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!

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.

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.

I'm not sure about using third-party services to contact the IRS... The official Identity Verification number is 800-830-5084 (per the IRS.gov website). You can also try the main IRS customer service at 800-829-1040. Wait times are long, but I'd be cautious about giving any info to non-IRS services when dealing with tax matters.

Claimyr doesn't ask for any personal information. It just navigates the IRS phone tree and waits on hold for you, then calls you when an agent is on the line. They don't see your tax info or anything like that. I used it last month when I needed to verify my identity after getting a letter. Saved me hours of hold time.