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I tried doing exactly what you're planning last year and it didn't work out. The agent told me they could only verify the year that was specifically mentioned in the letter I received. I referenced the same IRM section and they still refused. Apparently different offices have different policies. I ended up having to make a second appointment and wait another 6 weeks. The whole system is much more complicated than I expected for something that should be straightforward. I've been filing for 20+ years and never had these issues until recently.
I successfully got 3 years verified in one appointment exactly 47 days ago. The key was bringing precisely the right documentation. For each year I had: original W-2s (not copies), 2 forms of ID (passport and driver's license), Social Security card, and printed copies of the returns. The agent initially said they could only verify the year on my letter, but when I showed I had all the proper documentation and cited Publication 17 page 93 regarding multiple-year verification procedures, they processed all 3 years. My refunds were deposited 14 days later for all years. Being prepared and polite but firm about your rights makes all the difference.
Did they give you any confirmation that all years were verified? How did you know it was successful before the refunds came through?
Just went through this exact scenario with my 2023 return. Here's what happened: ⢠Feb 12 - Filed electronically ⢠Feb 28 - Transcript updated to show 2023 but "no return filed" ⢠Mar 8 - Transcript updated with codes 150, 806, 971 ⢠Mar 15 - WMR finally updated to "approved" ⢠Mar 18 - Refund deposited The transcript was definitely more accurate and updated first. WMR was basically useless until the very end of the process.
This timeline comparison is incredibly helpful! It matches almost exactly with what the IRS representative explained to me when I finally got through to them. The transcript really does provide earlier indicators of movement in the system.
Did you have any credits on your return that might have triggered the delay? I'm wondering if things like Child Tax Credit or Earned Income Credit affect how long this limbo period lasts?
The transcript is generally more accurate, though perhaps not in the way you might expect. When it shows the tax year but says "no return filed," it typically means your return has been received but hasn't completed initial processing. This is usually resolved within 2-3 weeks for most filers, though it can occasionally take longer if there are verification issues or high processing volumes.
Based on the Transaction Code patterns you're describing, your return is almost certainly in the Identity Verification holding pattern. The fact that your WMR doesn't show the standard "still processing" message and your transcript shows no return filed are the verification hallmarks. The quickest resolution path is to proactively complete ID verification through the IRS Identity Verification Service. You don't need to wait for the letter - the system already has you flagged. Complete verification online, then expect approximately 9-21 days for processing completion. This will save you significant refund turnaround time versus waiting for correspondence.
I had this exact situation in February. Different answers every time I called. My transcript showed nothing for weeks. Here's what worked: I went directly to the ID verification portal and verified myself even though I never got a letter. Three days later my transcript updated. Money was in my account 8 days after that. Don't wait for them to get their act together - be proactive and verify yourself online. The system is broken but you can work around it.
I actually got ALL my money back from TPG last year! The secret? I recorded the entire tax preparation session (legal in my state with one-party consent) where the preparer glossed over the fees. When I called TPG customer service, I mentioned I had documentation that I wasn't properly informed of the fees according to their own disclosure requirements. Suddenly they were VERY accommodating! Got a full refund of the $1650 they had initially taken. Sometimes you have to be your own advocate - these companies count on people not knowing their rights.
One additional piece of information that might help: TPG is required by their agreement with the IRS to provide a complete itemization of all fees upon request. If they refuse or delay providing this, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The CFPB takes these matters seriously, especially when tax refunds are involved. Also, for next year, consider avoiding the refund transfer option altogether. If you file electronically and choose direct deposit, you'll typically receive your refund within 21 days directly from the IRS with no middleman taking a cut. Many tax preparation companies offer a "pay later" option where they take their fee from your refund, but this always involves TPG or a similar service.
Mei Lin
I'm wondering... did they tell you specifically what triggered the verification requirement? Was it something about your business filing that might have raised a flag? I'm asking because I may be in a similar situation and want to prepare myself for what might be coming.
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Liam Fitzgerald
I had nearly the identical situation last year with my small business return. Verified in person, then nothing for weeks. I kept checking online and calling with no updates. Turns out there was a secondary review happening that nobody told me about. When I finally got through to someone, they said my return was flagged for a "business rule exception" that required manual review after the identity verification. By the time I found this out, it had already been resolved, but I wasted so much time and stress not knowing. Document everything from your visit and be prepared for a longer wait than they tell you.
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