Isn't it interesting how they expect us to navigate their complex systems while making it so difficult to do so? Why would they design a process where you need a code from a letter that hasn't arrived yet to make an appointment? The appointment system was redesigned after COVID to reduce walk-ins, but it created these circular dependencies. You need an appointment to resolve issues, but you need a notice code to get an appointment, but sometimes the issue is that you haven't received the notice yet.

The deadline for resolving most IRS notices is 30 days, compared to the DMV where you might have 60-90 days to respond. I'd suggest calling the Taxpayer Advocate Service at 877-777-4778 ASAP. Unlike regular IRS lines, they can sometimes override the appointment system if your case is time-sensitive or causing financial hardship. I had to do this last tax season when I was facing an incorrect levy and couldn't get an appointment for 5 weeks.

Here's what's likely happening with your account: 1. When you file with a prior year balance due, your return gets flagged in the system 2. Your payment needs to fully clear (usually 5-7 business days) 3. The payment then needs to be applied to your account (another 3-5 business days) 4. A review happens to confirm everything is settled (1-3 business days) 5. Your current year refund is then released for processing The fact that you can't see the balance anymore is a good sign. I'd suggest checking your Account Transcript (not Return Transcript) daily. Look specifically for Transaction Code 806 (payment applied) followed by a TC 570 (hold) and then TC 571 (hold released). Once you see a TC 846, that's your refund being issued.

Think of your tax account like a house with a lien on it - nothing moves until that lien is cleared! I was in the same boat - owed $1,200 for 2023 and was due a $3,400 refund for 2024. My payment cleared on March 3rd, and like you, I noticed the "pay balance" option disappeared from my account. Exactly 16 days later, my transcript updated with a refund date. The money hit my account 2 days after that. The clock is ticking, but it sounds like you're already on the right track - when that payment option disappears, it's usually just a matter of days before things start moving again!

Word of caution from someone who's been through this rodeo before: DO NOT try to verify your identity before receiving the official letter! 😬 I tried calling and attempting to verify early last year and it actually flagged my account for additional review (oops!). The system is weird that way - trying to be proactive can sometimes backfire. When your letter arrives, follow the EXACT instructions - don't deviate even slightly. And maybe plan for your refund to arrive in May, just to be safe. Better to be pleasantly surprised than disappointed!

The community wisdom on identity verification seems to be: 1. It's probably legitimate, but the agent was incorrect that "everyone" has to verify 2. You might, possibly, be able to verify before receiving your letter if you speak to the right agent 3. The timeline they gave you is somewhat accurate, though perhaps a bit pessimistic 4. It may be worth trying to call again to see if a different agent gives you different options 5. Once verified, it typically takes about 9 weeks, give or take, for processing to complete In my experience, it's generally best to follow the official process, but it doesn't hurt to try calling again for more information.

Oh my goodness, I'm literally going through this exact thing right now! It's so frustrating! I filed on 2/10 and called last week because nothing was happening. Got the same response about a verification letter coming soon. I was nearly in tears because I'm counting on that money for car repairs. The letter finally arrived yesterday (took about 2.5 weeks) and I verified online immediately. My transcript updated THIS MORNING with a DDD for next Wednesday! I'm so relieved! Hang in there - the waiting is the hardest part but once you get that letter, things move pretty quickly! 🙌

I was in this exact situation in February. Filed on 1/29, called on 2/20 when nothing was happening, and got the same response about waiting for a verification letter. The letter came about 3 weeks later, I verified online immediately, and my refund was in my account 8 days after that. The whole process was anxiety-inducing but worked out fine in the end. My advice: set up informed delivery with USPS so you know exactly when that letter arrives, then jump on the verification immediately. Don't wait even a day - it makes a difference in how quickly they process it afterward.

Did you check your tax transcript for updates? The 9-week timeline starts exactly from the date your verification was processed, not when you submitted it. You need to check for code 570 (refund hold) being replaced with 571 (hold released) which typically happens within 14-21 days for 72% of verified returns. You absolutely should monitor your transcript every 3-4 days as it updates more frequently than WMR!

I had to verify my identity on February 8th, 2024 after filing on January 29th, 2024. My transcript updated with code 570 on February 12th, then showed code 571 on February 26th. My refund was deposited on March 1st, 2024 - exactly 21 days after verification. The verification delay added precisely 3 weeks to my normal processing time. Based on your March 24th verification date, I would expect movement on your transcript by April 14th, 2024 at the latest, with potential deposit by April 19th, 2024.