Completed IRS return verification through ID.me - Will it really take up to 9 weeks to process my April return?
So I just completed the return verification process through the IRS website using ID.me. Got a confirmation page saying "Verification is Complete" and "Congratulations! You have successfully completed the return verification process. We now have the necessary information to continue processing your return. Processing can take up to 9 weeks." The full message on the IRS verification completion page reads: "Verification is Complete Congratulations! You have successfully completed the return verification process. We now have the necessary information to continue processing your return. Processing can take up to 9 weeks. If there are other issues, you may receive a notice requesting additional information that will extend the time that you'll receive your refund. You may check the status of your tax refund using Where's My Refund or the IRS2Go mobile app after 2 to 3 weeks." There was also information about getting an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) as a proactive step to protect myself from tax-related identity theft. The page explained that "An IP PIN is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. The IP PIN is known only to you and the IRS. It helps us verify your identity when you file your electronic or paper tax return. Even if you may not have a filing requirement, an IP PIN still protects your account." Has anyone gone through this return verification process recently? How long did it actually take for your return to be processed after verification? The 9 week timeline seems really long but I'm hoping it might be faster. My return was originally filed in April and I just now got through verification in October. I'm wondering if I should go ahead and get an IP PIN as suggested on the confirmation page, or if that would further delay my refund processing.
48 comments
Ava Hernandez
I went through this exact process last year. The 9 weeks they mention is definitely the worst-case scenario. In my experience, it took about 4 weeks after verification for my return to be fully processed and my refund to be issued. The Where's My Refund tool did update for me after about 12 days showing that it was being processed. The delay happens because once you verify, they still have to run your return through their normal processing checks. If you had any credits like Earned Income Credit or Child Tax Credit, that can add time too. Make sure you've set up direct deposit for faster payment once they do process it. And definitely check the WMR tool or the IRS2Go app regularly - sometimes it updates before you receive any notice.
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Noah Lee
Thanks for sharing ur experience. Yes I did setup direct deposit. Fingers crossed it doesn't actually take 9 weeks!
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Isabella Martin
This is actually super helpful info. I'm in week 3 of waiting after verification and was getting worried. The IRS website is so vague about timelines.
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Ava Hernandez
No problem! Just be aware that the IRS is still catching up from backlogs, so timelines can vary. But in my experience they usually overestimate rather than underestimate.
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Elijah Jackson
I used to spend hours trying to figure out what was happening with my tax return. The IRS website was so confusing and their verification process took forever. Then I found this tool called taxr.ai and it was an absolute game changer. It analyzed my transcripts and explained everything in plain English - showed exactly where my verification was in the process and predicted when I'd get my refund. Saved me so much stress and confusion! I check it weekly now to track my return status. https://taxr.ai
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Sophia Miller
Sounds interesting. How exactly does it work? Does it just read your transcript or does it do more?
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Elijah Jackson
It does WAY more than just read transcripts. It actually analyzes all the codes and dates on your transcript and explains what's happening in normal words. It also predicts refund dates based on your specific situation and can tell you if there are any problems. I was completely lost before using it - the verification process was a mystery but taxr showed me exactly where I was in the queue.
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Sophia Miller
Just tried it and WOW. I've been stressing about my ID verification for weeks not understanding what was happening. This tool actually explained everything and showed me my estimated completion date. Everyone dealing with IRS issues needs to know about this! Game changer for real 🙌
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Mason Davis
Is it safe tho? Tax stuff has all my personal information
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Elijah Jackson
You just upload your transcript that you download from the IRS. Super secure and it doesn't store your data long-term.
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Mia Rodriguez
I was stuck in verification hell for months until I discovered this app called Claimyr that got me connected to a real IRS agent in under an hour. After weeks of calling and getting disconnected, the agent I finally talked to cleared up my verification issue immediately and my refund was processed within 2 weeks. Honestly talking to a real human was the only thing that moved the needle - those automated systems are useless. Check out claimyr.com if you're tired of waiting. Best decision I made during this whole tax nightmare.
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Jacob Lewis
Does this actually work? Feels like nothing can get through to the IRS these days 🤔
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Mia Rodriguez
100% works. I was super skeptical too, but after trying to call the IRS for like 3 weeks straight and always getting the "high call volume" message, I was desperate. The app basically holds your place in line and calls you when they get an agent. Talking to a real person cleared up my verification issue in one call.
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Amelia Martinez
How much does something like that cost? Sounds too good to be true
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Mia Rodriguez
Honestly, it was the best money I've ever spent on anything tax-related. Considering I was waiting on a $4500 refund, getting that released quickly was worth every penny. Can't put a price on getting actual answers instead of automated messages!
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Ethan Clark
Just tried it and got through to an agent in 45 minutes after trying for WEEKS on my own. My verification issue is now resolved! Can't believe I didn't know about this sooner.
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Mila Walker
Everyone saying "just 4 weeks" or whatever is giving you false hope. I verified back in July and I'm STILL waiting for my refund. The IRS is completely overwhelmed and understaffed. Just prepare yourself for the worst and be pleasantly surprised if it's faster.
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Noah Lee
Oh no, that's discouraging. Have you tried calling them to see what's going on with yours?
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Mila Walker
Tried calling about 20 times. Can never get through. Eventually got a letter saying there was "additional review" needed. The whole system is broken 🤬
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Logan Scott
That happened to me too! After verification they flagged my return for "additional review" which added another 60 days. So frustrating!
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Chloe Green
I went thru this back in May after filing in February. Took exactly 5 weeks and 2 days from verification to refund deposit. HOWEVER my sister did the same verification process and hers took the full 9 weeks plus a few extra days. Seems to be completely random tbh.
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Lucas Adams
The timeline depends on what triggered the verification in the first place. If it was a random identity check, usually faster (3-5 weeks). If there were discrepancies or fraud flags on your return, it can take the full 9 weeks or even longer. Did they tell you why you needed to verify?
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Noah Lee
They never said specifically why. Just got a letter saying I needed to verify my identity before they could process my return.
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Lucas Adams
That's probably just a random identity check then, which is good news. Those tend to process faster in my experience. I'd guess 3-6 weeks for you.
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Harper Hill
pro tip: the where's my refund tool is basically useless during this waiting period. It will just say "being processed" forever. If you want actual updates, create an account on the IRS website and check your transcript. The transcript will update with codes that tell you actual progress.
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Caden Nguyen
This is 1000% accurate. Where's My Refund is trash. Transcripts are where the real info is.
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Avery Flores
Omg yes! I was checking WMR daily like a clown 🤡 while my transcript had all the real info the whole time. Look for code 846 - that's when your refund is scheduled!
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Noah Lee
Thanks for the tip! I'll check my transcript instead.
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Zoe Gonzalez
u might wanna check if u need to submit any addtional documents. sometimes after verification they find other issues. happened to me and it added another 8 weeks to the process ðŸ˜
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Ashley Adams
Whatever you do, DONT call the IRS about this. They will just tell you to wait, and possibly flag your return for additional review just because you called. Just wait it out and check your transcript.
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Alexis Robinson
This is terrible advice. If it's been more than the timeframe they gave you, ABSOLUTELY call. My return was stuck for months until I called and they fixed an error in their system.
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Ashley Adams
Not terrible advice at all. I worked at the IRS for 6 years. Most calls about "where's my refund" result in nothing because the reps can't expedite anything. And yes, sometimes pushy callers get flagged for additional review.
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Alexis Robinson
Fine, but in my case the IRS literally lost my verification and it never would have been processed if I hadn't called. Sometimes you have to advocate for yourself.
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Aaron Lee
Did u get the IP PIN they mentioned? I skipped that part but now I'm wondering if that was a mistake. Does anyone know if the IP PIN speeds up processing?
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Chloe Mitchell
The IP PIN doesn't speed up current processing, it's just to protect your future returns from identity theft. But it's definitely a good idea to get one!
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Aaron Lee
Ok thanks! I'll set that up regardless then, sounds like a good security measure.
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Michael Adams
My brother just went through this - he verified on sept 12th and got his refund october 5th. So just over 3 weeks. There's hope! But i've heard of people waiting the full 9 weeks too. Tax season is a mess this year
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Natalie Wang
Instead of telling u what I think will happen, here are the ACTUAL average processing times I tracked from the r/IRS subreddit for this year: - ID Verify (random): 3-5 weeks - ID Verify (fraud concerns): 6-9 weeks - ID Verify with EIC/CTC: 7-11 weeks - ID Verify with amended return: 12+ weeks Hope this helps give you a realistic expectation!
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Noah Lee
This is super helpful, thank you! I do have EIC so I guess I'm looking at 7-11 weeks based on your data. At least now I have realistic expectations.
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Natalie Wang
No problem! Yeah the EIC definitely adds processing time since they manually review those. But I've seen some process faster too, so don't lose hope.
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Noah Torres
The funny thing about "up to 9 weeks" is that it can actually be longer 😂 There's always some fine print. Just accept that the IRS moves at their own pace and try to forget about it until the money appears in your account.
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Samantha Hall
After my verification, I received a CP05 notice saying they were reviewing my return. That added another 60 days to the timeline. Be prepared that this might happen to you too - it's pretty common after verification.
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Noah Lee
Ugh I really hope that doesn't happen. Did you ever figure out why they needed to do additional review in your case?
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Samantha Hall
Nope, never got a clear answer. They just said it was "routine". Eventually got my refund after about 14 weeks total. The IRS is basically a black box.
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Ryan Young
Look at your transcript for cycle code 9051 - that means it entered the verification passed/manual review stage. Once you see codes 570 and 571 appearing close together, your refund is usually about 2 weeks away.
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Sophia Clark
i just went through this exact thing. Verified on 8/24 and got my refund on 9/29. But i know others who waited longer. its literally just luck of the draw and how backed up they are when ur case hits the queue.
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Katherine Harris
The IRS is a disaster this year. I know someone who verified in February and still doesn't have their refund in October. Not trying to scare you but manage your expectations. The system is broken.
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Madison Allen
I can vouch for this. My mom verified in March and just got her refund last week. 7 months of waiting with zero communication from the IRS. Absolutely ridiculous.
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