Your return is likely undergoing a Two-Factor Authentication (TFA) process that's separate from the IP PIN verification. The IRS implemented enhanced verification protocols in 2023 that can trigger multi-layered authentication requirements, especially for returns with international components. I recommend monitoring your transcript daily for Transaction Code 971, which indicates correspondence has been issued. Don't attempt preemptive verification through ID.me or the IRS identity verification service until specifically instructed, as this can further complicate processing.

I went through this exact nightmare scenario last month! Filed February 12th with my IP PIN, got the verification message on my transcript February 20th, and then nothing happened for weeks. Finally got letter 5071C on March 8th asking me to verify online. Completed that the same day, and my refund was approved exactly 9 days later. If you're on a tight timeline like I was (needed my refund for a medical procedure), just keep checking your mail daily. The frustrating part is you can't proactively verify - you have to wait for their specific instructions.

I don't know about paying for a service just to talk to the IRS. Here's what I did last year when I was in the same position and desperately needed my refund: Step 1: Wait at least 6 weeks from when you mailed Form 8379 Step 2: Call the IRS early morning (right when they open) Step 3: If they haven't received it, fax another copy with a cover letter Step 4: Request they add notes to your account It's stressful when you're counting on that money, but paying extra fees when you're already waiting for your refund seems counterproductive.

Think of the injured spouse process like trying to untangle Christmas lights - it takes time and patience. Using Claimyr is like having someone hold the other end of the lights while you work - it doesn't make the process inherently faster, but it can prevent additional frustration. I've used it twice this year when I absolutely needed to speak with an agent about complex issues. It's like paying for a fast pass at an amusement park - the ride is the same length, but you skip the line to get on it.

Is your son's tax situation straightforward, or does he have any complicating factors? It's kind of like baking a cake - a simple vanilla cake (standard W-2 return) comes out of the oven faster than a complex layer cake with multiple ingredients (multiple income sources, credits, etc). Sometimes those extra ingredients can add days or even weeks to the processing time, even after verification.

I would say that, based on my somewhat extensive experience with post-verification processing, your son will likely see movement within approximately 10-14 days, assuming there are no additional complications. My most recent experience, which occurred in early March of this filing season, resulted in a refund exactly 12 days after verification was completed. It seems that the IRS has possibly improved their post-verification workflow this year, as previous years often took closer to the full 21 days that they typically quote as the maximum timeframe.

Back in 2021, I had a similar situation with a processing delay. What worked for me then (and might work now) was contacting my local Taxpayer Advocate Service office. They have more direct channels to research these systemic issues than regular IRS phone reps. In my case, they were able to identify that my return was stuck in a processing queue and needed manual intervention to move forward. If you're approaching the 60-day mark with no movement, I'd recommend giving them a call.

Is anyone seeing their tax transcript update and then go back to N/A again? Mine briefly showed some codes last week, then disappeared completely. When I called, they said this could indicate my return was pulled for additional review. Has anyone experienced this happening? Does it mean I'm going to be waiting even longer? I'm really worried because the last time this happened to my brother, he ended up waiting until August to get his refund.

Based on the current tax season processing timeline, transcript updates follow a predictable cycle. The Account Transcript will remain in N/A status until your return completes the initial verification process. For Tax Year 2023 returns filed in the 2024 season, we're seeing average processing delays of 17-24 days before transcript visibility. The Account Transcript will update first, followed by the Record of Account and finally the Return Transcript. Check the Transaction Code section - if you see any codes at all (even just a 150), your return has entered active processing.

I had my transcript stuck on N/A for almost 3 weeks this filing season. Have you checked if you can access any of the other transcript types? Sometimes the Return Transcript shows N/A but the Account Transcript has information. Also, did you file with any special credits or deductions? What about your filing method - was it e-file or paper?