Called IRS About My Stalled Refund - Now They're Sending a Verification Letter?

This is actually a standard procedure for many returns this year. Here's what's happening: 1. Your return was accepted (meaning it passed the initial format check) 2. During processing, something triggered an ID verification requirement 3. The system automatically queues a verification letter 4. Until you complete verification, your return stays in this limbo status The good news is that once you receive and respond to the letter, things usually move quickly. The letter will contain instructions for verifying online through ID.me or by phone. Don't worry too much - this isn't an audit, just a security measure that's become increasingly common.

I think you might be able to get ahead of this... I'm not 100% certain, but I believe you can try to verify your identity proactively through the IRS website without waiting for the letter. Look for the "Verify Your Identity" section on IRS.gov. I hesitate to guarantee this will work in your specific case, but it's worth trying rather than waiting weeks for a letter that may or may not arrive promptly. Just be prepared with all your documents when you attempt this.

Have you tried calling back? The first agent you speak with isn't always the most helpful. I was in a similar situation last month and kept getting different answers until I finally got through to someone who could actually help. I ended up using Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) after wasting hours on hold. They got me connected to an agent in under 30 minutes who actually explained exactly what was happening with my return and what I needed to do. Direct answers save so much time compared to waiting for mysterious letters.

This sounds like the dreaded 5071C letter situation. I went through this last year, but my sister-in-law had a much worse experience with it this year compared to what I dealt with. In her case, the letter took almost 5 weeks to arrive, then another 3 weeks after verification before her refund was released. It's definitely more strict than the regular processing path. Have you checked if you have any codes on your account transcript? If you can access that, you might see a 570 code which would confirm they've put a hold on your refund pending verification.

What you're experiencing is actually the IRS's expanded identity verification program that started in late 2023. Why are they doing this? Because tax identity theft exploded during COVID and they're still catching up. Have you filed with a new software this year? Changed addresses? Claimed significantly different credits? All these can trigger verification flags. The most efficient approach now is to create an ID.me account if you don't already have one. When that letter arrives (typically 2-3 weeks from when the agent noted your account), you'll be ready to verify immediately. Is it annoying? Absolutely. But it's also protecting your tax identity from potential fraud. The verification letter will be a 5071C or 5747C - keep an eye out for either one.

I tracked exactly 823 posts about this issue across 3 tax forums over the past 8 weeks. Approximately 72% of people who filed between January 29th and February 15th and called the IRS before March 15th are getting this exact response. The verification letter (Form 5071C) takes precisely 14-21 days to arrive in most cases. After verification, 86% of refunds are processed within 9 days. The remaining 14% encounter secondary reviews taking an additional 15-30 days. Your best strategy is to create an ID.me account now to be prepared when the letter arrives.

Oh my goodness, I'm literally going through this exact thing right now! It's so frustrating! I filed on 2/10 and called last week because nothing was happening. Got the same response about a verification letter coming soon. I was nearly in tears because I'm counting on that money for car repairs. The letter finally arrived yesterday (took about 2.5 weeks) and I verified online immediately. My transcript updated THIS MORNING with a DDD for next Wednesday! I'm so relieved! Hang in there - the waiting is the hardest part but once you get that letter, things move pretty quickly! 🙌

I was in this exact situation in February. Filed on 1/29, called on 2/20 when nothing was happening, and got the same response about waiting for a verification letter. The letter came about 3 weeks later, I verified online immediately, and my refund was in my account 8 days after that. The whole process was anxiety-inducing but worked out fine in the end. My advice: set up informed delivery with USPS so you know exactly when that letter arrives, then jump on the verification immediately. Don't wait even a day - it makes a difference in how quickly they process it afterward.