OMG I was so confused about this too! 😫 So here's what I learned after hours of research: the IRS changed their processing system this year. They're now using a new verification process that adds about 7-10 days to EVERYONE'S refund timeline. Even if your return is accepted quickly, there's this new internal review that happens before they release funds. I was shocked when I found this out!

According to the IRS.gov website, they're currently processing returns filed on February 22nd. You can check their operational status page for updates: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations. Most people I know who filed electronically with direct deposit are getting refunds in 18-25 days this year. Paper returns are taking 6-8 weeks minimum.

Have you considered that the verification might be related to something specific on your return? Sometimes it's not random but triggered by certain entries. In my case, it was because my address changed AND I claimed a tax credit I hadn't claimed before. The frustrating thing is that they don't tell you why you need verification, right? Just that you need it? Something else to try: check if your state tax agency has a reciprocal verification process with the IRS. In some states, if you verify your identity with the state tax authority, it can satisfy the federal requirement too. Might be worth looking into while you're waiting to get through on the phone.

According to IRS Procedural Regulation 201-08-15, taxpayers facing verification barriers have alternative options that many IRS representatives won't voluntarily disclose. You can request a Taxpayer Advocate Service Form 911 (Application for Taxpayer Assistance Order) if the verification delay is causing financial hardship - which it sounds like it is with your mother's medication needs. Additionally, you can contact your Congressional Representative's office. Each has staff dedicated to helping constituents with federal agency issues, including IRS problems. I've seen cases where a Congressional inquiry resolved verification issues within 48-72 hours when other methods failed. It's frustrating that we have to go to these lengths, but these are legitimate channels specifically established for situations like yours.

Is your son's tax situation straightforward, or does he have any complicating factors? It's kind of like baking a cake - a simple vanilla cake (standard W-2 return) comes out of the oven faster than a complex layer cake with multiple ingredients (multiple income sources, credits, etc). Sometimes those extra ingredients can add days or even weeks to the processing time, even after verification.

I would say that, based on my somewhat extensive experience with post-verification processing, your son will likely see movement within approximately 10-14 days, assuming there are no additional complications. My most recent experience, which occurred in early March of this filing season, resulted in a refund exactly 12 days after verification was completed. It seems that the IRS has possibly improved their post-verification workflow this year, as previous years often took closer to the full 21 days that they typically quote as the maximum timeframe.

Back in 2021, I had a similar situation with a processing delay. What worked for me then (and might work now) was contacting my local Taxpayer Advocate Service office. They have more direct channels to research these systemic issues than regular IRS phone reps. In my case, they were able to identify that my return was stuck in a processing queue and needed manual intervention to move forward. If you're approaching the 60-day mark with no movement, I'd recommend giving them a call.

Is anyone seeing their tax transcript update and then go back to N/A again? Mine briefly showed some codes last week, then disappeared completely. When I called, they said this could indicate my return was pulled for additional review. Has anyone experienced this happening? Does it mean I'm going to be waiting even longer? I'm really worried because the last time this happened to my brother, he ended up waiting until August to get his refund.

Based on the current tax season processing timeline, transcript updates follow a predictable cycle. The Account Transcript will remain in N/A status until your return completes the initial verification process. For Tax Year 2023 returns filed in the 2024 season, we're seeing average processing delays of 17-24 days before transcript visibility. The Account Transcript will update first, followed by the Record of Account and finally the Return Transcript. Check the Transaction Code section - if you see any codes at all (even just a 150), your return has entered active processing.

I had my transcript stuck on N/A for almost 3 weeks this filing season. Have you checked if you can access any of the other transcript types? Sometimes the Return Transcript shows N/A but the Account Transcript has information. Also, did you file with any special credits or deductions? What about your filing method - was it e-file or paper?