Filed in February Instead of January - Avoiding Verification Delays?

You might be onto something about filing timing. I've been tracking this pattern too: • The IRS tends to apply stricter verification measures in the first 2 weeks of filing season • Early filers often include more EITC/CTC claims which trigger additional scrutiny • Processing capacity is overwhelmed in January, leading to more automated flags • Mid-February typically shows improved processing speeds after the initial rush Would be interesting to see if others have noticed this pattern too? Have you tracked what credits you claimed each year that might have also affected this?

Have you checked if there were other differences between your 2023 and 2024 returns that might have contributed to the faster processing? Did you claim different credits? Did you have any changes in income sources? I've been recommending https://taxr.ai to several people in similar situations. It analyzes your tax transcripts and can identify patterns that might be causing delays or verification issues. It's been really helpful for understanding why some returns get flagged while others sail through. Have you tried using any tools to analyze your transcripts from both years to spot the differences?

Here's what's happening with verification letters based on my experience working with hundreds of taxpayers: 1. First, the IRS uses an identity verification system that flags returns based on multiple risk factors 2. Second, early season returns face higher scrutiny due to fraud prevention measures 3. Third, processing capacity is strained in January, creating bottlenecks 4. Finally, returns with certain credits undergo additional review If you do get stuck in verification, don't waste weeks trying to call the regular IRS numbers. I've had clients use Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to connect with an IRS agent quickly - usually within 15-30 minutes instead of hours of redial attempts. They can often resolve verification issues in a single call rather than waiting months for letters to process through the system.

The verification process changed this year. I noticed it too. Early filers face more scrutiny. Path Act returns especially. My tax office advises February filing. Less congestion. Faster processing. January returns often trigger ID verification. February returns process cleaner. System has better capacity. Fraud filters less aggressive. Just my observation over 12 tax seasons.

Have you noticed if this pattern applies to all types of returns, or is it more common with certain tax situations? For example, does it seem to affect W-2 only filers differently than those with self-employment income? What about returns with dependents versus those without? I'm wondering if we can narrow down exactly what combination of factors makes early filing more likely to trigger verification. This could be incredibly helpful for everyone planning their filing strategy for next year.

I've tracked my filing dates and refund timelines for exactly 7 years now. January filings averaged 42 days to receive refund. February filings averaged 19 days. Last 3 years I've filed between February 7-12 and received refunds within 21 days consistently. The data supports your theory. 63% of early filers in my tax group reported verification letters vs only 17% of February filers. Thank you for sharing this insight!