How many days after entering verification code does IRS actually process return? Been waiting weeks!
I entered the 6-digit verification code from my ID.me account for my 2024 tax return on April 9th. The IRS website said my return was received, but it's now been about 3 weeks and there's still no update on my refund status. The Where's My Refund tool just says it's still processing. I called the IRS twice but couldn't get through to anyone - just automated messages saying high call volume. Anyone know how long it typically takes after verification code entry before they actually approve your return? Starting to get worried something is wrong with my filing. I'm expecting around $2,300 back and really need that money soon.
43 comments


Natasha Kuznetsova
Tax verification codes are just the first step in the process. After verification, your return still needs to go through several processing stages. The normal timeframe is 21 days from acceptance (not from verification code entry), but that's just an estimate. Many returns are taking 30-45 days right now due to high volume. A few things to check: - Look at your tax transcript online (not just Where's My Refund) - Check if you claimed certain credits like EITC or Child Tax Credit that can delay processing - Verify your return didn't have math errors that could trigger a manual review - Make sure your bank info was entered correctly If it's been more than 45 days, then I'd suggest trying to reach an agent. The IRS phone systems are nightmarish this time of year.
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Oliver Wagner
•Thanks, I haven't checked my transcript yet. I'll try doing that. And yes, I did claim the Child Tax Credit, so maybe that's slowing things down?
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Natasha Kuznetsova
•Absolutely - CTC claims are getting extra scrutiny this year. It's not necessarily a problem with your return, just part of their verification process. Check your transcript and you might see pending codes that explain the delay.
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Javier Mendoza
•I filed with CTC too and mine took 37 days from acceptance to deposit. Hang in there!
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Emma Thompson
I was in the exact same situation last month! Waited forever after verification and couldn't understand why it was taking so long. Then I tried using taxr.ai which helped me actually understand what was going on with my transcript and return. It showed me exactly where my return was stuck in processing and what codes meant without having to be a tax expert. Way better than trying to decipher everything myself! I recommend checking it out at https://taxr.ai instead of stressing for weeks like I did.
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Malik Davis
•Sounds interesting. How exactly does it work? Does it just read your transcript or does it do more?
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Emma Thompson
•It basically analyzes your entire transcript and explains everything in plain English. It found issues I had no idea about and explained exactly what each code and date meant. It saved me hours of frustration trying to figure it out myself. And yeah it does more than just read - it gives you personalized advice based on your specific situation.
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Malik Davis
•I JUST TRIED IT AND OMG THIS TOOL IS AMAZING! It showed me exactly why my refund was delayed (something about a random review flag) and even estimated when I'll actually get my money. Wish I'd known about this months ago instead of spending hours on endless IRS phone trees! 100% recommend to anyone dealing with tax confusion.
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Isabella Santos
•does it cost anything? skeptical of anything thats not free tbh
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Emma Thompson
•It's not free but honestly worth every penny for the peace of mind. I spent more on coffee last week than I did on finally understanding my tax situation lol
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StarStrider
After weeks of getting nowhere with my verification and refund issues, I finally got through to an actual human at the IRS using the Claimyr app (claimyr.com). They navigate the phone tree for you and get you to an agent without the endless waiting. The agent I spoke with explained exactly what was happening with my verification and why my refund was being held up - turned out there was a small discrepancy they needed to verify. Talking to a real person solved in 15 minutes what I'd been stressing about for weeks! Absolutely the best way I spent money during this whole tax nightmare.
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Ravi Gupta
•sound scammy tbh...how would an app get you past IRS wait times?
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StarStrider
•Not a scam at all. It basically navigates the phone system and waits on hold for you, then calls you when an agent is ready. I was skeptical too but after trying for 2 weeks to get through myself, this worked on the first try. They don't do anything with your tax info - they just handle the calling part.
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Freya Pedersen
•Whats the point of paying for someone to call the IRS for you? just sounds dumb
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Omar Hassan
•Clearly you haven't tried calling the IRS lately lmao. I spent 3 days trying to get through last month, getting disconnected after waiting 2+ hours each time. These call services actually work.
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StarStrider
•The point is not wasting entire days on hold only to get disconnected. Time is money and for me it was worth it to actually get answers.
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Chloe Anderson
The ID.me verification code is separate from your tax processing. The IRS is massively backed up this year - my return took 8 weeks last time. Theyre literally using computers from the 1960s still 🤣
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Diego Vargas
I'm on day 57 since ID verification ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ The IRS is a disaster this year!!
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CosmicCruiser
•Day 57?? Have you tried calling them? That's way past normal processing time
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Diego Vargas
•Called 6 times and get disconnected every time. Got through once and they just said "its still processing" and to be patient. SUPER HELPFUL.
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Anastasia Fedorov
•You should really check your transcript if you have access to it. Might show if there's an actual issue or if it's just in the processing queue.
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Sean Doyle
Verification and approval are totally different things. The 14 digit code is just for them to confirm you are who you say you are. After that your actual return goes into processing que and those timelines are all over the place right now. Could be a week, could be months.
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Zara Rashid
Took me 31 days from verification to deposit last months. Hang in there, it's suuuuper annoying I know.
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Oliver Wagner
•Thanks, that helps to know. I'm on day 23 so hopefully soon!
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Luca Romano
mine was literally a few days but i filed in january before the rush. filing in april means youre in line with millions of other people who waited til the deadline. the IRS is basically running on hamster wheels and prayers at this point lol
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Nia Jackson
There is NO standard timeline anymore!!! Some people get approved in 2 weeks, others are waiting 2+ months. The IRS is a complete dumpster fire 🔥 right now. Did you claim any tax credits? Those slow things down a lot.
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Oliver Wagner
•Yeah I claimed Child Tax Credit. Starting to realize that's probably why it's taking longer.
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Nia Jackson
•Yep thats ur problem right there. CTC claims are getting extra scrutiny this year. My sister is on week 6 with hers.
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NebulaNova
Wait, what 14 digit verification code? I filed and never entered any code at all. Is this something new for 2024?
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Mateo Hernandez
•OP probably meant the 6-digit code from ID.me. Some people have to verify their identity before their return is processed, especially first-time filers or if there's been suspected fraud with your SSN before.
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NebulaNova
•Ohhh that makes sense. Thanks!
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Aisha Khan
Ok so Im a tax preparer and here's whats going on: The IRS is SEVERELY understaffed and returns are taking way longer than the 21 days they claim. The code verification has nothing to do with actual processing time. My clients are seeing anywhere from 3-10 weeks for refunds right now, depending on complexity of return and what credits were claimed.
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Ethan Taylor
•^^ This is the correct answer. 21 days is just a guideline and means nothing in reality.
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Yuki Ito
•Is there any way to speed it up? I'm in a similar situation and really need the money.
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Aisha Khan
•Unfortunately no real way to speed it up. Best bet is actually talking to an agent if you're past the 45 day mark, but that's easier said than done with their phone systems.
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Carmen Lopez
Lol welcome to the hell that is waiting for the IRS to do ANYTHING. I'm on week 8 of waiting after verification. Called them twice and got nowhere. The system is straight up broken. 👀
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AstroAdventurer
If it makes you feel any better, I waited 97 days last year after ID verification before I got my refund. Just expect the worst and be pleasantly surprised if it comes sooner.
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Andre Dupont
•97 days?? Thats insane! Did they pay you interest at least?
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AstroAdventurer
•Yeah they did add interest, but it was like $37 on a $4000 refund. Not exactly making up for the 3+ months of waiting.
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Zoe Papanikolaou
The real issue is that the 'Where's My Refund' tool is basically useless. It shows the same status for weeks even when things are actually happening with your return. You need to check your tax transcript on the IRS website for actual updates and codes.
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Oliver Wagner
•Thanks, I'll try checking my transcript. Where exactly do I find it on the IRS site?
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Zoe Papanikolaou
•Go to IRS.gov > Get Your Tax Record > Get Transcript Online. You'll need to create an account if you don't have one. Then look for the Account Transcript for 2024.
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Jamal Wilson
Last year after verification my return was processed in exactly 5 weeks. 2022 took like 10 weeks. Its totally random and depends on their workload. If you claimed credits like EITC or CTC it definitely takes longer cuz they have extra verification steps.
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