This happened to me two years ago and I was absolutely stressed about it! I used my savings account routing number instead of my checking account routing number. The good news is that the system worked exactly as others described - the deposit was rejected and I got a paper check about 3 weeks later. One thing I learned is to keep checking the "Where's My Refund" tool because it actually updates pretty quickly when the deposit gets rejected. Mine showed "Payment Status Not Available" for about a week, then switched to "Your refund will be mailed to you" with a date. The actual check arrived right on schedule. Also, make sure your mailing address is current with the IRS! I almost had a heart attack when I realized I had moved since filing my previous year's return. Luckily I had updated my address with them using Form 8822 earlier that year, so the check went to the right place. Don't panic - this is way more common than you'd think and the IRS has a solid process for handling it. Just be patient and keep an eye on that refund tracker!

I just went through this exact situation last month! I accidentally used my old bank's routing number from an account I had closed years ago. I was panicking thinking my refund was lost forever, but it all worked out fine. The IRS attempted the direct deposit, it got rejected (obviously since the account didn't exist), and then about 2.5 weeks later I got a paper check in the mail. The "Where's My Refund" tool was actually pretty helpful - it showed "refund sent" initially, then after about a week it updated to say there was an issue and a paper check would be mailed. One tip: if you're really anxious about it, you can also check your bank account online to see if there are any pending transactions or rejected deposits. My bank actually showed a "returned deposit" notation which gave me peace of mind that the process was working as expected. The waiting is definitely stressful, but the IRS really does have this situation figured out since it happens so often. Just keep checking that refund tracker and watch your mailbox!

Def a good sign! That status change from "still processing" to "being processed" is huge tbh. After ID verify, the system usually takes 7-14 days to fully update. The as-of date jump means your return is actively being worked. Most ppl see their refund within 2 wks of that change. Just keep an eye on your transcript for the 846 code - that's your DDD (direct deposit date). You're in the home stretch now!

That's definitely encouraging progress! I went through something similar about 6 weeks ago. My as-of date jumped forward by about 2 months, and the status change happened within 24 hours. What really helped me track things was checking my account transcript daily around 6 AM - that's when the IRS typically updates their system overnight. The jump from February to April might seem dramatic, but it's actually pretty normal when they're catching up after identity verification. In my case, I saw the 846 refund code appear exactly 8 days after the status changed to "being processed." The waiting is definitely the worst part, but you're clearly moving through their system now rather than being stuck in limbo!

Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences! This is really helpful. I completed my phone verification yesterday, so I'm crossing my fingers it falls into that 2-4 week range most of you experienced rather than the full 9 weeks. @Diego Ramirez - I'll definitely keep an eye on my transcript for those codes you mentioned. I haven't seen any updates yet since verification was just completed, but I'll watch for the 571 code as a good sign things are moving. @Ethan Davis - You make a good point about planning for the worst-case scenario. I think I'll budget as if it won't come for 9 weeks, but keep checking my transcript weekly to see if there's movement. Better to be prepared than disappointed if it takes longer than expected. Does anyone know if there's a typical day of the week when refunds usually get deposited after verification? I've heard some people say Wednesdays or Fridays are common, but not sure if that's just coincidence.

I'm going through this exact situation right now too! Filed January 22nd, completed phone verification two days ago after getting the dreaded "still processing" message. The 9-week timeline they gave me had me panicking since I was counting on that refund for some upcoming expenses. Reading everyone's experiences here is so reassuring - it sounds like most people are getting their refunds in the 3-4 week range after verification, not the full 9 weeks. I'm definitely going to start checking my transcript on Fridays like several people suggested, and I'll watch for those specific codes @Diego Ramirez mentioned. Has anyone noticed if the time of year affects processing speed? I'm wondering if doing verification in March (like now) is faster or slower than earlier in the filing season when they're probably swamped with returns.

You mentioned buying your first home - don't forget there are first-time homebuyer benefits that might help with your overall financial situation even if they don't directly relate to the car sale. Depending on your state, there might be assistance programs. Also, make sure you're tracking all your closing costs - some of them might be tax deductible next year!

Great question! As others have mentioned, you're likely in the clear tax-wise since personal vehicles almost always depreciate. Just to be thorough though, make sure you keep documentation of what you originally paid for the Camry (purchase receipt, financing documents, etc.) and what you sell it for. One thing I'd add - if you've made any significant improvements to the car over the years (major repairs, new engine, etc.), keep those receipts too as they can be added to your "cost basis" if needed. But honestly, with a 6-year-old Camry selling for $11,500, you're almost certainly selling at a loss from what you paid originally. Good luck with the home purchase! Using your car sale proceeds for a down payment is a smart move - just make sure your lender knows where that money is coming from so there are no surprises during underwriting.

Has anyone successfully done what the OP is suggesting with delayed financing? I'm considering a similar strategy but worried about IRS scrutiny. How detailed does the "clear tracing" of funds need to be?

This is a great discussion thread! I've been dealing with a similar situation and want to add a few practical points from my experience with Form 4952. First, regarding your $2.7M house strategy - you're absolutely correct that stock dividends count as investment income for Form 4952 purposes. I've successfully used this approach with my own investment portfolio. One thing I learned the hard way: timing is crucial for the delayed financing approach. The IRS has specific rules about when borrowed funds are considered "used for investment." You generally have 30 days from receiving the loan proceeds to invest them, and another 30 days to allocate the interest expense properly on your books. Also, keep meticulous records! I created a dedicated investment account solely for the borrowed funds and documented every transaction. This made my tax preparation much smoother and gave me confidence if the IRS ever questions the deduction. For your situation with potentially $108k in deductible interest, make sure you have sufficient net investment income to absorb it all. Any excess investment interest expense carries forward to future years, which is helpful but means you don't get the immediate tax benefit. One last tip: consider consulting with a tax professional before implementing this strategy, especially given the dollar amounts involved. The savings can be substantial, but the documentation requirements are strict.