E-filed early February, empty transcripts, needs identity verification but no letter received - how long after in-person verification?

Thanks for the detailed response! Did they ask you any specific questions about your return during verification?

Yeah, they basically went through some line items on my return and asked me to confirm them. Nothing too detailed, just making sure I was the one who filed it. The whole thing took maybe 20 minutes.

This is super helpful. I've been waiting for my verification letter for like 3 weeks now. Might just go the in-person route too

I had a similar timeline - about 8 days for transcript update, another week for the deposit. Just be prepared to wait in line at the office even with an appointment!!

Sounds interesting. How exactly does it work? Does it just read your transcript or does it do more?

It's AMAZING. It scans your transcript and explains every code and date in plain english. It told me exactly why my refund was delayed and even predicted when I'd get my money. I was about to have a breakdown dealing with the IRS until I found this. Seriously changed my whole tax season experience.

another sketchy website asking for personal info? no thanks 🙄

No no it's not like that at all! It just helps interpret transcript codes that the IRS already gave you. Literally saved me hours of googling random codes and trying to figure out what was happening with my refund. You should definitely try it!

is this some kind of ad? lol

I actually used taxr last month when my refund was stuck in processing for weeks. It showed me exactly what was happening when the Where's My Refund tool was useless. Would recommend 💯

Did you have to verify your identity with them too? Was wondering if they could expedite the process somehow

They couldn't do the verification over the phone, but the agent confirmed what was holding up my refund and gave me correct information about what to do next. Better than guessing or waiting for a letter that's probably lost in the mail!

another tax service? does this actually work or just take your money

it's just a way to skip the IRS phone queue. honestly it was the best money I've spent during tax season. I was on hold for 3+ hours multiple times before finding this. got to speak to a real person who could actually help

I tried calling the IRS like 10 times and always got the "call back later" message. This sounds promising tbh

Ugh that's exactly what's happening to me. What documents did they ask for that weren't on the website?

They wanted my W-2s, a utility bill, and even asked for my birth certificate (which I didn't have). Luckily passport + drivers license + social security card was enough. Just bring everything you can think of to be safe

this is why I pay a CPA to handle everything. the IRS system is completely broken

a CPA won't help with identity verification issues tho 🤡

I called right when they opened at 7am and got lucky I guess. The rep said they release new appointments each morning.

Thx gonna try that tomorrow. Been calling mid-day like a fool 😩

Try different IRS offices if you can travel a bit. Sometimes the smaller suburban offices have more availability than the main city locations.

This is incredibly helpful, thank you! I've been trying to understand the whole process. Did you need an appointment confirmation letter or anything?

They'll email you a confirmation - make sure to print that and bring it with you. They're pretty strict about the appointment times and documentation.

Do you know what triggers these verification requirements? Is it random or is there something in your return that flags it?

From what I understand, it could be a combination of factors - significant changes in income/deductions from previous years, first-time filing, moving to a new address, or just random selection for security. The IRS doesn't publish their exact criteria.

Preach! They can draft my bank account in seconds but take months to process a refund. Make it make sense 🤦‍♀️

It's by design. They hold onto our money as long as possible.

And they charge penalties and interest when you pay late, but do they pay US interest when our refunds are late? Nope!

actually they do pay interest on delayed refunds after 45 days from filing deadline or the date you filed, whichever is later. but the rate is pathetic lol

wait fr? I've never seen interest added to my refund and I've had some REALLY delayed ones

They only add it if it's their fault for the delay, not if they're waiting on you for something like verification. System is rigged 🤷‍♂️

yes they can! I had to verify for 2 years last spring. Just make sure to bring copies of both returns.

awesome, thanks! did they make you do the whole process twice or just verified both at once?

They did it all in one shot, took maybe 5-10 minutes longer than a single year verification. Super quick honestly.

how is this different from just checking your transcript yourself? seems kinda unnecessary

have you ever tried to read those transcripts? it's like trying to decode alien hieroglyphics 👽 this actually explains what each code means and what's happening with your refund. saved me hours of googling random codes and dates

I tried this last week when my refund was stuck and it showed me I had an audit review that wasn't showing on the Where's My Refund tool. Worth checking out if you're confused by the IRS gibberish

That's a great idea! Just signed up for it now, thanks!

Informed Delivery is the BEST. I use it for everything now. No more 'lost mail' excuses from anyone lol

Be aware that it doesn't catch everything though. Sometimes letters slip through without being scanned in the system.

seems sketchy, does it actually work? how much did it cost?

It absolutely works! I was super skeptical too, but after trying to call the IRS for literal WEEKS and always getting the 'call volume too high' message, I was desperate. It was worth every penny to finally talk to someone who could help. My refund was released a week after I verified.

I used it too! After months of trying to reach the IRS myself with no luck. Got a callback in like 2 hours and the agent was actually really helpful.

This happens to MILLIONS of people every year. The IRS estimates that something like 20% of refunds require some kind of verification or additional review. That's why checking your transcript regularly is so important.

and the people who need their refunds the most (lower income) are least likely to know how to navigate the system. it's so predatory

And they wonder why people hate the IRS so much 😒

Ugh that's so frustrating. Did you call to follow up at all during those 6 weeks?

I called every week and got a different answer each time. One agent said it was processing, another said I needed to verify AGAIN, a third said everything was fine and to just wait. Total chaos.

this is making me nervous...I verified two weeks ago and still nothing

wait really? might try this next year, the verification stuff is so annoying

This is actually true! The automated system that flags for verification mainly focuses on electronic returns. Paper returns go through a different process.

but paper returns take forever to process. last year it took like 4 months to get my refund when I filed by mail

yeah but at least it's a predictable 3-4 months. with e-file and verification issues it can be anywhere from 3 weeks to never lol