This verification process could potentially indicate discrepancies between your reported income and what employers submitted on Form W-2 or 1099. The IRS Automated Underreporter (AUR) program flags returns with potential mismatches. Be aware that if substantial discrepancies are identified, you could face penalties under IRC Section 6662 for substantial understatement. I'd recommend reviewing your documentation thoroughly while waiting.

I had exactly this situation in February. My transcript showed 570/971 codes dated 02/26/2024. When I checked my account, it showed they were verifying my Child Tax Credit claims. I have two kids but had a change in custody arrangement that affected my eligibility. Did you claim any credits that might be triggering this review? Sometimes specific credits like EITC or CTC get extra scrutiny.

I believe I might be able to provide some helpful insight. I successfully navigated this exact situation about 3 weeks ago. After completing the online verification, I received an email confirmation, and approximately 12 days later, my tax transcript updated showing that processing had resumed. It seems that, in most cases, the online verification is sufficient, though there may possibly be certain circumstances where additional phone verification is necessary. My refund was deposited exactly 17 days after my transcript updated, which was a pleasant surprise given the typical processing timelines we often hear about.

Has anyone actually read these verification letters closely?! They're SUPER clear about whether you need to call OR verify online! I got so frustrated with this last year. The letter will say one of these things: 1. "Verify your identity online OR by phone" (either option works) 2. "Verify your identity online AND call the number below" (need both) 3. "Call the number below to verify your identity" (phone only) Look at your exact letter wording. 90% of these letters are type #1 where online verification is completely sufficient. The IRS isn't going to waste their limited phone resources if they don't have to!

Are you seeing any specific codes on your transcript? Or is it completely empty? I'm wondering if you're getting the standard 9001 code for identity verification or if there's something else going on. My verification was completed on March 1st but nothing changed until March 13th.

Just to clarify something important - the disappearance of the ID.me notification is actually a positive sign. It means your verification was accepted in their system. The as of date is a separate process that updates on its own schedule. In my experience helping clients through this, you should see movement within 7-10 business days from your verification date, which puts you right about now. Check again tomorrow morning - the system typically updates overnight between 3-5am Eastern time.

I think there's another approach worth considering that's helped me get consistently fast refunds. Instead of focusing on when to file, I've found that how you file makes a bigger difference. For the past three years, I've used professional preparation services rather than DIY software, and my refunds (with EITC/CTC) have arrived within 14-21 days regardless of filing date. Yes, I paid a bit more upfront, but the peace of mind and faster access to my money was worth it. My tax preparer explained that professional software includes additional compliance checks that reduce the likelihood of delays.

I... um... might have some insight here. I've been tracking my refund timing for the past 5 years, and I noticed a similar pattern. In 2022, I waited until March 1st to file (instead of my usual January filing) because I was waiting for a corrected 1099. To my surprise, I received my refund in just 9 days, even with EITC. So for 2023, I purposely waited until February 22nd, and again - refund in 12 days. I think there might be something to your theory, though I'm hesitant to say it's guaranteed. Perhaps the verification systems are less congested by mid-February?

Same issue here. DDD 3/6. Nothing yet. Used TurboTax. Had fees taken out. Called SBTPG. They said refund received yesterday. Processing now. Should hit my account tomorrow. Bank shows nothing pending. Happens every year. Still stressful.

According to IRS Publication 2043, the Direct Deposit date is considered the date the IRS releases the payment, not necessarily when it will appear in your account. If your financial institution doesn't receive ACH transfers on weekends, and if there are intermediary banks involved (as with refund transfers), you may want to check your tax transcript for TC 846 with a positive amount to confirm the refund was actually issued. Another option is to use the "Where's My Refund" tool which should update to "Refund Sent" status once the money has been released.