Be careful with in-person verification if your case involves multiple tax years or amended returns. I went in thinking it would be faster than phone calls, similar to how getting customer service at a bank branch is usually quicker than their call center. Instead, I ended up having to make three separate visits because the first representative didn't have access to my full file. It's like going to a doctor for a full physical but finding out they can only check your blood pressure that day. If your situation involves anything beyond the current tax year, call ahead to confirm they can handle your specific case type at that location.

Most experienced filers in this community generally recommend against in-person visits unless you've exhausted other options. The consensus seems to be that the IRS online transcript access, while not perfect, is sufficient for most verification needs. Phone verification is typically the next step, with in-person being a last resort for situations where identity verification is specifically required or where complex issues need resolution. Many have reported that the online transcript system updates are actually more current than what some in-person representatives can access, particularly during peak processing periods.

Filed February 1st. Got refund February 12th. No delays here. Used direct deposit. Kept return simple. No unusual credits. No schedule C. No rental income. Basic W-2 only. System works fine for uncomplicated returns. Media loves panic stories. Reality is more boring.

The IRS processing system operates on a multi-track basis, with different processing pipelines for different return types. Standard W-2 returns with no credits typically process in 7-14 days. Returns with refundable credits like EITC must wait at least until mid-February per the PATH Act and typically take 21-30 days. Returns with Schedule C, E, or F (business, rental, farm income) generally take 30-45 days. Returns flagged for manual review can take 60-120 days. This isn't new for 2024 - it's been this way for years. The confusion comes from people comparing their situation to others without understanding these different tracks.

This situation is actually more common than you'd think. Unlike the old stimulus payments, the current CTC system handles new dependents differently than existing ones. When I worked at a tax prep office, we saw this exact scenario dozens of times - direct deposit for established dependents, paper checks for newly added ones. The IRS does this as an anti-fraud measure. What's concerning is that if your ex incorrectly received the first payment, you might need to address that separately. The current payment likely only addresses your 2023 child, not correcting the misdirected payment for your older child.

Has anyone actually received their check yet? The IRS payment system is like a black box - information goes in but you never know what will come out or when. I'm curious if the actual check amounts match what people were expecting for their CTC.

According to what I've seen on igotmyrefund.com and the r/IRS subreddit, your cycle ending in "04" means you're on a weekly processing schedule. The transcript update is definitely a good sign! Check the WMR tool again tomorrow morning - it usually updates overnight between Wednesday and Thursday for weekly cycles. The IRS2Go app sometimes updates even faster than the website.

I think I might be in a similar situation to yours... I had a small balance due but should still be getting something back. My transcript updated last week with almost the same pattern, and I'm cautiously optimistic that my refund might be coming soon. For me, it's going to help with some unexpected car repairs I've been putting off. Just hoping nothing else comes up to delay it further.

I can clarify what's likely happening here. The IRS verification process has multiple stages: 1. Initial submission verification (basic identity check) 2. Income/wage verification (comparing what you reported vs. what employers reported) 3. Credit verification (for certain credits claimed) You likely completed step 1 online, but now they're asking for step 2 or 3. Here's what to do: 1. Check the letter number (top right corner) 2. Respond to the new letter exactly as instructed 3. If calling, mention you already completed the online verification 4. Ask specifically which verification this new letter is for Don't worry - this is frustrating but normal this year. Your refund isn't lost, just delayed.

According to IRS Publication 5027 on Identity Theft Information for Taxpayers, you should respond to each verification request separately. As a contractor myself, I've found we get extra scrutiny because our income reporting is more complex. The IRS has been implementing new verification procedures under IRC §6103(c) which allows for multiple verification steps. I suggest keeping copies of all verification confirmations and requesting a Taxpayer Advocate if this continues beyond the second verification.