Hot take: maybe this is a sign we should all adjust our withholdings so we don't end up giving the government an interest-free loan every year 🤷‍♂️

Same situation here! Filed in early March and still showing "no file processed." From what I've gathered lurking in tax forums, it seems like the IRS is just massively backlogged this year. I've seen people say their transcripts updated overnight from "no file processed" straight to showing a refund date, so there's hope! One thing that helped ease my anxiety was setting up automated transcript monitoring through the IRS website - at least then I don't have to manually check every day. Hang in there, we'll get through this bureaucratic nightmare eventually! 💪

Did the agent mention anything about the specific date when your account was flagged for verification? I'm tracking similar cases, and it seems like returns filed between February 1st and February 15th, 2024 had a higher incidence of these automatic verification flags. Also, did you file with any credits like EIC or CTC that might have triggered additional review under the PATH Act?

I experienced something very similar! Filed on 2/8, got the ID verification flag, and it cleared automatically after 11 days. What really helped me was checking my account transcript weekly on the IRS website - you can see the exact codes and dates when things change in your processing status. The 9-week estimate is definitely their standard "cover all bases" response. In my case, I received my refund exactly 4 weeks and 2 days after the verification cleared. The key thing to watch for is when your processing actually resumes - that's when the real countdown begins. For your mother's medical expenses, I'd plan for the 6-week mark as a realistic expectation, but don't be surprised if it comes sooner. The automated reversal is actually a good sign that your return is straightforward and just got caught in their security net initially.

This is super helpful to read everyone's experiences! I'm in almost the exact same boat - filed 2/8, got the mysterious ID verification that disappeared on its own after about 10 days, and was told 9 weeks when I called. Reading all these responses gives me hope that it'll be much sooner than that. The fact that so many people are experiencing the same auto-reversal thing makes me think there's definitely something new with their system this year. I'm going to start checking my transcript more regularly for that 846 code everyone mentioned. Thanks for sharing your timeline - it really helps to know what others have gone through!

I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Filed 2/4, got hit with the mysterious ID verification around 2/12, and then it just vanished on its own last Friday. Called yesterday and got the same 9-week spiel from the agent. It's so reassuring to see all these similar experiences and timelines - especially hearing that most people got their refunds way earlier than quoted. The auto-reversal thing seems to be happening to a lot of us this year. I'm definitely going to start obsessively checking my transcript for that 846 code now! Thanks for posting this - it gives me so much hope that I won't actually be waiting until mid-April for my refund.

Quick question for anyone who's done this before - do I need to attach my wife's ITIN application to my actual tax return if I'm filing electronically? Or do I need to mail everything?

I went through this exact situation two years ago when I married my Canadian wife while we were both living in Toronto. Even though I was filing separately and she had zero US income, the IRS absolutely requires you to identify your spouse on your return - you can't leave it blank. The key thing to understand is that when you select "married filing separately" status, the IRS system needs to verify that person exists in their database, which requires either an SSN or ITIN. It's not about tax benefits - it's about identifying who your spouse is for tax purposes. For the W-7 application from abroad, you'll want to use Exception 1(d) as mentioned earlier. The documentation requirements are different when you're overseas - you don't need proof of US entry. Her passport should be sufficient as primary identification. I'd strongly recommend using a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) at your nearest US embassy or consulate rather than mailing original documents. They can verify her identity documents on the spot, which is much safer and faster than mailing her passport internationally. One important note: you'll need to paper file your return with the W-7 attached - no e-filing when applying for a first-time ITIN. Plan extra time for processing since everything goes through regular mail.

I had this exact situation last month! Here's what I learned: • No codes doesn't always mean no adjustments • Some adjustments happen silently at first • WMR updates AFTER transcripts in most cases • Small adjustments (under $25) sometimes happen without notice • Larger adjustments require a formal notice Anyone else notice that the IRS seems to be processing returns differently this year? My return was accepted February 2nd and I just got my deposit yesterday.

I understand your anxiety about the refund - I'm in a similar boat with my amended return! From what I've learned lurking in this community, the general rule is that no specific hold codes (like TC 570, 971, etc.) on your transcript usually means you're in the clear, but it's not 100% guaranteed. One thing that helped ease my mind was checking both my Account Transcript AND my Record of Account Transcript. Sometimes adjustments show up on one before the other. Also, if you amended paperwork, those typically take 16-20 weeks to process completely, so there's still time for codes to appear. Have you tried calling the Practitioner Priority Service line if you have a PTIN? I've heard it has shorter wait times than the regular taxpayer line. Otherwise, just keep monitoring your transcripts weekly - any major adjustments should show up there first before hitting your refund amount. Fingers crossed we both get our full amounts! 🤞