I'm not entirely convinced this is actually an identity verification issue. It might possibly be a more general review or possibly even an audit, which could potentially take much longer. Sometimes the frontline agents don't always have complete information about your specific case. Did they perhaps mention any specific form numbers or possibly give you any specific verification instructions? Without those details, I would be somewhat hesitant to assume it's just standard identity verification.

Trust me, it's definitely identity verification. I've been through this twice now and the pattern is always the same. The IRS has ramped up identity verification since all the pandemic fraud. What's the point of calling if you're not going to believe what the agent tells you? Have you checked your tax transcript to see if there's a 570 freeze code? Did you try the ID verify site yet? The sooner you verify, the sooner your refund processes - especially important with your divorce situation.

According to the GoToBank FAQ section (https://gotobank.com/help/deposits), they process IRS refunds as soon as they receive them, which is typically 1-2 days before the official DDD. I've been with them for three tax seasons, and I've always received my refund early. The IRS Where's My Refund tool won't show any updates once it displays your DDD, but the GoToBank mobile app usually shows pending deposits about 24 hours before they post.

The Automated Clearing House (ACH) network that processes these transfers typically operates on a next-business-day settlement timeframe. Since your Direct Deposit Date falls on a Wednesday, there's a high probability that GoToBank will receive the ACH notification on Tuesday, potentially allowing them to credit your account early. However, I would caution that financial institutions have different policies regarding how they handle these pre-notifications - some make funds available immediately while others wait until the official settlement date.

According to IRS Publication 2043 (updated for 2024), standard processing time for electronically filed returns is 21 days, but identity verification can add 9 weeks to this timeline. Your case seems to have been expedited, which is fortunate. The IRS has stated that 90% of refunds are issued within the 21-day window, but that remaining 10% can experience significant delays due to various verification procedures.

Your transcript update indicates successful Navigation through the Refund Error Resolution System (RERS) and the Integrity Verification Operation (IVO). The DDD code 846 on your transcript means the refund has been scheduled in the Financial Management System (FMS). If you're receiving via direct deposit, the Automated Clearing House (ACH) typically processes these transactions within 24-48 hours of the DDD, though some financial institutions may place a hold.

Have you perhaps checked your employer's online portal, if they have one? Sometimes companies switch to electronic W-2 delivery and don't communicate it well. It might possibly be sitting in an employee portal you haven't checked. Or maybe they sent it to an old address? I'd suggest trying one more certified letter to your employer before involving the IRS, just to cover all bases.

When I had this problem in 2022, I discovered that my employer had actually filed the W-2 with the IRS but never sent me a copy. I was able to create an account on the IRS website and access my wage and income transcript, which showed all the information that would have been on my W-2. This saved me from having to file Form 4852. The transcript was available by mid-February, so it might be worth checking if yours is available online before going through the phone process.

I'm hesitant to say this with 100% certainty, but... in my experience working with tax clients, the Treasury Offset Program database is generally quite reliable, though there can be, um, occasional delays in updating. One particular client of mine checked the offset line on February 3rd this year and showed no offsets, but when their refund was processed on February 17th, approximately $3,800 was taken for defaulted student loans. The Department of Education had apparently submitted the certification just after they checked. It's somewhat rare, but it does happen.

You might want to consider filing Form 8379 (Injured Spouse Allocation) if you're married filing jointly and your spouse has student loans that could possibly be in default. This form, which I believe could help in certain situations, essentially tells the IRS that part of the refund belongs to you and shouldn't be offset for your spouse's debts. It's perhaps worth noting that the processing time might be longer, possibly 11-14 weeks instead of the usual 3-4 weeks, but it could potentially protect your portion of the refund if there are any student loan issues that might appear later.