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Has anybody dealt with this weird verification timing issue? I completed ID verification over the phone last week using the verification letter the IRS sent me (according to TurboTax, this is supposed to be sufficient). But now when I check my account on IRS.gov and WMR, I'm getting a new notification to verify my identity online. Seems redundant and I'm concerned about accuracy here - does this mean my phone verification didn't work? I have a pretty substantial refund waiting and the deadline for amendments is approaching. Anyone experienced this dual verification situation?
I think the safest approach might be to complete the online verification first, wait about a week, and then call to confirm it was properly received and processed. While some people don't need the follow-up call, many of us in this community have found that the call often speeds things up or resolves issues that would otherwise leave your refund in limbo. It's not ideal to spend time on the phone with the IRS, but it's probably worth it to avoid months of waiting and wondering.
Just to clarify - did your verification letter specifically mention ID.me for the online verification? And did it have a specific deadline for completing the verification? These details can actually indicate which verification pathway you're on and whether a follow-up call would be needed.
My letter from last year had a 30-day deadline and mentioned ID.me. I verified online within 3 days of receiving the letter. Still needed to call to get it fully processed though.
7d
Did your letter specifically say it was a 5071C letter? That's important because different verification letters have different procedures. The 5071C is online verification only, while 5747C requires in-person verification at a TAC office.
7d
I'm worried about this advice. What if the original return has a major error? Wouldn't it be better to try to stop it from processing? I'm in a similar situation and I'm concerned about penalties if I let the wrong return process first. Has anyone actually confirmed this with an IRS representative recently? The rules might have changed for the 2024 filing season.
There's actually no mechanism to "stop" an original return from processing once it's submitted, at least in most cases. The IRS systems are basically designed to handle amendments after original processing. While there might possibly be rare exceptions for certain types of major errors, the standard procedure almost always follows this sequence. I've worked with probably dozens of clients in similar situations over the years, and attempting to rush or circumvent this process typically just creates more complications.
Is there a specific IRS publication or regulation that outlines this sequential processing requirement? I'd like to understand the technical basis for why amendments can't be processed concurrently with original returns.
8d
I called exactly 17 times over 3 days trying to reach someone about my mom's rejected refund last month. Complete waste of 8 hours and 42 minutes of my life! Finally figured out a workaround - called the tax form ordering line at 800-829-3676 at precisely 7:01am, waited 4 minutes, then asked to be transferred to accounts management. Got through in exactly 12 minutes total. The person I spoke with explained the rejection was due to an identity verification issue from a previous address change. Took 22 minutes to resolve once I reached someone. My mom's refund was deposited 9 days later.
This is brilliant! I never would have thought to try the forms line as a workaround. Thanks for sharing this specific technique - definitely saving this for future reference.
7d
When you got transferred to accounts management, did they ask for any specific information to verify your authority to discuss your mother's return? I'm trying to help my father with a similar issue but worried about authorization requirements.
7d
Have you considered what specific type of rejection occurred? E-file rejections (where the return wasn't accepted) are handled differently than refund rejections (where the return was accepted but the refund was later denied). For e-file rejections, you often don't need to call at all - the tax software should provide the specific error code and resolution steps. For refund rejections, the Practitioner Priority Service at 866-860-4259 can sometimes be accessed if you can convince them you're calling on behalf of a client. Not technically allowed for non-tax professionals, but when the system is broken, sometimes you need creative solutions, wouldn't you agree?
For anyone experiencing blank transcripts, here's what typically works best: 1) First check your Return Transcript AND Account Transcript (they show different information) 2) Verify your e-file was actually accepted (not just submitted) 3) Wait at least 21 days before calling 4) When you call, specifically ask them to check for internal codes that might not be visible to you 5) Request they verify if your return is in ERS (Error Resolution System) The system often resolves itself, but a call can definitely trigger movement in some cases.
I had the exact same situation happen on February 3rd this year. My transcript was blank until March 15th, then suddenly updated with a direct deposit date of March 20th. The interesting thing is that I also called on March 12th, and three days later everything updated. Seems like there might be a connection between calling and sudden transcript updates. I was so relieved when it finally processed!
Be careful with the Refund Delivery screen in TurboTax! While it's mostly straightforward, there are some things to watch out for: According to the IRS website (https://www.irs.gov/refunds/direct-deposit-limits), they limit direct deposits to three different accounts per return. Also, make absolutely sure your account numbers are correct - even one wrong digit means your refund could go to someone else's account or be rejected entirely. The IRS doesn't have an easy process to recover funds sent to the wrong account. According to their guidance at https://www.irs.gov/faqs/irs-procedures/refund-inquiries/refund-inquiries-18, you'll need to work with your bank if this happens, and recovery isn't guaranteed. Double-check everything before proceeding to the next screen!
Is there any way to change the refund delivery method after submitting? My cousin thinks she entered the wrong account number.
7d
I'm getting nervous now. What if my bank info was entered wrong? It's like sending a letter without knowing if it has the right address. Will the IRS at least tell me if my deposit bounced?
7d
I believe... if I'm not mistaken... that you might also want to check if TurboTax is offering to take their fee out of your refund? Sometimes they present that option on the refund delivery screen too. Just something to be aware of, as they usually charge an additional fee for that service. I'm not 100% certain if that's still the case this year, but it might be worth looking out for.
Tbh, the 9wk timeline is worst-case scenario. IRS reps always quote max times to CYA. If ur docs were all good at verification, you'll prob see movement in 7-10 days. Check ur transcript daily (usually updates Wed/Thurs overnight). Look for TC 570 (hold) being replaced by TC 571 (hold released) and then 846 (refund issued). DDD will be about 5-7 days after the 846 code appears. Don't stress the full 9wks - almost nobody waits that long post-verification.
I had to verify my identity exactly 47 days ago on March 21st, 2024. They also told me 9 weeks, but my transcript didn't update for 32 days. Then suddenly I got code 846 with a direct deposit date 5 days later. The entire verification process took exactly 37 days from appointment to money in my account. I checked my transcript exactly 3 times per day during this period. Be careful about making any financial commitments based on the expected refund date - I nearly missed my rent payment waiting.
According to Internal Revenue Manual 21.5.6.4.35.3, the normal processing timeframe after identity verification is 9 weeks. However, IRS Publication 5027 states that returns will resume processing once identity verification is complete, without specifying an exact timeframe. In my case, I verified my identity on March 2, 2024, and received my refund on March 29, 2024 - approximately 4 weeks later. Has anyone else received theirs faster than the official 9-week guideline?
My experience was similar to what others have mentioned, but slightly different. Last year it took 5 weeks after verification, but this year only 3 weeks. Compared to my brother who waited 7 weeks last tax season, I think I got lucky. The timing seems to depend on how backed up the IRS is at different points in the tax season - early filers seem to get processed faster than those who verify during the March-April rush.
Just to clarify something others haven't mentioned - there's a difference between the Account Transcript and the Return Transcript updating. I've noticed my Account Transcript updated first (showing my refund was processing) while my Return Transcript stayed empty for another week. I've been filing for 15+ years and I always check both transcripts separately because they contain different information and can update on different schedules.
I monitor this specifically every tax season. For the 2024 filing season, I've documented transcript updates occurring primarily between 1:15am-2:45am ET on Wednesday/Thursday nights. My most recent experience: verified identity on Monday, March 18th, transcript became available Friday, March 22nd at 2:13am ET, showing processing date of March 25th, and refund issued March 27th. The pattern has been consistent for several years now.
To add some technical context to this excellent observation - the IRS uses what's called a Weekly Processing Cycle, with most individual returns processed on Cycle 05 (Thursday night/Friday updates). You can confirm your specific cycle by looking at the Transaction Code 150 on your Account Transcript once it appears. The last two digits indicate your cycle (usually 05 for individuals). This explains why many people see updates on Friday mornings.
7d
I verified in person on February 28th and had my refund direct deposited on March 18th - exactly 19 days later! According to IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3, the normal processing time after identity verification is 9 weeks, but the IRS has been moving much faster on these cases in 2024. Don't wait until the last minute to make financial decisions based on this timeline though - the IRS is notoriously unpredictable.
I had to verify in February. My transcript updated exactly 3 weeks later. It was like watching paint dry compared to my previous returns that processed in 8-10 days. Much better than the 9 weeks they quoted me though. If you compare this to the 2021 tax season when some people waited 6+ months after verification, we're in much better shape now.
Royal_GM_Mark
Have you checked if there are any differences between the information requested in your letter verification versus what they're asking for online? Per Internal Revenue Manual 25.25.6, there are different levels of verification requirements depending on the potential risk factors identified with your return. Is it possible you completed a basic verification by phone but they're requesting additional verification through the online system?
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Amelia Cartwright
I went through something similar in 2023. Turned out the phone verification was for my identity, but the online one was specifically for verifying my W-2 information. Different departments, different verifications. Glad I completed both.
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Chris King
The IRS verification system is like that friend who texts you asking where you are while you're sitting right next to them. š But seriously, the consensus among tax pros is that if you've verified by phone with a letter, you're generally good to go. The online notification is likely just system lag. Most people in your situation report getting their refunds processed normally despite the lingering notification. If you're really concerned, getting your transcript is the best way to confirm your actual status.
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