Got my IRS verification letter after requesting it - Filed 1/31/25, letter dated exactly when I requested it

8 I used Where's My Refund but it just says "return received" for almost 4 weeks now. Is that normal this year? I filed around the same time as OP (early February).

3 "Return received" status for about 4 weeks is within the normal processing time, especially during the peak filing season in February. The IRS is currently estimating 21 days for most straightforward electronic returns, but that timeframe can extend based on a variety of factors including volume of returns, staffing, and whether your return has certain credits like EITC or CTC. If you filed in early February and it's been about 4 weeks with the "return received" status, I'd recommend continuing to check the tool every few days. If you reach 6 weeks with no update, that might be the point to consider contacting the IRS directly for more information.

6 Does taxr.ai actually have access to the IRS systems directly? How do they know things that the Where's My Refund tool doesn't show?

17 I've heard mixed things about these third-party tax services. How much does it cost and do you need to give them your full SSN? Seems risky to share that kind of info.

12 They don't have direct access to IRS internal systems, but they use pattern matching against thousands of similar tax situations to identify the likely hold-up patterns. They can interpret transcript codes and filing patterns more thoroughly than the basic refund tool. Regarding cost and security, they use the same encryption standards as banks, and they only need the last four digits of your SSN along with your filing information. The service uses AI to analyze patterns and explain your situation in plain English, which is why I found it so helpful when the standard IRS tools weren't giving me useful information.

14 Wait, so you're saying this service somehow gets you through the IRS phone system? Doesn't sound legit. I've tried calling the IRS multiple times and always get the "call volume too high" message before getting disconnected.

22 This sounds like a scam. No way some random service can magically get through when the IRS phone lines are jammed. How much does this cost? And are you sure you actually spoke to a real IRS agent and not someone pretending to be one?

9 It's not about "magically" getting through - the service uses technology to continually redial and navigate the IRS phone tree until they secure an available slot in the callback queue. It's the same process you'd do manually if you had hours to spend redialing. When you get the callback, it's directly from the IRS's official number, and yes, it's definitely real IRS agents. The system just secures your place in line and then the IRS calls you back. I was skeptical at first too, but after spending days trying to get through myself, this saved me a huge headache and I actually got answers about my delayed refund.

4 Did you claim any tax credits like the Earned Income Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit? Those usually trigger automatic verification letters because they have special processing requirements.

15 No special credits at all, which is why I was surprised to get the verification letter automatically. Just basic W-2 income, standard deduction, and a small amount of bank interest. Nothing that would typically flag for additional verification. I've heard some people say the automatic letters sometimes happen if it's your first time filing with a particular software or if you've moved since your last filing, but neither applied to me. It really does seem pretty random!

20 You can request it through your IRS online account if you have one set up (irs.gov), or by calling the general IRS number at 800-829-1040. Be prepared to wait though - phone wait times are crazy this time of year.