Have you checked if the letter has a specific deadline for verification? I had a similar issue on February 23rd when the system went down, but my letter stated I had until April 15th to complete the verification. The system came back online for me on February 26th. Also, which specific verification letter did you receive? There are actually three different types (5071C, 5747C, and 6331C), and each one has slightly different verification procedures. The letter number should be in the top right corner.

This might be somewhat helpful - the IRS actually announced system maintenance for their ID verification portal this week. It's possibly, though not definitely, related to what you're experiencing. Also, there's a separate verification phone line that's different from the main IRS number. It's generally less busy and specifically for ID verification issues. The number should be on your letter, usually at the bottom. If all else fails, you may need to verify by mail, which is frustrating but sometimes the only option when their systems are down. Just be aware that mail verification can add approximately 6-8 weeks to your refund timeline.

I've seen this question come up frequently over the past three filing seasons. Back in 2022, nearly everyone had to call after online verification. In 2023, they improved the system so only about 30% needed to call. This year, I've observed that fewer than 15% of filers need that secondary verification call. I'm curious - did you receive any specific message after completing the online portion? Sometimes there's a subtle indicator that additional verification is needed.

I verified online only on February 14th and got my refund March 8th. No phone call needed! The IRS system actually works sometimes... I know, shocking revelation, right? 😂 Just make sure you completed ALL the steps in the online verification - there are several screens and it's easy to think you're done when you're not. The final confirmation page should explicitly state whether your verification is complete or if additional steps are needed.

Oh my goodness, I just went through this whole process last month! I was so stressed about it! 😫 I verified in person on March 3rd and got my letter about a week later. The letter was basically just confirming that my identity had been verified successfully. I didn't need to do anything with it, but I kept it for my records just in case. My return started processing about 10 days after my in-person visit, and I could see the updates on my transcript before I even received the letter. I'd recommend checking your transcript every few days to see if there's movement!

I remember going through this last year when I had to verify my identity. The in-person verification is already recorded in their system, but I found that having the letter helped when I had to call about a different issue later. The IRS agent I spoke with actually asked for the letter reference number even though I'd verified in person. From my experience, keep both records - the fact that you verified in person (date and location) and the letter when it arrives. Better to have too much documentation than not enough when dealing with the IRS!

According to the IRS2Go app and the official IRS processing timeline (https://www.irs.gov/refunds), most electronic returns should be processed within 21 days. However, the IRS Operations page shows they're currently working through a significant backlog. Your son's return might be caught in what they call the "Error Resolution System" which doesn't necessarily mean there's an error - just that it requires manual review.

My return was stuck. No updates. Filed February 10th. Called March 15th. Got simple explanation. Return flagged for review. No letter sent yet. Issue resolved during call. Refund received March 22nd. Total processing time: 40 days. No action needed from me.

The IP PIN system was implemented as an anti-fraud measure following the 2015 Get Transcript data breach. According to IRS statistics, PIN-related holds affect approximately 7% of returns with IP PINs assigned. The system is actually working as designed - it's preventing processing of a return with mismatched security credentials. The 8-week timeframe is their standard SLA for manual verification processes, though actual resolution times vary based on verification complexity and current processing backlogs. Have you checked your Account Transcript for TC 971 action codes that might indicate what specific verification is needed?

Had this happen. 2021 filing season. Wrong IP PIN. Got letter after 5 weeks. Verified online. Refund came 12 days later. Total wait: 7 weeks. Not full 8 weeks. But close. Keep checking mail daily. Check IRS website for identity verification options. Don't wait for letter if possible. Online verification is faster.