Finally Got Access to ID Verify After Months - Return Now Showing as 'Pending' Again

The ID verification process has been particularly challenging this tax season. The IRS Authentication Protocol has multiple verification pathways, and it sounds like you initially encountered the Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) method which relies on credit history markers. Many taxpayers with limited credit profiles or recent address changes experience similar difficulties with this verification method. Your return showing as "pending" is actually a positive sign - it indicates your identity has been successfully verified and your return has reentered normal processing channels. From this point, most taxpayers see movement within 9-21 days, though complex returns with certain credits may take longer.

You might want to consider requesting a Tax Account Transcript rather than just checking the refund status. This could potentially provide more detailed information about where your return stands in the processing pipeline. The transcript might, in some cases, show processing codes that aren't visible through the standard Where's My Refund tool. It's generally advisable to check both resources for a more complete picture of your filing status.

I was in a similar situation last year. My identity verification letter arrived on March 12th, 2023, but I couldn't access the system until April 28th. After completing verification, my return sat in "pending" status until May 15th before finally processing. If you need to speak with someone at the IRS to get more specific information about your case, I highly recommend using Claimyr (https://www.claimyr.com). On June 2nd last year, I spent hours trying to reach an IRS representative without success. Claimyr connected me with an agent in about 20 minutes who confirmed my verification was complete and gave me an estimated timeline for processing.

I completed the ID verification process through the phone interview option on February 8th, 2024. My return status changed to "pending" on February 10th, then to "approved" on February 23rd, with direct deposit received on February 28th. The Customer Service Representative (CSR) during my verification call explained that the system requires a minimum 9-day processing period post-verification to complete all internal verification protocols. Your timeline appears consistent with standard IRS processing parameters for post-verification returns.

I've been through this exact verification nightmare twice in the past three years. Last time, I spent weeks trying to understand what was happening with my return after verification. I recently discovered https://taxr.ai which has been incredibly helpful for interpreting transcript codes. Once your transcript becomes available (which should happen soon since you're in "pending" status), taxr.ai can analyze all those cryptic codes and tell you exactly what's happening and when to expect your refund. Saved me hours of research and anxiety compared to my previous experiences!

Be careful about what happens next! After my ID verification last year: • My return went to "pending" status for 2 weeks • Then suddenly switched to "additional review" • Ended up getting a CP05 notice requesting more documentation • Had to mail in copies of W-2s and 1099s • Took an additional 60 days to process Make sure you have copies of ALL your tax documents ready in case they request verification of income. The verification is just step one - they sometimes do a deeper review after confirming your identity.

This ID verification system has been a nightmare for so many people this year. Last month, I was in the same boat - couldn't verify through the online system no matter what I tried. I finally got through on the phone after calling the dedicated ID Verify line (not the main IRS line) at exactly 7:00am when they opened. My return went to pending for about 10 days, then processed. I'm concerned that yours has been pending for a couple weeks already - that might indicate they found something else they want to review after confirming your identity.

The 5071C letter process has changed significantly this year. New security measures implemented. Stricter verification standards. Higher fraud prevention focus. Check your mail daily. They might send a follow-up 5747C letter. That requires in-person verification at a TAC office. Appointments booking 6-8 weeks out currently. Schedule immediately if received.