explanation. Return flagged for review. No letter sent yet. Issue resolved during call. Refund received March 22nd. Total processing time: 40 days. No action needed from me.
Have you tried accessing your tax transcript instead? Go to IRS.gov > Get Transcript Online > create an account if you don't have one > request a 2023 Account Transcript. This will show if your return has been received and is processing, even when WMR is giving errors. The transcript will display transaction codes that indicate exactly where your return is in the process. Code 150 means your return has been processed, while pending refunds often show code 570 temporarily.
Ever wonder why the IRS can take our money instantly but can't give us a working website? I had this error for two weeks straight. Called the IRS and sat on hold for 97 minutes only to be told it was "just a glitch"? Finally checked my bank account randomly and the refund had been deposited three days earlier without WMR ever updating. The whole system is broken beyond belief.
The IP PIN system was implemented as an anti-fraud measure following the 2015 Get Transcript data breach. According to IRS statistics, PIN-related holds affect approximately 7% of returns with IP PINs assigned. The system is actually working as designed - it's preventing processing of a return with mismatched security credentials. The 8-week timeframe is their standard SLA for manual verification processes, though actual resolution times vary based on verification complexity and current processing backlogs. Have you checked your Account Transcript for TC 971 action codes that might indicate what specific verification is needed?
Is there any way to prevent this from happening again next year? I never opted into the IP PIN program but somehow got assigned one anyway.
4d
This historical context is super helpful! Makes me feel less like I'm being personally targeted by the system.
4d
Had this happen. 2021 filing season. Wrong IP PIN. Got letter after 5 weeks. Verified online. Refund came 12 days later. Total wait: 7 weeks. Not full 8 weeks. But close. Keep checking mail daily. Check IRS website for identity verification options. Don't wait for letter if possible. Online verification is faster.
According to the IRS Operations Dashboard (https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations), they're currently processing returns filed in early March. What's happening is normal but poorly communicated by the IRS. Your return is in what's called the "processing pipeline" but hasn't reached the "posting phase" where it appears on transcripts. You can verify this by checking your Account Transcript (not Return Transcript) where you might see a TC 971 code with no corresponding 150 code yet. This is definitive proof your return is being processed even if the main account page doesn't show it. The WMR tool pulls from the initial intake database while the account page pulls from the master file - which only updates after processing is complete.
This happened to me last year and it drove me CRAZY! My transcript didn't show anything for 6 weeks after filing, but WMR said it was processing. I called the IRS and they confirmed exactly what you're saying - my return was in their system but hadn't reached the point where it would show up on transcripts. The funny part was that my refund actually hit my bank account before my transcript ever updated! The IRS agent explained that during peak season, their different computer systems can get out of sync by up to 2-3 weeks.
4d
Quick q - if the acct transcript shows a TC 971 but no 150 code, is that def a good sign? Mine's been stuck like that for 3 wks and I'm freaking out a bit. WMR still says processing but no bars anymore. Thx for any help!
4d
I think I might have some relevant experience to share here. Last tax season, I filed around the same time (early March) and experienced something sort of similar. My transcript didn't show my return for about 3 weeks, but WMR did show processing. It seems like, in many cases, this is possibly just a timing issue with their systems. When I eventually got my transcript, it showed that they had actually been working on my return the whole time, even though the account page didn't reflect that. I'm a little worried that processing times might be longer this year based on what I'm seeing in this community, but your situation doesn't necessarily indicate a problem yet.
Have you set up Informed Delivery with USPS? It's free and will show you images of mail that's scheduled to arrive each day. This would help you know exactly when your check is about to be delivered.
I was in the exact same situation last month. WMR showed February 12th as my date, and the check arrived in my mailbox on February 18th. I'm also military (Fort Liberty). What worked for me was setting up USPS Informed Delivery - it showed me a scan of the envelope the day before it arrived. The IRS uses a very distinctive envelope that's easy to spot. If your WMR says March 15th, I'd expect it between March 20-22nd depending on your location.
That's really helpful to know! I'm at temporary housing near Fort Cavazos and was trying to figure out if I needed to arrange for someone to check our old mailbox. Sounds like I should plan for it arriving next week then.
4d
Paper returns received on February 19th, 2024 are currently running about 6-8 weeks for initial processing. Deceased taxpayer returns typically add another 2-3 weeks to that timeline. March 15th is when they usually start the first batch of manual reviews for these types of returns. April 30th is when most February-filed deceased returns complete processing. June 1st is typically when refunds are issued if no issues are found. This is all normal and expected.
So are you saying I should expect to see something on WMR by mid-April at the earliest? Do they send any notices in the meantime, or is it just radio silence until they finish processing?
4d
I've been through this twice before, and yes, WMR does update for deceased taxpayer returns. However, in my previous experiences, I noticed it takes about twice as long as regular returns. Last time I filed one in 2022, my regular return was processed in 3 weeks while the deceased family member's return took almost 7 weeks to show up on WMR. The system works the same way, but the timeline is extended because they have additional verification procedures.
Try this workaround: 1. Go to the "Get Transcript" page instead of the direct verification page 2. Choose "mail" option instead of online 3. Wait for the letter with the verification code (takes ~5-10 days) 4. Once you have the code, you can complete verification online This bypasses the ID.me system that's giving everyone headaches. Worked for me and 3 other ppl in my tax group. Not as fast as getting thru by phone but def more reliable rn.
PLEASE be careful with verification issues! My sister ignored her verification notices thinking she could just handle it "later" and it turned into a NIGHTMARE! š« The IRS froze her refund, then sent it to the fraud department, and it took 11 months to resolve. She had to submit paper copies of everything, get documents notarized, and even then they kept asking for more proof. If you absolutely can't verify online or by phone, send a certified letter to the address on your notice explaining your situation. It's slow but creates a paper trail they can't ignore.
According to the IRS website (https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/identity-verification-for-irs-letter-recipients), legitimate 5071C letters will ONLY direct you to IDVerify.irs.gov or to call 800-830-5084. The letter should never ask you to send personal information by email or regular mail. You can also verify by creating or logging into your IRS online account at https://www.irs.gov/payments/view-your-tax-account. If you're concerned, it's always safest to go directly to IRS.gov and navigate from there rather than clicking links or calling numbers from the letter itself.
After helping several people through this process, here's what you need to know about verifying a 5071C letter: ā¢ Real 5071C letters have your truncated SSN (last 4 digits only) ā¢ They reference a specific tax year ā¢ They direct you ONLY to IDVerify.irs.gov or 800-830-5084 ā¢ They never ask for direct payments ā¢ They contain specific information about your tax return ā¢ They have the official IRS letterhead and formatting If your letter doesn't have these elements, it's likely fraudulent. If you're still unsure, call the general IRS customer service line at 800-829-1040, not the number on the letter.
Oh my goodness, I remember the anxiety of waiting for updates with a 570 code! š« I checked my transcript literally every hour for days thinking it might update! It was so stressful waiting for that DDD to appear. Just want to warn you - even after you get past the 570 and get your DDD, there's usually a 3-5 day waiting period before the money actually hits your account. I'd strongly suggest planning your finances assuming you won't see the money for at least 2-3 weeks from now, just to be safe. The waiting is THE WORST part! š
Thx for the heads up. Gotta adjust my budget now. Was counting on that $ this week. Ugh.
5d
I experienced something similar last year. First, I got the 570 code. Then after about 10 days, it changed to 571 (resolved). Then I had to wait another 5 days for code 846 to appear with my DDD. After that, it took exactly 2 business days for the deposit to show in my account. Should I expect the same timeline this year, or has the process changed?
4d
Last year I had the exact same situation! Got a 570 code on cycle 05 and drove myself crazy checking for updates. Here's what happened: The transcript only updated on Thursdays (cycle 05), and it took two weekly cycles to resolve. The first Thursday nothing changed, but the second Thursday I got a 571 (resolved) and 846 (refund issued) on the same day. My DDD was for the following Wednesday. So from seeing the 570 to getting money was exactly 13 days. The IRS agent I spoke with explained that even if they fix whatever triggered the 570 mid-week, the transcript won't show it until your designated cycle day.
Hugh Intensity
Oh my goodness, I just went through this whole process last month! I was so stressed about it! š« I verified in person on March 3rd and got my letter about a week later. The letter was basically just confirming that my identity had been verified successfully. I didn't need to do anything with it, but I kept it for my records just in case. My return started processing about 10 days after my in-person visit, and I could see the updates on my transcript before I even received the letter. I'd recommend checking your transcript every few days to see if there's movement!
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Effie Alexander
I remember going through this last year when I had to verify my identity. The in-person verification is already recorded in their system, but I found that having the letter helped when I had to call about a different issue later. The IRS agent I spoke with actually asked for the letter reference number even though I'd verified in person. From my experience, keep both records - the fact that you verified in person (date and location) and the letter when it arrives. Better to have too much documentation than not enough when dealing with the IRS!
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