I might be able to provide some insight... I had to verify my identity in February. I was pretty nervous about it because my mortgage closing is coming up soon. I verified online through the ID.me process, and I received my refund via direct deposit about 9 days later, which was a relief. However, my sister-in-law who verified by phone instead of online received a paper check even though she had requested direct deposit. So perhaps the verification method might be influencing how they issue the payment?

I received my refund via direct deposit after verification this year. Have you checked your tax transcript to see if there's a code 846 (refund issued)? Does it show DDD (direct deposit date) or indicate a check? What verification method did you use - online or by phone?

Here's what happens after your transcript updates: Step 1: Final verification process begins (1-2 days) Step 2: Refund amount approval (1-2 days) Step 3: DDD assignment (1-3 days) Step 4: Banking information verification (1 day) Step 5: Release to financial institution (on DDD) I went through this exact sequence in February. My transcript updated on a Thursday, and I received my DDD the following Wednesday. The money was in my account on Friday morning, exactly as scheduled. The entire process from transcript update to money in account took 8 days total.

What specific codes are showing on your transcript right now? Did you get a 570 (additional account action pending) or 971 (notice issued)? Are there any TC 150 codes with dates? What cycle code appears? These details would help provide a more accurate timeline for your specific situation.

I went through this exact situation during the 2023 tax season. My transcript updated from 570 to 971 with a notice date 7 days later. Based on my experience, this is typically an adjustment notice. In my case, they had adjusted my refund amount by $126 because I had calculated my Child Tax Credit incorrectly. The important thing to remember is that the notice date (3/18 in your case) is when they generate the letter, not when you'll receive it. Last year, my notice date was February 22nd, but I didn't receive the actual letter until March 3rd. My refund was deposited exactly 2 weeks after the notice date, even though the amount was adjusted.

FYI - for anyone dealing w/ these codes, here's a quick reference: 570 = freeze on acct 971 = notice being sent 571 = freeze release 846 = refund issued The typical timeline is ~2 wks from notice date to refund if there's no additional info needed. If u need to respond to the notice, add 6-8 wks minimum. Check cycle code on transcript too - if it ends in 05, updates happen Thursdays. If 02, updates on Mondays.

I went through this exact scenario last month. Here's what worked for me: Step 1: I checked the e-file status through my tax software (not WMR) to confirm it was actually accepted by IRS. Step 2: I waited until exactly 21 days had passed (IRS standard processing time). Step 3: I called IRS early morning (right when they opened) and after several attempts got through. Step 4: The agent confirmed my return was in processing but flagged for "verification" - nothing serious. Step 5: My transcript appeared online 3 days later, and refund deposited the following week. So frustrating that the systems don't talk to each other better, but hang in there!

According to the IRS operations page (https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations), they're currently experiencing higher than normal processing times. The transcript system specifically updates once weekly, usually overnight between Thursday and Friday. I've tracked this pattern for three years now. If your return was accepted 2/17, you should see transcript availability by 3/22 at the latest. If not visible by then, that's when I'd recommend calling. The IRS tool 'Where's My Amended Return' won't help in this case, but the regular WMR tool should at least confirm they have it.

I went through this last month! Here's what worked for me: 1. First, check your Where's My Refund tool daily (preferably early morning when it updates) 2. If no update after 7 days from verification, pull your tax transcript 3. Look specifically for code 570 (hold) followed by 571 (release) 4. If you see 570 but no 571 yet, wait another week 5. If still no update, then call the IRS at the specific number for refund inquiries: 800-829-1954 6. When calling, have your filing status, exact refund amount, and SSN ready 7. Request they check for any additional verification needed The name error might have triggered the initial verification, but shouldn't cause additional delays now that you've verified.

The community wisdom on this is pretty consistent: name mismatches with the Social Security database will trigger verification, but once verified, processing resumes normally. What most people don't realize is that the IRS and SSA databases sync on different schedules, and the IRS uses multiple validation points (SSN, DOB, name) with different tolerance levels for each. Technical term for this is "entity validation threshold" in their processing architecture. I wouldn't worry too much unless you pass the 60-day mark post-verification.