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Has anyone applied for an ITIN more recently? I've heard the process is faster now than it was a few years ago. Planning to apply in June for my parents who'll be moving here and wondering if the 7-11 week timeline is still accurate.
I applied for my wife in August last year and got it back in about 9 weeks exactly. Applied outside of tax season though - I've heard it's much worse January-April.
I went through this exact same process for my spouse last year! A few key things that helped us: 1. **Document requirements**: Your wife's passport is perfect - it covers both identity and foreign status requirements in one document. You MUST send the original or a certified copy from the issuing agency (regular photocopies won't work). 2. **Filing together**: You submit Form W-7 WITH your tax return, not separately. The IRS processes them together. 3. **Mailing options**: If you're nervous about mailing original documents (totally understandable!), look into IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers or Acceptance Agents in your area. They can verify documents in person so you don't have to mail originals. 4. **Timeline**: Applied in September last year and got the ITIN in about 8 weeks. During tax season it takes much longer. 5. **Form completion**: Make sure you check the right box for why you're applying - sounds like it would be "spouse of U.S. citizen/resident alien" in your case. The process seems overwhelming at first but it's actually pretty straightforward once you have the right documents. Your wife's passport should be sufficient as the supporting documentation. Good luck!
Plot twist: what if the 'wrong' account is actually a secret IRS slush fund? šµļøāāļøš°
Lol, don't give them any ideas! š¤£
Had this exact same thing happen to me a few years back. In addition to calling the IRS, I'd also recommend filing Form 8888 if you need to split your refund between multiple accounts in the future - it helps prevent these kinds of mix-ups. Also, make sure your tax preparer has professional liability insurance that covers these types of errors. Some will actually reimburse you for any fees or penalties that result from their mistakes. Document everything and don't let them brush it off as "no big deal" - this is their responsibility to fix.
I completely understand your anxiety about this, especially after your 2021 experience! As someone who works with tax issues regularly, I can tell you that when the IRS sends a letter specifically stating "no action needed" with a 570 code, they're being very literal. The 570 is just a temporary hold while they complete their internal review - often triggered by filing status changes like your divorce situation. Filing an amendment when they've explicitly told you not to would actually contradict their internal process and could create significant delays. Given that you've already reviewed your return multiple times and found no errors, this really does sound like routine verification. I'd recommend following their instruction to wait it out. The hold should release within 2-4 weeks, and you'll see a 571 code when it does. Your 2021 situation was likely different - they probably didn't send a "no action needed" letter in that case.
@Javier Cruz This is really helpful perspective, especially coming from someone who works with tax issues professionally! The distinction you make about the 2021 situation likely being different probably (no no "action needed letter" really) clarifies things for me. It sounds like the IRS has gotten better at communicating what they need from taxpayers versus what they re'handling internally. The timeline you mentioned 2-4 (weeks for the 571 code to appear gives) me something concrete to watch for rather than just worrying indefinitely. I m'definitely feeling more confident about following their instruction to wait it out rather than second-guessing their explicit guidance.
I'm going through something very similar right now! Got my 570 code about 10 days ago with the same "no action needed" letter. Like you, I've been burned before by IRS issues and my first instinct was to DO SOMETHING, but reading through everyone's experiences here is really reassuring. It seems like the pattern is pretty consistent - when they explicitly say don't take action, they mean it, and amending actually makes things worse. The divorce angle definitely makes sense too since major life changes trigger their review systems. I'm going to resist the urge to "fix" something that apparently isn't broken and just wait for the 571 code to show up. Thanks for posting this question - it's exactly what I needed to see today!
I'm confused about one thing... isn't there a way for you to get the child tax credit even without income? I thought there was something called the "additional child tax credit" that was refundable even if you don't owe taxes? But maybe that only applies if you have at least some income...
The Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) is refundable, but you still need to have some earned income to qualify. In 2024 (for 2023 taxes), you need at least $2,500 in earned income to start qualifying for the refundable portion. So with zero income, OP wouldn't benefit.
Just wanted to add some practical advice from someone who went through this exact situation. Since you and your boyfriend live together and he's supporting both you and your daughter, the smartest move financially is definitely for him to claim her on his taxes. But here's something important to consider for the future - you might want to think about getting married or at least getting his name on the birth certificate. While it doesn't matter for taxes right now, it could matter for other things like medical decisions, social security benefits if something happens to him, or custody issues if you ever split up. Also, even though you can't benefit from tax credits this year, you should still keep track of any expenses related to your daughter (medical bills, childcare if you ever use it, etc.) because these records might be helpful when you do start working again. And don't forget that you can start contributing to a Roth IRA once you have earned income - even small amounts can really add up over time for your future! The birth certificate thing is easy to fix in most states even if you're not married, so that might be worth looking into for peace of mind.
Ethan Campbell
I'm in almost the exact same situation! Just completed my ID verification through ID.me yesterday after being stuck since I filed in May. Got the same "Verification is Complete" screen with the 9-week warning that had me panicking. Reading through everyone's experiences here is really reassuring - seems like most people are getting their refunds way faster than that worst-case timeline. I'm definitely going to follow the advice about checking my transcript weekly instead of obsessing over WMR. Already pulled it up and I can see the 570 code that Emma mentioned, so hopefully I'll see that 571 and then 846 sequence soon. The fact that later filers seem to be moving through faster gives me hope too. Thanks for posting this question @AstroAce - exactly what I needed to see today! Hopefully we'll both have good news in the next few weeks instead of waiting the full 9 weeks they quoted us.
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Sofia Hernandez
ā¢@AstroAce @Ethan Campbell - glad this thread is helping! I m'actually going through the same thing right now too. Just verified my identity last week after filing in March and getting that dreaded letter. It s'so nerve-wracking when they give you that 9-week timeframe, but seeing all these real experiences from people who got their refunds in 1-3 weeks is definitely calming my anxiety. I ve'been checking WMR obsessively but clearly need to shift to monitoring my transcript instead. Really hoping we all see movement soon - keeping my fingers crossed for all of us! š¤
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Keisha Jackson
Just went through this exact process 3 weeks ago! Filed in April, got the identity verification letter in late January, and completed the ID.me verification process. I was terrified about the 9-week timeline too, but it ended up being much faster. Here's my timeline: - Verified identity on a Monday - Transcript updated the following Friday (4 days) with code 571 - Code 846 appeared the next Tuesday (10 days total) - Refund hit my bank account that Thursday (12 days from verification) The biggest thing that helped my anxiety was understanding that the 9-week timeframe is their legal CYA - they have to give you the worst possible scenario. In reality, once identity verification is complete, most returns process within 2-3 weeks unless there are other issues. Pro tip: Set up that IP PIN they mentioned ASAP once you get your refund. It'll save you from going through this verification nightmare again next year. I wish I had known about it sooner! You're past the hardest part now - just keep checking your transcript weekly and you should see movement soon. April filers who verify now are actually in a sweet spot timing-wise compared to those who got stuck early in the season.
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Grace Johnson
ā¢This timeline gives me so much hope! 12 days is incredible compared to what I was mentally preparing for. I really appreciate you breaking down the exact sequence of events and codes - it helps me know what to look for when I check my transcript. The IP PIN tip is also super helpful, I definitely don't want to go through this stress again next year. It's reassuring to hear that April filers verifying now might actually have better timing than earlier in the season. Thanks for sharing your experience!
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