Filed 1/30 with TurboTax - Still No Update (First Year Claiming Son in Rotation)

The first year claiming a dependent who was previously claimed by another parent often triggers additional verification. This isn't necessarily an audit, but the IRS cross-references dependent information to prevent duplicate claims. Your return is likely in the verification queue. Most of these resolve within 60-90 days without you needing to do anything. Just keep checking your transcript weekly for updates.

Have you checked your actual tax transcript rather than just the WMR tool? Sometimes WMR doesn't update but your transcript will show processing codes. Here's what to do: 1. Go to IRS.gov and access your online account 2. Request a "2023 Account Transcript" 3. Look for processing codes like 570 (additional review) or 971 (notice issued) 4. Check for cycle codes (last two digits indicate processing day of week) Also, did your ex already file and claim the child by mistake? That would definitely cause a delay.

Your return is likely stuck in what I call the "dependent verification traffic jam." Think of it like a highway with a special lane for returns with alternating dependents - that lane moves slower because each vehicle needs extra inspection. I used taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) to analyze my transcript when I was in a similar situation last year. It explained every code on my transcript and gave me a much clearer timeline than the IRS site. The tool helped me understand that my return wasn't lost or flagged for audit - just going through additional verification steps because I was claiming my daughter for the first time in our alternating schedule.

I experienced this exact scenario last year. Filed January 25th, alternating dependent with ex-spouse, and my return didn't process until March 29th. The IRS has an automated verification system called Dependent Database (DDb) that cross-references dependent claims across tax years. When it detects a dependent claimed by different taxpayers in consecutive years, it triggers a secondary review process. Have you verified that your ex didn't accidentally claim the child this year? That would create a duplicate claim situation requiring manual review. Did your custody agreement specifically mention tax benefits allocation?

I was in your exact situation last year - alternating claiming my daughter with her mom. After waiting 8 weeks with no updates, I tried calling the IRS regular number and spent THREE DAYS trying to get through. Finally used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and got connected to an agent within 35 minutes. Turns out my return was just sitting in a verification queue because it was my first time claiming my daughter. The agent was able to verify everything was fine and my return processed the following week. I was honestly shocked at how complicated the system is for something as common as alternating dependents between parents!

The IRS has special verification procedures for alternating dependents. This is normal. They're preventing fraud. Their systems flag these returns automatically. Manual review takes time. Your return isn't lost. It's in a special processing queue. No need to worry yet. The 2023 processing timeline is longer than usual. Many first-time dependent claims take 8-10 weeks. Keep checking your transcript weekly. Look for code 570 or 971 to appear. That means verification has started.

Welcome to the wonderful world of IRS dependent verification! 😅 I'm in the same boat (filed 2/2, alternating custody with ex). From what I've gathered lurking on this sub, returns with first-time dependent claims or alternating dependents are taking 8-12 weeks this season. The good news is that the vast majority process without requiring any additional documentation. The bad news is there's not much we can do except wait it out. I've seen several posts from people in our situation who suddenly got their DDD after 9+ weeks with zero prior updates. Hang in there!