Based on community reports, here's what to expect with the ID.me control number process: • Average wait time for letter: 10-15 business days • Letter comes automatically (no need to request) • Control number is valid for 30 days from letter date • Verification can be completed online or by phone • Most users regain access within 24-48 hours after verification • Process is separate from any tax filing deadlines The variation in delivery times seems to depend on your geographic location and current USPS processing times in your area.

Just to be clear - this is for the additional verification AFTER you've already created an ID.me account, right? I went through the initial ID.me setup with the facial recognition and document upload, but haven't received any notification about needing a control number. Are there different levels of verification they require?

Here's what I recommend based on my experience: Step 1: Create an account on IRS.gov if you haven't already Step 2: Access your tax transcript (account transcript specifically) Step 3: Look for code 150 (tax return filed) Step 4: Look for code 846 (refund issued) - this is what you're waiting for Step 5: If you see codes 570/971, there might be a review happening This approach gives you much more detailed information than the basic "Where's My Refund" tool. I was frustrated with the lack of information until I learned how to read my transcript properly. The transcript updates more frequently and shows exactly what's happening with your return.

Fwiw, my state (CA) and fed refunds were completely diff timelines. Got state super fast (like 8 days) but fed took forever (37 days total). The WMR tool was stuck on the first bar the whole time, but my transcript had all the deets. Had a mini heart attack when I saw code 570, but turns out it was just normal processing. Nothing to do w/ state refund timing tho - totally separate systems.

I need to share a cautionary tale here. I verified online on February 27th (exactly 23 days ago), thought everything was fine, and waited patiently. After seeing posts like this, I called yesterday and discovered my verification had NEVER processed correctly. The agent told me that approximately 42% of online verifications since February 1st have been affected by this glitch. After verifying by phone, she told me to expect my refund within 9 business days. If I hadn't called, I might have been waiting indefinitely. The system won't notify you if your verification fails!

For anyone dealing with this issue, I created a timeline based on my experience and what I've seen from others: 1. If you verified online between January 29, 2024 and March 15, 2024, and were only asked about 2024 information, your verification likely didn't complete properly 2. After calling and completing phone verification, most people are seeing transcript updates within 2-5 days 3. Refunds are typically being issued 5-9 days after successful phone verification 4. The IRS updated their system on March 16, 2024 to fix this issue for new verifications, but they're not automatically fixing previously affected accounts Hope this helps others navigate this frustrating situation!

Is TurboTax's estimate reliable? I'm worried now. I just filed last week. Used TurboTax too. Got the same 5-day early option. Should I be concerned? Everyone's talking about transcripts. Never checked mine before. Is it really that helpful?

You should check the IRS2Go app right away! Sometimes it updates before the website does. According to the IRS Refund Status page (https://www.irs.gov/refunds), they're still processing many February returns. The 21-day normal processing time doesn't always apply during peak season. If it's been more than 21 days since you e-filed, you should definitely call them at 1-800-829-1040, but be prepared to wait a long time. Check your transcript ASAP to see if there are any hold codes!

I went through this exact verification process in February. Called for 2 weeks straight with the same message. What finally worked was calling the main IRS customer service line (1-800-829-1040) instead of the verification-specific number. When prompted by the automated system, I selected options for "tax filing questions" rather than "verification" which routed me to a general agent. That agent was able to transfer me directly to the verification department, bypassing the overloaded verification queue. This worked on my first attempt after countless failed calls to the verification line.

The verification backlog right now is worse than any time since 2021. Most people are waiting 3-4 weeks compared to the normal 7-10 days. If you need your refund urgently, you should consider contacting your local Taxpayer Advocate Service office - they can flag your verification for expedited processing if you can demonstrate financial hardship (like pending eviction, utility shutoff, medical bills). The verification queue is processed in batches every Tuesday and Thursday, so check your transcript on Wednesday and Friday mornings for the best chance of seeing updates.

What deductions did you miss initially that prompted the amendment? I'm wondering because I'm also a contractor and always worried I'm missing something. Did you have to submit any additional Schedule C documentation with your 1040X? Also, did you receive any CP2000 notice or was this self-initiated?

Amended returns are processed completely differently than regular returns. While a standard return might take 21 days, amendments go through a specialized department that handles them in order received. Unlike regular e-filed returns that are largely automated, amendments require manual review - similar to how paper returns are processed vs. electronic ones. If you're counting on this money for your Q2 estimated taxes, you might want to make other arrangements. Most contractors I know who've amended returns had to wait 12+ weeks before seeing any movement.

I'm in the exact same boat with my NJ return. Filed March 8th and still nothing. What's concerning me is that I know someone who filed AFTER me (March 15th) and already got their refund yesterday! Makes me wonder if there's something wrong with my return that's causing a delay. Last year I had an issue where they needed additional verification of my gig work income and I had to upload documents, but they at least sent me a notice about it. This year it's just silence.

Have you checked your status on the NJ Division of Taxation website? Sometimes the generic "processing" message doesn't tell the whole story. I found out my return was actually on hold because they were missing a document (that I definitely submitted 🙄). Called them and got it sorted in one day, refund came a week later. Also, if you're really desperate for the cash, you might want to look into tax refund advances for next year. I know it's too late now, but as a fellow gig worker, I've used them before when things were tight. Yeah, the fees suck, but sometimes you need that money now, not when the state decides to finally process your return! 😂

Have you checked your state's department of revenue website? Most states now have online portals where you can see your processed return. The IRS.gov site mentions that states often make adjustments without clear notification. I'm a bit worried this might be happening more frequently this year based on posts I've seen.

Did your tax preparer give you a copy of the return they filed? It's like having a recipe and then being surprised when the cake comes out different - you need to compare the ingredients. States often apply different rules than federal returns, much like how different ovens might require temperature adjustments. What was the percentage difference between expected and actual? Small discrepancies under 10% are common, but larger ones usually indicate a specific disallowed item rather than a calculation error.

Had this exact issue. Called IRS after 4 weeks. They confirmed check was actually mailed. Started payment trace. Check arrived next day. Sometimes system updates before physical mailing occurs. Be patient. Almost there. Keep checking informed delivery.

Has anyone else noticed that the IRS seems to say checks are "mailed" before they actually hand them over to USPS? My refund was supposedly mailed on February 24th but didn't arrive until March 18th! I checked informed delivery every single day and was getting so anxious. Should I call them to ask what's happening? What if it got lost? How long should I wait before panicking?

Def try faxing instead of mailing! IRS still uses fax and it's WAY faster. I had same prob last yr w/ missing 2022 docs. Mailed = forever. Found out I could fax to the IRS at 855-800-8105 & they got it same day! Got my refund 4 wks later vs the 8+ wks they said for mail. Just make sure u put ur SSN on EVERY page & include a cover sheet w/ ur info. YMMV but worth trying!

I work in tax preparation. This happens frequently. The IRS prioritizes processing prior year returns that are holding current refunds. Typical timeframe is 6-10 weeks from when they receive your 2022 documents. Send it certified mail with return receipt. Include your phone number on the return. Call the IRS after 4 weeks to confirm receipt and ask if they need anything else. Be persistent but polite. I've seen these holds resolved in as little as 5 weeks when clients follow up appropriately.