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.

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?

Based on community data tracking this filing season: • February filers are seeing 30-45 day processing times on average • Returns with credits (CTC/EITC) are taking 10-15 days longer • Transcripts typically update on Thursday nights/Friday mornings • Many people are seeing direct deposits 5-8 days after transcript updates Your timeline falls within normal parameters for this year, though I understand the frustration compared to previous years.

Just to clarify - when you say you filed February 1st, was that when your tax preparer submitted it or when the IRS officially accepted it? The IRS didn't start processing returns until January 29th this year, so even if you submitted earlier, the clock starts on acceptance date. Also, did you have any credits like CTC or EIC on your return? Those automatically get additional review under the PATH Act.

When my wife and I were in this exact situation (her WMR disappeared after showing TT152), we spent DAYS trying to get through to the IRS. After 20+ failed attempts, I used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and got connected to an agent in about 15 minutes. Turns out her return was just going through an additional verification step because of the credits claimed, but nothing was wrong. The agent even gave us an estimated completion date. Totally worth it instead of stressing for weeks.

I work in tax preparation (not for the IRS) and see this all the time. The Where's My Refund tool runs on a completely different system than the actual processing department. When returns move between processing stages, WMR often temporarily loses the data connection. The fact that your return is showing info while hers isn't actually suggests hers might be moving forward faster. Tax Topic 152 just means a refund is expected - it's a generic message.

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!