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Did you file with any credits like Child Tax Credit or Earned Income Credit? Those automatically go through additional verification that delays processing. Also, have you checked whether Credit Karma actually transmitted your return successfully? Sometimes there can be transmission errors that aren't immediately apparent.
I think maybe the IRS is just overwhelmed? I've heard they're still understaffed and using outdated systems from the 1980s...could that be why some returns take so much longer than others?
Be careful about checking WMR too frequently! Last year I checked multiple times daily and my account got temporarily locked for "security reasons." Had to wait 24 hours to try again, and then had to verify my identity which added another 2 weeks to my processing time. The system flags frequent logins as potential unauthorized access attempts. The irony is that my obsessive checking actually CAUSED the delay I was worried about! š
I successfully resolved almost this EXACT situation last year! Here's what worked for me: ⢠Called the IRS amendment-specific hotline (866-464-2050) instead of the general number ⢠Asked specifically for a "rejection explanation code" for the amendment ⢠Requested to speak with an amendment processing specialist ⢠Cited Publication 501 page 4 which explicitly states marital status is determined on December 31st ⢠Requested a formal reconsideration with supervisor review The key was getting to someone who actually worked in the amendments department. The general call center folks often don't have the training or system access to properly handle amendment issues. I went from a flat rejection to getting our full refund plus interest within 60 days. Don't give up - you are 100% correct on the tax law here!
I feel I should perhaps warn you that amendment processing is, unfortunately, somewhat of a disaster currently at the IRS. My brother-in-law, who is possibly in a similar situation, filed an amended return in early 2023 and is still waiting for resolution. The IRS seems to be prioritizing original returns over amendments, which might explain why they quickly resolved the HSA issue but not the filing status change. You might want to consider that, if you file a new amendment now, you could potentially be looking at another 12+ month wait. It might be worth weighing whether the additional refund amount justifies the continued effort and waiting period. Sometimes, as frustrating as it is, accepting the current outcome and moving forward is the most practical approach.
This reminds me of last year's tax season when the IRS suddenly switched my refund from direct deposit to a check without warning. Back then, it took exactly 14 days from the original deposit date for the check to arrive. I remember checking my mailbox obsessively every day. The most frustrating part was that their system showed "payment issued" but didn't specify it was a physical check until I called. I wonder if they're using the same process for these CTC conversions or if they've improved their notification system?
I bank with Chime. Got paper check yesterday. Was supposed to be direct deposit. Called IRS Tuesday. They confirmed switch to paper. No explanation given. Check arrived Thursday. Allow 5-7 business days. Keep checking your mail. They don't update the portal properly. Very frustrating process.
I successfully navigated the Identity Verification Process last month using the Taxpayer Protection Program (TPP) telephone option. The key is requesting the specific department that handles identity verification cases - they're authorized to perform Knowledge-Based Authentication protocols over the phone. I prepared by having my AGI from previous years, loan account numbers, and credit card information ready. They asked questions only I would know from my credit report. The entire process took approximately 22 minutes, and my refund was released 7 business days later.
Thank you for sharing this detailed information! I've been so stressed about my verification letter not arriving. It's reassuring to know there's a telephone option that actually works.
My verification situation was similar to yours but worse in some ways. Letter never came after 3 weeks, then I requested another one like you did. Called IRS and they said my address had a typo compared to what was in their system! Something as small as "Street" vs "St" can cause the letter to bounce back. When you call today, ask them to verify your exact address as it appears in their system compared to what you provided on your return.
Check the IRS Get Transcript site daily after your verification call. You'll see code 971 followed by 290 when it's resolved. https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript explains how to monitor your transcript for these changes. Many people miss this crucial step in tracking their verification status.
Joshua Hellan
Has anyone considered that this might actually be a good thing? If your return is being processed normally, it's better than seeing a transcript with hold codes or audit flags. Sometimes no news really is good news when it comes to the IRS. The system is designed to handle millions of returns simultaneously - we just don't usually see the behind-the-scenes processing steps.
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Jibriel Kohn
Have you checked if you have access to your 2023 transcripts? Just wondering if this might be an account access issue rather than a processing delay. I've seen cases where people have trouble with the transcript system itself rather than their return not being processed. Did you verify your identity through ID.me exactly 100% correctly?
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