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It appears that, in many cases, there might be a processing delay that is somewhat specific to Credit Karma and similar prepaid card options. Based on my research, the IRS typically initiates the ACH transfer within approximately 24 hours of the "refund sent" status appearing, but financial institutions like Credit Karma may have internal holding periods that can, unfortunately, extend the wait time by potentially 2-5 business days. This is sometimes related to fraud prevention measures, particularly for tax refunds which are frequently targeted by identity thieves.
I've seen this exact pattern the last three years. In 2022, I waited 4 days. In 2023, it was 3 days. This year it was still 3 days. What's interesting is that the first year I called and complained, the second year I didn't, and the timeline was basically the same. I think they have a standard hold period regardless of customer complaints.
7d
This is incredibly helpful information. I wish they would clearly disclose these holding periods before people select them as a refund option. Do you know if there's any official documentation from Credit Karma about these policies? I've been searching their website but can't find anything specific about tax refund processing times.
7d
I might be able to provide some insight on this issue, though your experience may vary somewhat. I've used Credit Karma for my refunds for the past two tax seasons, and I've noticed that there seems to be a consistent pattern where funds typically take approximately 2-3 business days to appear after the IRS shows the refund as sent. While this delay is certainly frustrating when you're waiting for important funds, I've found that the money does eventually appear without requiring any action on my part.
Did you receive any notifications when the money was about to be deposited? I'm wondering if there are any signs to watch for that indicate the funds are about to be released.
7d
Did they give you any specific verification code or confirmation number when you completed the in-person verification? Last time I went through this in 2023, they gave me a confirmation number that I could reference when checking on status updates. Also, what specific forms did you have to bring to your verification appointment? I remember the requirements changed recently.
The community wisdom on this is pretty consistent: the IRS always overestimates processing times to manage expectations. Most of us who've gone through in-person verification see updates within 2-4 weeks. The transcript typically updates before WMR, and checking once or twice a week is sufficient. Tuesday night/Wednesday morning and Friday morning are when most batch processing happens. If you hit 5 weeks with no movement, that's when you should start making calls.
I've been dealing with the IRS for years, and I'm skeptical that calling back will actually change anything. Once their system flags your return for a paper check, it's incredibly difficult to reverse. In 2022 and again in 2023, I saw this exact situation play out where agents promised one thing but the system did another. Their verification department operates under different rules than regular customer service, and most agents don't have the authority to override fraud prevention protocols.
I work with tax issues daily, and I can tell you directly: this CAN be fixed. Call the Identity Verification department specifically (not the general line) and explain that you physically cannot receive mail at your address. Request a manager if needed. They have a specific protocol for people without stable addresses - it's Form 8822 territory, but they can make exceptions. I've seen them revert back to direct deposit in about 65% of these cases when properly escalated.
8d
This is actually a critical timing issue! If they've already processed the verification and initiated the paper check, you have approximately 7-10 business days before it's irreversible. You need to contact the Refund Inquiry Unit (specialized department) and request an Undeliverable Refund Intercept using verification code 59381. This can redirect the payment back to direct deposit if done before the check is printed. The regular agents won't mention this option unless you specifically ask about it - it's in their Internal Revenue Manual but rarely offered proactively!
I filed an amendment for a missing W-2 exactly 14 months ago. It took precisely 22 weeks and 3 days to process. The W-2 had $4,782 in income and $612 in withholding. I ended up owing an additional $327 plus $41.83 in interest. The process was straightforward - I used the same tax software I'd used for my original return, and they walked me through the amendment step by step. The key is documenting everything meticulously and keeping proof of submission.
According to the IRS.gov amendment page (https://www.irs.gov/filing/amended-returns-form-1040-x), you can now e-file amendments for tax years 2019 and later, which should help with processing times. The most important thing is to act quickly - the longer you wait, the more interest accumulates if you owe additional tax. Also, if the IRS discovers the omission before you amend, you could face accuracy-related penalties that wouldn't apply for a voluntary correction.
I'm in a similar boat but my missing W-2 was from a job I had for just two weeks! Had a similar situation back in 2021 and it was such a headache. Has anyone had experience with very small amounts on an amended return? Is there a minimum threshold where the IRS doesn't really care?
7d
I've seen this happen three years in a row with clients I help with taxes. Instead of verifying again through the standard channels, try contacting your local Taxpayer Advocate Service. In my experience, they can often resolve these duplicate verification issues more efficiently than going through the normal IRS channels. I've had cases where the advocate was able to clear the verification flag within 48 hours when the regular process would have taken weeks.
I believe what's happening is that you might be getting confused between two different types of verification. There's identity verification (to prove you are who you say you are) and there's income/return verification (to confirm the information on your return). These are handled by different departments within the IRS, and it's possible you completed one but are now being asked for the other. I would suggest carefully reading the new notification to determine if it's asking for the same type of verification you already completed, or if it's requesting something different.
Could you explain a bit more about the difference between these verification types? How can someone tell which type of verification they're being asked to complete? Are there specific form numbers or wording that indicates one versus the other?
7d
I don't want to worry you, but my verification experience last year wasn't as smooth as everyone is suggesting. I verified on a Thursday, notification disappeared immediately, but then nothing happened for 5 weeks. When I finally got through to someone, they said my verification had been accepted but my return was selected for a "random review" that wasn't showing on my transcript or WMR. I had to verify AGAIN by mail and wait another 3 weeks. Not saying this will happen to you, but just be prepared that the system isn't always as straightforward as it seems. I've noticed returns with certain credits or deductions tend to get these secondary reviews more often.
Did they give you any indication why you were selected for this random review? Were there any particular items on your return that might have triggered it?
7d
Compared to other verification situations I've seen, yours seems to be moving along the standard path. When verification happens on weekends versus weekdays, there's typically a slight difference in processing speed - weekend verifications often take about 1-2 days longer than weekday ones because the actual processing doesn't begin until Monday. Also, if you're comparing your timeline to pre-2023 experiences, keep in mind that the current IRS systems have been updated and generally process verified returns about 20% faster than in previous years, assuming all other factors are equal.
Everyone's saying to call the IRS, but there's a digital option too! You can submit a statement disputing the 1099-NEC when you file your taxes. Schedule C (line 31) allows you to report the income but then offset it completely with expenses. Then attach a written statement explaining the situation. The IRS matching algorithm will see you've acknowledged the 1099 but aren't paying tax on it. Just make sure to label it clearly as "ERRONEOUS 1099-NEC REPORTED TO MY SSN" ๐ No hold music required! Though you might still get a notice that you'll need to respond to later.
I handled a similar situation in 2023. Steps I took: โข Called issuing company (found on 1099-NEC) โข Requested written confirmation of error โข Filed Form 3949-A to report the issuer's mistake โข Added statement with my tax return โข Kept paper trail of all communications Resolution took 74 days but IRS eventually removed incorrect income. Document everything.
Btw, the "up to 5 days early" thing is super misleading. It depends on when the IRS actually initiates the ACH transfer. If they start it just 1 day before the official date, you'll only get it 1 day early, not 5. Most ppl I know w/ Cash App get their refunds 2-3 days early max. Has anyone actually gotten the full 5 days?
So does that mean we should expect it tomorrow? I can't wait any longer. Need this money ASAP.
7d
Has anyone contacted Cash App support about this? I'm wondering if they can see pending deposits that haven't posted yet?
7d
Word of caution from someone who learned the hard way: I had my refund sent to Cash App last year and ended up with a MAJOR headache. The IRS had an issue with my return after the refund was already sent, and they tried to recall the payment. Cash App had already released the funds to me, which created a whole mess. I spent weeks trying to resolve it between Cash App and the IRS, with each one telling me to talk to the other. If you're expecting any amendments or have anything complicated in your return, I strongly recommend using a traditional bank account. Check the IRS website for info about refund recalls - they happen more often than you'd think: https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc152
I think I might have found a solution that could possibly work for you? I was sort of in the same boat about two weeks ago, and what finally worked for me was calling the Taxpayer Advocate Service at 1-877-777-4778. They're kind of like the customer service department for the IRS, if that makes sense? I explained that I couldn't get through on the verification line, and they were actually able to help me directly with my verification issue in most cases. If they can't help immediately, they might be able to create a case for you and get someone to call you back within about 4-5 business days, which is probably better than endless redialing.
The Taxpayer Advocate Service - aka the IRS's "please don't sue us" department! ๐ But seriously, this is solid advice. They've saved my bacon twice now. Bookmarking this number for the inevitable future tax headaches.
8d
Does contacting the Taxpayer Advocate cost anything? I've seen some websites mention they only take cases with certain hardships. Has anyone here used them recently for verification issues specifically? Just wondering if I should try this route or keep calling the main number?
7d
Per Internal Revenue Manual 21.1.3.3, the IRS is required to maintain adequate staffing on verification lines during filing season. However, budget constraints often impact actual availability. According to Treasury Regulation ยง301.7701-15, if your verification relates to EITC or CTC claims, you might also try the dedicated EITC verification line at 1-866-897-0161. I'm slightly concerned about the extended wait, as verification holds typically delay refunds by 60-90 days, and this clock usually doesn't start until successful verification occurs.
Isaac Wright
Have you checked your Account Transcript rather than just your Return Transcript? The Account Transcript often shows Transaction Codes (TC) that indicate verification status. Look specifically for TC 570 (additional account action pending) followed by TC 571 (resolved additional account action). Once you see TC 846 (refund issued), you'll have your direct deposit date.
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Maya Diaz
Is this your first time needing to verify your identity with the IRS? I had to do this last year and was worried too, but after verification my refund came about 2 weeks later. Do you have any credits on your return like Child Tax Credit or Earned Income Credit? Those can add extra time even after verification.
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