Is an in-person appointment really necessary? Couldn't you just call the ID verify number on the letter instead? Seems like they're making this unnecessarily complicated by not sending the letter promptly. And how do we know this appointment will actually resolve anything?

Bring everything. Don't take chances. Photo ID. Social security card. Birth certificate. Two utility bills. Copy of this year's return. Copy of last year's return. Bank statements. Pay stubs. Marriage certificate if filing jointly. Appointment takes 15-30 minutes. They'll verify quickly. Processing after verification takes 9 business days typically. Don't forget your phone with the appointment confirmation.

I filed exactly 52 days ago and was stuck with that message for 47 days straight. No notices, no transcript updates, nothing. Called IRS after exactly 21 days and again at 35 days - both times told "just keep waiting." Finally got my refund yesterday with no explanation for the delay. It was exactly the amount I expected, so clearly no adjustments were made. The system is just overwhelmed and moving at a glacial pace for many of us.

I was hesitant to share this, but I think it might help others... I was in a similar situation with my return filed February 3rd. After waiting patiently for about 5 weeks with the same delayed message, I decided to check my transcript one more time before calling. To my surprise, it had updated overnight with a direct deposit date. Two days later, the money was in my account - even though WMR never updated beyond the "still processing" message. So maybe check your transcript if you haven't recently? Sometimes the systems don't sync properly.

This is nothing compared to what happened with amended returns last year. My friend waited 6 months for his check, while my rejected direct deposit only took 2 weeks to be reissued. The IRS is actually much faster with bounced deposits than with other issues. Look at it this way - at least you're not dealing with an identity verification hold. Those take 9 weeks minimum compared to your 2-3 week wait.

This happens a lot. IRS has a system. Takes about 3 weeks. Maybe longer. Depends on staffing. Can't speed it up. Just wait. Check your mail daily. No tracking available. Sorry about that.

Do you know why they sent a check instead of direct deposit? I'm in a similar situation (verified on 3/10) and wondering if I'll get DD or paper check. My bank info hasn't changed since last year.

I went through this last year and the year before. The ID verification system has become pretty standard for many filers. In 2022 it took me 8 weeks after verification to get my refund. Last year it was about 3 weeks. This year it seems they've improved their processes quite a bit based on your timeline and what I'm seeing from others.

I had the exact same issue on March 12th, 2024. Called the verification hotline on March 13th but they couldn't help. Made an appointment at my local office for March 20th. Brought my ID, social security card, and tax return copy. Was verified in 15 minutes. Transcript updated on March 25th. Refund deposited on April 1st. Don't waste time waiting for the online option - just make the appointment now. The offices are booking 2-3 weeks out right now.

The IRS verification system is like a temperamental old car - sometimes it starts right up, sometimes it needs a few days to warm up. If you've tried logging in through both the ID verify portal AND the regular account access, I'd give it 48 hours before making other plans. But having a backup plan is smart - like keeping jumper cables in your trunk. Call the dedicated ID verify line at 800-830-5084 first, and only if that fails, then make the in-person appointment. The phone route is generally faster than waiting for an in-person slot, which can take weeks in some locations.