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Based on what I've researched about this issue: β’ The IRS doesn't explicitly prohibit sending multiple W-2s in one envelope β’ However, it potentially violates privacy best practices β’ Some states have stricter privacy laws that might apply β’ Many employers have policies against this practice β’ You have options if you're concerned: - Contact your employer's HR department - Request electronic delivery for future tax documents - If you suspect identity theft, monitor your credit reports The main concern is that your W-2 contains your SSN and income details, which are sensitive personal information.
While there's no specific IRS regulation against this practice under 26 CFR Β§ 31.6051-1 (governing W-2 furnishing requirements), you may want to consider requesting that your employer provide you with an electronic W-2 next year instead. Many employers now offer this option through secure employee portals, which eliminates the privacy concerns associated with physical mail delivery. The deadline to request this for next year's W-2 is typically December 31, 2024, so you have plenty of time to make this arrangement for your 2024 tax documents.
Per Internal Revenue Manual 21.3.6.4.1, verification letters require response within 30 days of the date on the letter (not the date you received it). Section 6213(b)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code specifies that failure to respond to verification requests can result in automatic assessment of additional tax or delay of refunds. I received a 5071C letter last year that was forwarded to me 20 days after it was issued, leaving me only 10 days to respond. I called the Identity Verification Service at 800-830-5084 and explained the situation - they noted the delay in my file and gave me an extension.
Try the Taxpayer Advocate Service. Different approach. They help with urgent issues. Call 877-777-4778. Explain forwarded letter situation. They can often connect you directly. Bring your letter details. Have last year's tax return handy. They might need verification questions.
I'm wondering if using the Taxpayer Advocate Service might potentially flag my account for additional review? I really want to resolve this quickly, but I'm concerned about possibly creating more complications.
I had almost the identical situation last year. My transcript showed 570/971 codes for about 3 weeks, and I was using the TurboTax card for the first time. I was worried sick because I needed that money for my mom's care. Here's what happened: the IRS adjusted my refund amount slightly (reduced by $127), then processed the deposit to my TurboTax card about 8 days after the 971 notice date on my transcript. TurboTax did automatically take back their advance from my refund. The card worked perfectly fine - I was able to transfer the remaining funds to my new bank account the same day. Don't panic about the closed bank account unless that's where you directed your current year's refund.
I received TC 570 and TC 971 on my Account Transcript exactly 14 days apart last filing season. The 570 (Additional Account Action Pending) appeared on cycle date 20230805, followed by 971 (Notice Issued) on 20230819. My refund was released precisely 21 days after the 971 code appeared. The TurboTax Refund Advance is structured as a 0% APR loan against anticipated refund proceeds, and per their Terms of Service (Section 4.3), they will deduct the advance amount automatically upon receipt of your actual refund. I verified this with TurboTax customer service before accepting my advance last year. I'm relieved to report they handled everything correctly without any manual intervention required from me.
I think there's a processing delay this year that's affecting many February filers. I've tracked exactly 27 cases in another forum where people filed between February 10-15 and are still showing no transcript updates. Of those, 22 received state refunds normally. The IRS is processing approximately 2.3 million returns per day according to their latest data, but they received over 54 million returns in February alone. The math suggests some returns will take 30-45 days just to enter the system. Can anyone confirm if this matches what they're seeing?
This happened to me last year! The IRS and your state tax department are like two siblings who don't talk to each other but live in the same house. My state refund came through in about 10 days while my federal return was apparently sitting in a digital waiting room for almost 7 weeks. No transcript updates, nothing. Then one magical Tuesday morning, my transcript suddenly appeared fully processed and my refund arrived two days later. The tax gods work in mysterious ways... just tell your friend to hang in there!
Liam Fitzgerald
This verification date discrepancy is like when your GPS says you've arrived but you're still three blocks away from your destination. I was caught in this same loop last month and found https://taxr.ai incredibly helpful for decoding my transcript once it finally appeared. It's like having an IRS decoder ring - it explained every code and notice, showed me exactly where my return was in the process, and even predicted when my refund would hit my account. Think of it as a translator for that cryptic IRS language that makes no sense to normal humans!
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Amara Nnamani
The IRS identity verification system has been plagued with synchronization issues since they upgraded their infrastructure in 2022. I experienced this exact scenario last year with a client's return. The phone verification doesn't properly update in their master file until the online verification is complete, but even then, their internal date tracking is inconsistent. In my experience with over 50 client verifications, the average processing time post-verification (using their system date) has been 9 business days. I'd recommend calling again next Wednesday if you don't see movement, as their weekend processing can sometimes create additional delays.
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