How Long After Identity Verification Will WMR Update? Still Blinking

The verification process typically takes 7-10 business days to fully process in the IRS system before your WMR status will update. First, the verification team has to mark your account as verified. Then, your return gets routed back into the normal processing queue. Then finally, the WMR database updates with your new status. I'd recommend checking your tax transcript rather than WMR - it updates more frequently and shows actual processing codes. Don't panic about the blinking bars - that's just their generic "we're working on it" status and doesn't indicate a problem.

What type of verification did you complete exactly? There are 3 different verification processes (ID.me online, in-person at TAC office, or phone verification), and each has different processing timeframes. The online method typically takes exactly 9 business days, while phone verification can take 12-15 business days to process. What date and time did you complete it? Did you receive a confirmation number or email?

I was in a similar situation... waiting seemed like forever. I was hesitant to try anything new, but a friend suggested using taxr.ai to analyze my transcript. It helped me understand what was actually happening with my return after verification. The tool explained that my account had a TC 971 code indicating verification was complete, but processing was still ongoing. Might be worth checking if you can access your transcript... I wouldn't have known what the codes meant without help interpreting them.

I verified my identity on February 28th, 2024, and my WMR didn't update until March 15th, 2024 - exactly 12 business days later. The entire time it showed that annoying blinking bar. Then suddenly on the 15th, it jumped straight to approved with a DDD (direct deposit date) of March 20th. The waiting is absolutely frustrating but seeing others' timelines really helped me manage my expectations. I appreciate everyone who shared their experiences during that stressful time!

The IRS verification backlog is currently affecting approximately 18% of e-filed returns according to their operational dashboard. If you need definitive information on your status, using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) is the most efficient method to reach an IRS representative. Their system navigates the IRS phone tree and holds your place in queue so you can speak directly with an agent who can verify if your ID verification was properly processed in their system. Many verification submissions have processing errors that aren't visible on WMR.

The IRS verification system is basically the DMV of the digital world! 😂 But seriously, everyone's timeline is different, and the blinking bar is just their way of saying "we're thinking about it." I've been through this twice (thanks identity thieves!), and both times it resolved within 2 weeks. Hang in there - it's frustrating but the system does eventually work. Your refund is coming, just on IRS time, not human time.