I might be overly cautious here... but you may want to follow up with a phone call in about a week if you don't see any updates. I had a similar situation where my signed form was received, but it somehow got misfiled and sat without processing. By the time I called to check, almost a month had passed with no movement. Not trying to alarm you, just suggesting a verification step might save time in the long run.

For anyone going through this process, here's what you need to know: Once the examiner receives your signed 4549, they'll close their part of the case within about a week. Then it goes to a different department for processing the actual adjustment. Your transcript will update before WMR does - you'll see a series of codes (typically 420 for audit, then 421 for audit closed, then eventually 846 for refund issued). The whole process usually takes 3-4 weeks from signing to refund if everything goes smoothly.

Based on current IRS processing metrics for TY2023 amended returns, there are several distinct phases after the amendment appears on your transcript: 1. Initial Verification Phase (TC 971 with amendment received code) - 3-5 business days 2. Processing Phase (TC 290/291 adjustment codes appear) - 5-10 business days 3. Refund Authorization Phase (TC 846 with future date) - 2-5 business days 4. Disbursement Phase (actual funds transfer) - 1-3 business days The total elapsed time from transcript update to deposit typically ranges from 11-23 business days, with a median of 15 business days during non-peak periods. Your investment planning should account for this variability.

I know exactly how stressful this waiting period is! I went through this last month and wanted to share my positive outcome: • Amendment appeared on transcript: March 4th • Refund approved (code 846): March 19th • Money deposited: March 22nd So that was 15 days from transcript update to refund approval, and 18 days total until money in my account. What helped me was checking my transcript every Tuesday and Friday morning (they seem to update in batches those days). Hang in there - the waiting is the hardest part but it WILL come through!

Just got through this last month! My 4800C was WAY worse than when I had an audit in 2020. At least with the audit I had a specific person assigned to my case. With this verification nonsense, my documents sat in a pile for 9 weeks before anyone even looked at them. I called every week and got a different answer each time. My sister went through the same thing and got her refund in 5 weeks. There's absolutely no consistency with these timelines.

According to the National Taxpayer Advocate's report from January 2024 (https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/reports/), the average processing time for 4800C verification cases is currently 9.2 weeks after document receipt. However, I'm slightly worried because they also mentioned that cases requiring additional review can take up to 16 weeks. You might want to check your transcript weekly for the 971 code which indicates they're actively working on your case.

Here's what you need to do. Check your transcript. Look for code 971. That's your notice. Find code 846. That's your refund date. No 846? Keep waiting. Amended returns take 16-20 weeks typically. The 3-week notice is misleading. IRS is backlogged. Your money is coming. Just not on their timeline. Set up direct deposit alerts. Check your transcript weekly, not daily. Calling rarely helps unless something's actually wrong.

I had a somewhat similar experience with my amended return last year. In my case, it appears that the IRS system generated the notice automatically when the amendment was approved, but the actual payment processing typically takes an additional 2-3 weeks, in my experience. It's worth noting that, while frustrating, this delay is generally within normal parameters for amended returns, which tend to follow different timelines than standard returns. If you reach the 6-week mark after receiving the notice without any deposit, then you might want to consider taking more proactive steps to investigate.

If the 290 code shows up with a date in the future, does that mean I should expect something to happen on that date? I'm trying to understand the timeline implications of these codes.

Back in 2022, I had a 290 code with a $1,200 amount next to it. Turned out they had adjusted my education credits because I had calculated them incorrectly. I've since learned that the 290 code essentially means "tax assessed" - so if it shows $0.00, it means they agreed with your calculations. If it shows an amount, they've changed something. I also noticed in my case it was followed by a 971 code which meant they sent a notice explaining the change.

Be careful about relying solely on the transcript. Here's what can happen: 1. Amendment appears on transcript 2. Initial processing begins (looks promising) 3. System flags issues or missing information 4. Amendment gets pulled for manual review 5. Processing stalls indefinitely I've seen cases where people waited 9+ months because of a minor discrepancy. If you don't see movement on your transcript after 8 weeks, be proactive and contact the IRS. Don't assume it's processing normally just because it appears on your transcript.

Just to clarify something important - the WMAR tool and transcript system serve different purposes. Unlike regular returns where WMR is pretty reliable, the WMAR tool is more like a simplified status indicator that often lags behind. Compared to regular returns, amended returns follow a completely different processing path. While a standard return might process in 21 days, amendments are handled by a separate department with different priorities. Your transcript is actually the more accurate reflection of what's happening.

Has anyone noticed how the verification requirements seem to change depending on which office you visit? I've found that bringing a complete tax folder is the safest approach - wouldn't you rather have too many documents than too few? My standard package includes: driver's license, passport (backup ID), original social security card, birth certificate, two utility bills, last two years' tax returns, and the letter they sent. Haven't been turned away yet.

FYI - if ur in a rush, there's another option nobody's mentioned. You can get a tax pro with proper credentials (CPA, EA, etc.) to help w/ verification. They have special access to IRS systems thru the Practitioner Priority Service. Might cost ya $100-200 but could save tons of time. Just make sure they have a valid PTIN and credentials. Def worth considering if ur deadline is super tight.

I'm not sure about using third-party services to contact the IRS. Couldn't you just keep calling the IRS yourself? I've heard some of these services just use auto-dialers, which seems like something anyone could do on their own. Also, wouldn't giving your information to another company just create more potential security issues? I'd probably just wait until the actual DDD before getting too concerned.

According to IRS Publication 1544 and their published guidelines on refund processing, taxpayers have the right to inquire about the status of their refunds, but the challenge is actually reaching someone. The IRS Restructuring and Reform Act specifically acknowledges taxpayers' rights to quality service. Having spent 8+ years in tax resolution, I can confirm that the IRS phone system is intentionally difficult to navigate - it's designed to reduce call volume. Services that help you reach an actual human aren't just using auto-dialers; they're navigating the complex IRS phone tree and hold system. For many people, especially those who need their refund for urgent expenses, the time saved is well worth it.

I believe what you've likely received is probably a CP2000 notice, which is generally sent when there's a potential discrepancy between income reported on your tax return and what the IRS has on file from third parties. These are fairly common for small business owners, especially if you have multiple income sources or contractors. It's typically not an audit, but rather a request for clarification. I'd suggest opening it right away, as you usually have around 30 days to respond. If it is indeed a CP2000, you'll need to either agree with their assessment and pay any additional tax, or provide documentation explaining why your original filing was correct.

I just went through this exact situation last month! Got a scary-looking letter from Fresno and put off opening it for three days. Turned out it was just confirming they received my amended return and were processing it. The anxiety I put myself through was WAY worse than the actual contents. Now I open IRS mail immediately - learned my lesson! Has anyone opened their letter yet?

I had to send in documents twice. First time they said they never received them. Second time I used a cover sheet with my name, tax year, and social clearly marked. Got an update 16 days later. Make sure you kept a copy of the fax confirmation page. You might need it if they claim they never received anything.

Been through this twice in the last three years. Here's what to expect: • Document processing: 2-3 weeks minimum • Verification completion: Another 1-2 weeks • Refund approval: 3-5 days after verification • Actual deposit: 2-5 days after approval So realistically, you're looking at about a month from fax to deposit. My first experience took exactly 27 days. Last year it took 34 days. The good news is that bank statements are usually sufficient proof of income. Just breathe and try not to check WMR more than once a day! 😊