This is the IRS's multi-factor authentication system working as designed. Think of it like a bank vault - they're adding extra locks to protect your financial data. Here's what's happening and how to navigate it: 1. Submit your driver's license through their secure portal 2. Wait for their verification call (typically 5-7 business days) 3. During the call, they'll ask security questions only you should know 4. Once verified, you'll have immediate transcript access Alternatively, you can request transcripts by mail (Form 4506-T) which bypasses the online verification but takes 10-14 days to arrive. For military members PCSing, you might qualify for expedited processing - mention your situation when they call.

I've gone through this ID verification process twice in the past year. It's part of the IRS's Secure Access Authentication System. When your access pattern deviates from your established profile, the system triggers enhanced verification protocols. For military personnel, the verification can be complicated by frequent address changes and overseas IP addresses. My recommendation is to complete the online portion immediately, then be prepared to answer questions about prior tax filings when they call. The good news is that once verified, your access remains active for future sessions.

I work adjacent to tax preparation, and I can tell you that the February 14-15 batch is definitely a real phenomenon. The IRS processes returns in cycles, with cycle codes that end in specific numbers indicating which day of the week your return completes processing. For example, cycle codes ending in 05 typically update on Thursdays and deposit the following week. I had a client last year who filed on January 27th, got a cycle code ending in 05 on their transcript by February 9th, and received their refund via direct deposit on February 15th.

From what our community has gathered over the years, the IRS follows a fairly predictable pattern for simple returns without refundable credits: 1. File in first week of season (Jan 22-29, 2024) 2. Processing completes within 2-3 weeks 3. Major deposit batch hits around Feb 14-15 4. Subsequent batches follow weekly For returns with EITC/ACTC, the PATH Act delays processing until mid-February, with deposits typically starting February 27th this year. Your mileage may vary, but these patterns have been consistent across multiple tax seasons.

I understand the hesitation about third-party services. I was skeptical myself until I realized Claimyr is essentially just a sophisticated auto-dialer. They don't actually handle any of your tax information - they just help you navigate the labyrinthine IRS phone system. Think of them as the GPS that helps you navigate the IRS traffic jam, not the driver of your car. As for the PATH confusion - it's amazing how many tax professionals don't explain this clearly. There's no special "PATH portal" to check. It's just a processing delay that affects certain returns with refundable credits.

I might be able to provide some additional information that could help. The PATH Act delay isn't just bureaucratic red tape - it actually serves an important fraud prevention purpose. The IRS uses this time to match W-2 data with claimed credits to prevent identity theft and fraudulent claims. For transcript access without ID.me, I'd recommend: 1. Using the mail option if you're not in a hurry 2. Calling early in the morning (right when they open) if you need it faster 3. Making an in-person appointment if you have complex questions The phone method is generally fastest if you can get through. Just be prepared with your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and mailing address from your most recent return.

I work in accounting. Just helped a client with this. Michigan is sending these in alphabetical order. First batch: A-F. Second batch: G-L. Third batch: M-R. Final batch: S-Z. Each batch has specific mail dates. July 13-15 for first batch. July 16-19 for second. July 20-22 for third. July 23-26 for final batch. No direct deposit option available. Paper checks only. Keep this in mind for planning.

Heads up MI peeps - these refunds are part of the state surplus distribution program. Not everyone qualifies! You need to have filed a 2023 MI return by April 15th. Eligibility depends on income too. Lots of confusion abt this on FB groups. Don't panic if you don't get one! Check michigan.gov/treasury for official eligibility info. Better to know now than to keep waiting for something that might not come. FWIW the phone agents can confirm if you're on the distribution list.

Have you considered what your transcript might look like if you were to check it tomorrow? The weekly update patterns are fascinating when you analyze them closely. Your cycle code 20240704 indicates you're on the weekly update schedule, which typically updates overnight between Thursday and Friday. The last digit '4' is the key identifier here. What's particularly interesting about your situation is the gap between your 'as of' date (02/19) and your 570 code date (03/04). This suggests the IRS computer system flagged something for review, but the actual review might not have started until March 4th. Did you claim any credits that might trigger additional verification? Or perhaps the filing status change from your divorce triggered a verification step? Either way, without a notice, this is likely just part of their normal verification process rather than something requiring your intervention. The good news? Most 570 codes without notices resolve within 1-2 weekly cycles.

TC 570 followed by TC 571 is the standard sequence for many returns this year. I successfully navigated this exact situation in February. My transcript showed a 570 dated 02/12/2024 with cycle code 20240605. Exactly 9 days later, it updated with a 571 (release of hold) and an 846 (refund issued) code. The key indicator was that no notice was issued - this signaled an automated verification rather than an actual problem. The IRS has implemented enhanced verification protocols for returns with filing status changes (like post-divorce returns) and certain credits. The system automatically places a hold (570), verifies the information through internal databases, then releases the hold (571) once verification is complete. Check your transcript tomorrow - with cycle code 20240704, you're on the Thursday night/Friday morning update schedule. Most likely you'll see either continued processing or the 571 release code.