This identity verification process is much more streamlined now compared to 2022. Back then, it would take 3-4 months after verification to get a refund. Now most people see movement within 2-3 weeks. Unlike the amended return process, which still takes 6+ months, the identity verification pathway is relatively quick. Similar to how the CP14 notice resolution improved this year, the identity verification process has been optimized as well. If you're coming from a divorce situation like I did, make sure all your personal information matches exactly across all documents.

I got the verification letter in February. Completed it online immediately. Checked WMR daily. Nothing changed for two weeks. Then suddenly updated to approved. Got my direct deposit three days later. Total time was 16 days from verification to deposit. The online process was simple. Took about 10 minutes. Needed my ID and cell phone. Used ID.me system. Much better than calling.

I would recommend they also contact their state tax agency immediately. On January 12th this year, I discovered someone filed federally using my info, and three days later they tried filing a state return too. By February 3rd, I had contacted my state tax department and they flagged my account. When the fraudulent state return came in on February 17th, it was automatically rejected. Your friends should do this by April 15th at the latest, before fraudsters try to hit state taxes too.

This happened to me last filing season and it was terrifying. I kept thinking about how someone had all my personal information. Beyond the tax stuff everyone's mentioned, make sure your friends change ALL their passwords and enable two-factor authentication everywhere. The thieves who got my tax info also tried to access my bank accounts and credit cards. I remember checking my credit report obsessively for months afterward. I'm still a bit nervous every time I get mail from the IRS, wondering if there's more problems coming.

I filed 2/20 with TaxSlayer. Got my refund on 3/4 to my Chime account. Exactly the same experience as you. No fees taken out. Simple return with just W-2 income. No credits or deductions beyond standard. Chime always posts early when they get the notification from the federal reserve. Been using them for three years now just for this feature.

Be careful assuming everyone will have the same timeline! Last year I filed on 2/15, used TaxSlayer, had Chime, and still waited 47 days for my refund. Turns out there was an income verification issue that nobody told me about until I called after 6 weeks of waiting. My friend who filed the same day got hers in 2 weeks. The IRS works in mysterious ways, and just because one person gets a quick refund doesn't mean everyone will.

According to IRS Publication 1345 (Rev. 1-2023), when a taxpayer selects a Refund Transfer product, the financial institution must make funds available within 5 business days after receipt from the IRS. Your son has grounds to file a complaint with the CFPB if it exceeds this timeframe. I recommend documenting all communication attempts with SBTG as evidence. Time is critical - file the complaint today at consumerfinance.gov/complaint/.

I was in the same boat last week - DD date of Feb 16 through SBTG and nothing for 8 days! 😂 Called my bank thinking they were holding it, nope! Called the tax place, they just shrugged. Then suddenly on day 9 - BOOM - money appeared! No explanation, no warning, just magically showed up. The whole system feels like playing financial roulette sometimes. Hang in there, it's probably just days away!

I've tracked SBTPG processing times for exactly 3 years now. 2023: received 2 days early. 2024: received 1 day early. 2025: nothing yet despite DDD being in 48 hours. Their processing window has extended from 24 hours to 72 hours according to their updated terms. This is ridiculous when we need our money on time! I'm skeptical about this whole "early deposit" marketing they do since it seems completely random.

I've been through this process multiple times as a non-resident filer. Here's what's actually happening: 1. The IRS assigns your DDD (02/20/2025) 2. The IRS releases funds to SBTPG 1-3 days before DDD 3. SBTPG deducts any filing fees you authorized 4. SBTPG initiates ACH transfer to your bank 5. Your bank processes the incoming ACH The variation you're seeing year-to-year comes from steps 3-4. SBTPG processes in batches, not individually. Some batches go out morning, some evening. There's no guarantee of early processing despite what some experience. Their terms only promise delivery by the DDD, not before.