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I'm trying to figure out this whole ID.me situation with the IRS. They're telling me I need to verify my information through my ID.me account before they'll process my taxes, but I can't seem to find where to do this. I already have an ID.me account set up, so why isn't that enough? Do I need to log in somewhere specific? Is there a special verification section I'm missing? This technology sometimes gets the better of me, but I'm determined to get this sorted out!
Quick q - did you get any specific error msgs when trying to access your tax info? Sometimes the system gives diff errors depending on where in the process you're stuck. Also, are you trying to access transcripts or just the WMR tool?
This is an important distinction! The verification requirements are different depending on what you're trying to access. For basic Where's My Refund checks, you only need minimal verification. For transcript access or account management, you need the full Level 2 authentication through ID.me, which requires facial recognition or a video call verification component.
7d
Isn't it interesting how the IRS has created these multiple layers of verification but doesn't clearly explain which one you need for which service? I've wondered if this is intentional to reduce system load or just poor design. Either way, it creates unnecessary confusion for taxpayers who just want to handle their obligations properly.
7d
This verification process is like being stuck in a maze where they keep moving the exit! I was in the same boat last month trying to access my retirement account info. Here's what worked for me: you need to go through the COMPLETE verification process, not just the basic one. It's like having a library card but needing special permission to access the rare books section. The fastest way is to use the direct link: https://sa.www4.irs.gov/secureaccess/ui/. This bypasses some of the confusing navigation.
Thank you for sharing this direct link! I've been trying to get this resolved for weeks with my filing deadline approaching. The IRS Publication 5452 states clearly that identity verification is required under IRC Β§ 6103 for taxpayer data protection, but they certainly don't make the process intuitive or user-friendly.
7d
Compared to other government verification systems I've used, this one seems particularly challenging. Would you say the video verification option is faster than the automated facial recognition, or does it end up taking longer because you have to wait for an available agent?
7d
Did you perhaps claim any credits like the Child Tax Credit or Earned Income Credit? Those usually take longer to process, especially if it's your first time claiming them. I'm sort of in the same situation but filed a bit later than you.
No credits. Simple return. Just W-2 income. That's why I'm so confused. Nothing complicated. Should be easy to process. Yet here I am. Still waiting.
7d
I filed on February 16th, 2024 and was in the exact same situation until March 28th. My transcript suddenly updated overnight with a 570 code (temporary hold) dated April 1st, followed by a 571 code (hold released) on April 3rd, and finally an 846 code with a DDD of April 8th. The whole process took exactly 52 days from filing to refund. The transcript can update any day, but I've noticed Thursdays and Fridays are most common.
I'm so upset with TurboTax right now! I specifically chose them BECAUSE of this early refund promise. I have a mortgage payment coming due and was counting on that faster timeline. Now I'm learning it's basically just a loan that not everyone qualifies for? They really should make this clearer in their advertising! π‘ Has anyone successfully complained to them about this and gotten any kind of refund on their preparation fees?
For those who don't qualify for TurboTax's advance or don't want to pay for it, there are alternative approaches to potentially expedite your refund. E-filing with direct deposit remains the fastest method regardless of preparation service used. Ensure your return is error-free, as discrepancies trigger manual reviews that delay processing. Additionally, filing early in the season typically results in faster processing times due to lower volume in the IRS queue. For next year, consider using the IRS Free File program if your AGI is under $73,000 - you'll still get the same processing speed without the added costs.
Chime user here w/ NJ refunds for past 4 yrs. Here's the deal: Fed refunds = up to 5 days early w/ Chime. NJ state = usually 0-1 days early, max. NJ batches their ACH diff than IRS. Last yr my DDD was 3/15, got it 3/14 around 6pm. Yr before was exactly on DDD. It's not like fed where you can count on early deposit. Chime can only post what NJ sends, and NJ doesn't send early like IRS does. Just my exp.
Does this timing apply to all online banks or just Chime specifically? I'm wondering if: β’ Credit unions process differently β’ Traditional banks hold longer β’ Other online banks like Current or Varo might be faster
7d
I've tracked this for several tax seasons - January 15, 2022, January 23, 2023, and January 29, 2024. The pattern is consistent across most online banks. The key difference isn't the bank but when NJ Treasury initiates the ACH. They typically send batches on Tuesdays and Thursdays with 2-day processing windows. So a March 11th DDD was likely in the March 7th batch, meaning most online banks would show it March 9-11 depending on their posting policies.
7d
Let me walk you through what actually happens with NJ state refunds: 1. First, NJ assigns a DDD when your return is fully processed 2. Then, they schedule an ACH transfer 1-2 business days before the DDD 3. Next, the ACH system processes this over 24-48 hours 4. Finally, your bank posts it when they receive the completed ACH The warning here: I've seen people count on early deposits and make financial commitments, only to have the money arrive exactly on the DDD. Unlike federal refunds, NJ state is much less predictable with early deposits. Don't make any critical plans for that money before the actual DDD.
From what I've generally seen in the community, there seems to be a somewhat predictable pattern with these prior year filings. It typically might take around 4-8 weeks for most people, though I believe there are possibly some factors that could potentially speed things up or slow them down. If you perhaps included all requested documentation clearly labeled and possibly referenced your notice number, you might see faster processing than someone who didn't, in my experience.
I remember when I went through this last year! The key was making sure I wrote my SSN on EVERY page I faxed. My tax pro told me this makes a huge difference in how quickly they can process it.
7d
Did anyone have success calling the Taxpayer Advocate Service? I've been waiting 9 weeks now after faxing my 2020 return and I'm desperate. My car broke down and I really need this refund.
7d
Just to clarify for everyone - the 570 code means refund hold and 971 means notice issued. When the IRS processes ur prior yr return, you'll see code 571 (hold released) and then 846 (refund issued). Timing varies but avg is 6wks from what I've seen. Def include a cover sheet w/ ur SSN, tax yr, and notice # when faxing. Anyone else notice faster processing when faxing vs mailing?
This is super helpful! π I've been staring at my transcript trying to decode it like I'm in The Da Vinci Code. At least now I know what I'm looking for when it (hopefully) updates!
7d
I believe what you're experiencing might be fairly routine. In my case, I received a verification letter about three weeks after filing, and it was perhaps one of the easier IRS processes I've encountered. The letter typically contains specific instructions, and if it's the identity verification you're hoping for, you'll likely be able to complete everything online in about 15-20 minutes. You might need your prior year AGI and possibly a credit card or loan account number for verification purposes. Once verified, my refund was processed within approximately 2-3 weeks.
I got my verification letter exactly 18 days after filing this year. It took me precisely 24 minutes to complete the verification online and then my refund was deposited 9 days later. The letter arrived 2 days after showing up on Informed Delivery. If you're military-connected, mention that when you call - they have special procedures for military families and can sometimes expedite before deployment.
FWIW, the community wisdom here is don't wait for the letter. The IRS is super backed up with these notices rn. Most ppl are getting the online notification first, then the letter weeks later. If u have access to ur online acct, that's legit and u should proceed. Just make sure ur on the actual IRS.gov site (check the URL carefully) and not some random email link. GL with it!
For those wondering about the verification process, here's what to expect: Step 1: Go to IRS.gov and navigate to the Identity Verification Service Step 2: Choose to verify online with ID.me Step 3: Create or sign into your ID.me account Step 4: Verify your identity by uploading a photo ID Step 5: Complete a video selfie (this prevents fraud) Step 6: Confirm your personal information Step 7: Authorize ID.me to share your information with the IRS The system is designed to be secure while preventing fraudulent returns. Most people complete this in under 30 minutes, and your return processing typically resumes within 48 hours after successful verification.
I believe there's actually a... system in place for this. From what I understand, the IRS has specific procedures for handling rejected direct deposits. While it may seem chaotic, there is a process being followed. I was surprised to learn that the IRS doesn't immediately send a paper check when a direct deposit is rejected - there are several verification steps they go through first.
According to IRS Publication 5334, when a direct deposit is rejected, the financial institution must return the funds to the IRS within one business day. The IRS then processes the return and determines the next course of action. If the refund included a Refund Transfer product where the preparer's fees were deducted, the funds typically go back to the preparer's bank. I dealt with this in March - rejected deposit on March 3rd, preparer received funds on March 28th. That's 17 business days, right in line with standard processing times.
Have you considered what happens after the verification call is complete? Many taxpayers assume their refund will process immediately, but there's actually a systematic approach the IRS follows: 1. Your verification status must be updated in the Centralized Authorization File (CAF) system 2. Then it moves to the Return Review Program (RRP) for fraud screening 3. Finally, it enters normal processing in the Integrated Enterprise Return Processing system Each step typically takes 5-7 business days, which is why you might not see movement right away. Wouldn't it be more efficient if the IRS simply told us this upfront? I've been incredibly impressed with how detailed the community information has been compared to official IRS communications. The verification call is essential - I tracked 15 cases in my tax preparation practice this season, and every single client who verified online still needed the follow-up call.
Compare this to what happened during the 2021 filing season - verification took 3-4 months for some people! At least now it's down to weeks instead of months. I had a client with a similar gig worker situation who verified on March 2nd, called on March 4th, and received their refund on March 22nd. Another client with nearly identical circumstances but who didn't make the follow-up call is still waiting after 7 weeks. Time is absolutely critical here - every day matters when you're approaching the tax deadline.
7d
Did you find that taxpayers who used the same preparer or software had similar verification requirements? I'm wondering if certain preparation methods trigger these additional steps more frequently than others.
7d
I was in this exact situation on February 17th. Online verification completed, then nothing happened for two weeks. Called on March 3rd after seeing a post like yours, and the agent confirmed I needed the phone verification despite completing everything online. My refund was finally deposited on March 15th - exactly 12 days after the call. Would have saved me a month of waiting if they'd just made this clear from the beginning! I was counting on that money for some car repairs and ended up having to put them on a credit card while waiting. Not everyone has the budget flexibility to handle these kinds of delays.
Taylor To
Just to clarify something important - the verification process and the refund processing are two separate timelines. The ID verification resolves the TPP (Taxpayer Protection Program) hold, but then your return still goes through normal processing channels. So you'll likely see transcript updates in stages rather than all at once.
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Ella Cofer
From what I've gathered from this community, the timeline seems to average around 3-4 weeks after verification, but can definitely vary. Have you checked your account transcript for any updates yet? Are you planning to call if it goes beyond a certain timeframe? Many people here recommend checking transcripts rather than WMR for the most accurate updates.
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