Anyone know if they're still doing those random reviews? My sister filed in January and just got her refund yesterday after a "random review" that took 10 weeks.

Enjoy that money! Any plans for it?

I went through identity verification last month. Called 800-830-5084 directly. No letter needed. Waited 47 minutes. They asked about previous addresses, loan amounts, and filing history. Verification completed in one call. Return processed 12 days later. Worth the wait.

Just to clarify something important - you do NOT need the letter to call the identity verification line. The letter just tells you that you need to verify. If you suspect you need to verify your identity (like if Where's My Refund shows no progress or you received notification about your amended return needing verification), you can proactively call 800-830-5084. They'll determine if you actually need to go through the verification process.

I experienced a Direct Deposit Change Delay (DDCD) with my CTC payment after switching to a new financial institution. The IRS Payment Processing System requires a verification period for new ACH routing configurations. I utilized Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to connect with an actual IRS agent to confirm my payment status when it didn't arrive as expected. Saved me hours of hold time and the agent was able to verify exactly where my payment was in the system and when it would be released. For those in financial distress waiting on tax credits, the service fee was worth avoiding the uncertainty.

According to Internal Revenue Manual section 21.6.3.6.1.1, changes to direct deposit information require a processing period of 5-7 business days before becoming fully effective in the IRS Master File system. The Child Tax Credit Advance Payment Program operates under Treasury Regulation §1.6428B-1(b) which stipulates that banking information changes must complete verification protocols before funds disbursement. This verification process is a necessary security measure to prevent fraudulent redirection of payments. The IRS implementation of these security protocols is not a system failure but rather a deliberate protective measure for taxpayers.

I've been through this verification dance three times now! Last year was a nightmare - took almost 4 months to get my refund after verification. This year was much smoother. I actually found that scheduling an in-person appointment at my local Taxpayer Assistance Center was faster than trying to do the online verification. I walked in with my ID, answered a few questions, and was done in 20 minutes. My transcript updated three days later, and my refund hit my account two weeks after that.

Verification is separate from review. Different process. Many confuse these. Verification confirms identity only. Review examines return accuracy. Can happen sequentially. Verification first, then possible review. Check transcript codes. TC 570 with no TC 420 means hold, not audit. Normal after verification.

Have you considered why the IRS makes this process so complicated in the first place? Why should we need to navigate a labyrinth of phone trees just to get our own money back? Isn't it telling that an entire industry of workarounds has sprung up just to deal with government inefficiency? The most reliable approach I've found is to call right when they open at 7am Eastern. The queue fills up fast, though. Sometimes the system will let you request a callback instead of waiting on hold - always take that option if offered. And document everything - who you spoke with, what they said, and any reference numbers they provide. The IRS operates on documentation, so you should too.

I GOT MY REFUND REISSUED IN 3 WEEKS!!! 🎉🎉🎉 Similar situation - moved from Florida to Colorado and my check got sent back. I was panicking because I needed that money for car repairs! Here's what worked: Called using the advice above, got through (after many attempts), and specifically asked for a payment trace using Form 3911 procedures. The key was mentioning that I had already verified my new address through the online account portal AND submitted Form 8822. The agent was able to expedite the reissue because I could prove I had properly updated my address before the original check was sent. Stay persistent! It feels amazing when that new check finally arrives at the RIGHT address!