According to Internal Revenue Manual section 21.4.1, the standard processing timeframe for e-filed returns remains 21 days, though expedited processing can occur during non-peak periods. The Transaction Code 846 with associated Direct Deposit Date (DDD) is the definitive indicator of refund issuance, regardless of Where's My Refund tool status. Financial institutions may indeed release funds prior to the official DDD based on their funds availability policies, which could explain the perceived "early" deposits some taxpayers are experiencing.

I might be able to provide some possibly relevant information from my own experience. My return was accepted on 2/12, and I received my deposit yesterday, which was approximately 4-5 days earlier than I had initially anticipated based on previous years. It seems that, at least in some cases, the IRS might be processing certain batches of returns somewhat more efficiently this year. Your results may vary, of course, depending on your specific tax situation and banking institution.

These verification notices are suspicious. Scammers are everywhere this tax season. Be careful. Don't give personal info over phone. Wait for official mail. Check the letter carefully when it arrives. Look for official IRS watermarks. Call the official IRS number directly. Never click links in emails. Too many people falling for scams this year.

The verification process OP described is legitimate and part of the IRS Return Review Program (RRP) that employs algorithmic filtering to identify potential identity theft risks. The Taxpayer Protection Program (TPP) specifically targets first-time joint filers because marriage-based filing status changes present statistically higher fraud potential. The control number referenced is a Transaction Control Number (TCN) that validates the legitimacy of the verification request. Official IRS notices come on watermarked paper with specific formatting that's difficult to counterfeit.

Think of USPS Informed Delivery like a movie trailer - it shows you what's coming, but sometimes the release date gets pushed back. The IRS EITC verification process is like a security checkpoint at an airport - everyone claiming this credit has to go through it, but some people get randomly selected for additional screening. Here's what you should do: 1. Check your IRS transcript for codes 570/971 (like reading the airport departure board) 2. If those codes appear, a letter is definitely coming 3. Give it 7-10 business days from Informed Delivery notification 4. If still nothing arrives, call IRS at 800-829-1040 (prepare for long wait) 5. Request duplicate copy of any notices sent 6. Respond immediately once received The Arizona center is legitimate - it's one of their main EITC processing facilities.

I just went through this exact situation! 🎯 Got Informed Delivery notifications for two letters from the Arizona IRS center, but they took almost two weeks to actually show up in my mailbox. When they finally arrived, it was EITC verification requesting proof of my qualifying child. I sent everything back and got my refund 16 days later. The funny thing is, my neighbor got the same notification and never received her letter at all - had to call and request a duplicate. The USPS-IRS combo is like waiting for a pizza delivery during a snowstorm... you know it's coming, but who knows when! 😂

Word of warning - this happened to me last year and I ignored it since I got my refund. Big mistake! Turns out they had miscalculated my self-employment tax and sent a bill 6 months later with interest. Always download and save your transcripts even after you get your refund, especially as a contractor. I had to scramble to find all my records right before a big deadline. Not fun.

I experienced this exact situation and called the IRS about it. According to Internal Revenue Manual section 21.4.1, the WMR tool has a separate database from the Master File system that processes refunds. Once your refund is issued, the Master File may not update the WMR database in a timely manner. Rest assured that if you received your refund, the IRS has processed your return successfully. The official record is your transcript, not the WMR tool.

I should caution you about one potential complication with your situation. The expired license preventing transcript access could become problematic if the IRS determines they need additional verification from you. While many CP05 reviews resolve automatically, approximately 15% require taxpayer response. Without transcript access, you won't see crucial updates like Transaction Code 570 (additional account action pending) or 971 (notice issued). I'd recommend prioritizing that DMV appointment and immediately checking your transcript afterward. If you see code 420 with 424/425, that indicates an audit selection rather than routine verification, which would require different actions on your part.

Have you checked if your filing status changed from last year? Could your ex-spouse have claimed any credits you're also claiming? What about address changes - did you update everything with the IRS after moving post-divorce? Sometimes these reviews happen when there's conflicting information between your current and previous returns, wouldn't you agree?