According to Internal Revenue Manual section 21.4.1, what you're experiencing is likely a 'processing path change.' Per IRS guidelines, when a return moves between different processing departments, the tracking status may reset temporarily. This commonly occurs when: 1) Identity verification is needed, 2) Income discrepancy is detected, 3) Credits require additional verification, or 4) Address change processing is occurring. Given your recent divorce, the system may be reconciling your new filing status. I recommend checking your tax transcript for codes 570/971, which would confirm this theory. I was so worried when this happened to me, but it resolved itself within 14 days.

Let me walk you through what might be happening here. In approximately 15% of cases, a return that shows full progression and then reverts is experiencing what's sometimes called a 'verification loop.' It's possible, though not certain, that your recently changed marital status triggered additional verification. The IRS might be cross-referencing your new filing status with previous years' data. If that's the case, you might want to check if your ex-spouse has already filed, as this can sometimes create processing delays when both parties file as single for the first time after filing jointly in previous years.

Have you considered requesting a transcript instead of a verification letter? Compared to the verification letter process which is crawling along at a snail's pace right now, transcripts can often be accessed immediately online. I was in a similar situation last year when I needed verification for a pension rollover, and I ended up using my transcript instead. Many financial institutions will accept a transcript in place of a verification letter - it's worth asking if that would work for your situation.

I went through this exact process last year when I needed verification for my retirement account rollover. The letter took exactly 18 days to arrive. What helped me was calling the Retirement Plans Services line (877-829-5500) rather than the general IRS number. The agents there are specifically trained on retirement issues and were able to expedite my verification letter when I explained my situation. Stay calm - these delays are frustrating but temporary.

Anyone know if there's a diff between the DDD (direct deposit date) on transcripts vs what WMR shows? My WMR still shows processing but transcript has a date. Wondering if I should trust one over the other or if they sync up eventually?

I was in exactly your situation 18 days ago. Had a deposit date of February 26th, 2024 with $4,782 in EITC. Money hit my account at precisely 3:27am on the exact date shown on my transcript. The PATH Act only delayed my processing until February 15th, but once I had a deposit date, it was 100% reliable. Used the money to cover my $1,213 quarterly estimated tax payment that was due.

Based on what I've seen in the past few months, paper returns filed in March 2024 are taking anywhere from 8-12 weeks to process. I filed a late 2022 return on January 15th, 2024, and it was finally processed on March 21st, 2024 - so about 9 weeks for me. The payment plan is actually pretty straightforward once the return processes, but timing is everything. If your 2024 refund completes processing before you set up the payment arrangement, they'll definitely take it to satisfy the 2022 debt.

Be very careful with this situation. Here's what you need to do step-by-step: 1. Monitor your 2022 account transcript weekly 2. As soon as you see the return post (usually with a 150 code), call the IRS immediately 3. Request a payment plan before your 2024 refund processes 4. Get confirmation in writing I've seen many cases where people thought they had time, but the IRS systems are automated for offsets. Once your 2022 liability is assessed, you have a very narrow window before the offset happens automatically. In one case I worked with, the taxpayer lost a $4,000 refund because they waited just 3 days too long to set up their payment arrangement.

I had a strange experience with verification last year. My return was accepted on January 28th, but then nothing happened for weeks. I called the IRS after 21 days and discovered I needed to verify my identity, even though I hadn't received any letter. The agent explained that sometimes the letters get lost in the mail. After verifying through ID.me that same day, my refund was processed within a week. My takeaway is that if your refund is delayed beyond the normal processing time (21 days for e-file), it's worth calling to check if verification is needed.

Back in 2022, I had to go through verification twice because I moved states. From that experience and helping others since, I've noticed some patterns that might indicate you'll need to verify: 1. First-time filers almost always get verified 2. Major life changes (marriage, divorce, moving states) 3. Large changes in income or deductions 4. Claiming refundable credits for the first time 5. Filing from an IP address in a different location than your address If any of these apply to you, I'd recommend being proactive and checking your transcript weekly after filing.