Blank Transcript and 14-Digit Verification Code - Is the IRS Deliberately Delaying Returns?

I'm seeing this happen quite a bit this year, possibly due to the enhanced security measures. If I recall correctly, the transcript might appear blank during certain stages of processing, though this doesn't necessarily indicate a problem with your return. Have you perhaps checked the Where's My Refund tool as well? Sometimes that might show status when the transcript doesn't yet.

I've been through this before and can share what helped me: • Check if you claimed any refundable credits (CTC, EITC, etc.) as these trigger automatic additional review • Look at your Where's My Refund status - sometimes it shows progress even when transcript is blank • Consider pulling your Account Transcript instead of Return Transcript • Remember processing times are longer this year - up to 6 weeks is still considered "normal" The 14-digit code is usually only for identity verification if your return triggered certain filters.

Dealing with the IRS this year is like trying to get water from a stone. Their phone lines are like a fortress - impossible to penetrate. After my transcript stayed blank for 3 weeks, I was ready to throw my computer out the window. Finally tried Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and it was like having a secret key to the castle. Got through to an actual IRS agent in about 15 minutes who confirmed my return was just in normal processing and hadn't been flagged for anything. Worth every penny not to waste days hitting redial like I was playing some twisted lottery game.

I'm literally checking my transcript EVERY SINGLE DAY and it's still blank!!! This is so stressful I can't even sleep! I desperately need my refund to pay for my car repair and every day it's delayed is another day I have to Uber to work which is eating up money I don't have!!! 😭 Last year I had my refund by March 1st but now it's almost April and NOTHING. Does ANYONE know how to make this go faster??? I tried calling 43 times yesterday and couldn't get through!!

I've been through this rodeo before. Last year my transcript was blank for almost a month. What worked for me was stopping the constant checking (which was just raising my blood pressure) and instead focusing on the cycle dates. The IRS typically updates transcripts on specific days of the week based on the last two digits of your Social Security number. I know everyone says to check WMR, but honestly I've found that tool to be about as useful as a chocolate teapot. The transcript, once it updates, gives you the real information.

Don't worry too much about the blank transcript - mine was emptier than my refrigerator after my college kids visit! 😂 Seriously though, I was in the same boat last month. Filed on February 3rd, transcript showed absolutely nothing until March 12th. Then suddenly EVERYTHING appeared at once and my deposit hit my account on March 15th. The system is backlogged but working. The verification code is only needed if they send you a specific letter requesting identity verification - not everyone gets it. Hang in there!

I've been tracking IRS processing patterns since January 15th when filing opened, and there's definitely a different pattern this year. As of March 27th, approximately 40% of returns are experiencing delayed transcript updates compared to previous years. The 14-digit verification is part of the expanded identity verification program that started rolling out in late 2023. If you filed with credits like the Child Tax Credit or Earned Income Credit, you're more likely to be selected for additional verification. The good news is that once verification is complete, most refunds are processed within 7-10 days.