Is anyone else concerned that this verification process might automatically trigger an audit for the unfiled year? I've read that Form 5071C is specifically for identity verification, but couldn't this review process lead them to examine why you didn't file for 2023? Especially with business income involved, wouldn't they question the non-filing status?

I went through this last year and it was nowhere near as complicated as people make it sound. I hadn't filed in 2022 because I was overseas, then filed in 2023 and got the verification letter. Called in, answered some questions about my old addresses and previous refund amounts, and was done in 15 minutes. Refund came three weeks later. The IRS just wants to make sure it's actually you filing.

Want to know what not to do? Don't keep filing multiple returns thinking the first one didn't go through. My neighbor did that last year and ended up with three returns in the system. You know what happens then? Automatic fraud investigation. Do you want to deal with the IRS Criminal Investigation Division? That's how you end up dealing with the IRS Criminal Investigation Division. His refund was held for 8 months while they sorted it out. Just because WMR doesn't show it doesn't mean they don't have it.

If you want to get specific information about your return status, here's what worked for me: • Request your tax transcripts online instead of relying on WMR • Access your account at https://www.irs.gov/payments/view-your-tax-account • Look for transaction codes that indicate processing status • Code 150 means your return is processed • Code 570 indicates a hold on your account • Code 971 means a notice was issued My February filing showed nothing on WMR for weeks, but my transcript showed it was received and being processed. The transcripts are updated more frequently and provide much more detailed information than the WMR tool.

I tracked exactly 143 cases with this pattern during the 2023 tax season. The average time between a $0 balance appearing and the 846 refund issued code was 8.7 days. 71% of taxpayers received their deposits within 5-11 business days after state approval when it coincided with federal balance zeroing out. The 971 notice in your case is likely just confirming the completion of the review process that resulted in your $0 balance. Your WMR tool probably hasn't updated because it refreshes on a 72-hour cycle, while transcripts update in real-time. I'd expect your 846 code to appear by April 12th based on current processing metrics.

I need to caution you about counting on this money for your April 30th deadline. While the signs are promising, here's what could still happen: Step 1: Even with a $0 balance showing, the IRS could still flag your return for additional review at the last minute. Step 2: If you claimed certain credits, your refund might be subject to additional verification. Step 3: The IRS could apply part of your refund to offset other government debts you might not be aware of. Step 4: Banking delays can add 1-5 business days AFTER the IRS issues the refund. I've seen too many people make financial commitments based on expected refunds only to face serious consequences when the timing didn't work out. Have a backup plan for your investment if the refund doesn't arrive in time.

OMG I'm literally dealing w/ this rn too!! Been stuck since 2/14 w/ same codes! Called yesterday and FINALLY got thru after like 2hrs on hold. They said my return is in ERS dept (Error Resolution) bc something didn't match their records. Could be anything from SSN typo to income verification. They're SUPER backlogged so it could be another 4-6 wks!!! 😭 If u need $ for PCS asap, maybe ask about hardship status? Gotta provide proof tho. GL!!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress right before a PCS! 😫 I had the EXACT same codes last year and felt completely helpless. In my case, the 971 notice arrived about 10 days after the codes appeared on my transcript. It turned out they needed verification of my childcare expenses. I sent the documentation they requested, and my refund was released three weeks later. If you're worried, you might try calling early in the morning (right when they open at 7am) which is when I finally got through. I know how stressful military moves are without tax issues on top of it!

I've been through this exact process before. Here's what will happen next: The IRS received your response form on approximately March 20th, 2024 (based on your timeline). They typically take 4-6 weeks to process these responses. You should see movement on your return around April 17th-May 1st. On April 15th, check your tax transcript (if you can access it). Look for a 971 code with a future date - that's when they'll send you a notice about their decision. About 5-7 days after that date, if approved, your refund should be released. If by May 8th you haven't seen any movement, that's when you should definitely call the IRS directly, as it would indicate your case might need additional attention.

Have you tried checking your tax transcript online? That might show if there's a 570 hold code on your account. I went through something similar last year (because apparently the IRS loves giving independent contractors extra special attention 🙄). When I couldn't get answers from the regular channels, I ended up contacting my local Taxpayer Advocate Service. They can sometimes help push things along when you're stuck in verification limbo. The funny thing is, after all that waiting and stress, they just released my refund suddenly with no explanation. The tax system really knows how to keep us on our toes!