ID Verification Letter Still Not Received - Transcript Shows No Return Filed

ID verify letters are taking forever this yr. Avg time is ~14 days but I've seen ppl waiting 3+ wks. The back-and-forth "as of" dates are normal - just IRS computer cycles updating. Your WMR saying "processing" while transcript shows "no return" is typical during ID verify holds. You can try to verify online at ID.me without waiting for letter. Go to IRS.gov > ID verify section. Need to create acct if you don't have one. You'll need DL/passport + ability to take selfie. Might need to do video chat w/rep if automated system can't verify.

I think I can help explain what's happening with your return based on my own experience. Here's what I've learned: 1. First, check if your transcript has any TC 570 codes - this indicates a hold 2. Next, look for a TC 971 with a specific action code 3. The combination of these codes typically indicates ID verification is needed I started using https://taxr.ai to decode my transcript when I was in your situation. It explained exactly what each code meant and gave me a timeline for when my refund would process after verification. Have you tried looking at your transcript codes specifically?

I would suggest not waiting for the letter if possible... I've noticed that many people this tax season are experiencing significant delays with ID verification letters. Perhaps the IRS is overwhelmed with verification requests or there are postal service issues. Just to be safe, you might want to: - Check your spam folder if you have an online account - Try the ID.me verification process as mentioned - Document all your attempts to verify (dates, times) - Keep checking your transcript weekly, not daily The fluctuating "as of" dates aren't necessarily bad, but they do indicate your return is in the system somewhere.

On February 15th, I was in the exact same situation with my ID verification. After waiting until March 2nd with no letter, I decided to call the IRS directly. Spent 3 hours on hold before giving up. The next day, I used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to get through to an agent in about 25 minutes. The agent confirmed my ID verification was triggered but said I could verify over the phone right then. Answered a few questions about my past returns, and they lifted the hold immediately. My transcript updated on March 7th and refund was deposited on March 12th. Practically speaking, waiting for that letter might cost you weeks of processing time.

Why is the IRS still using snail mail for something as time-sensitive as identity verification? Wouldn't it make more sense to use email or text? Anyway, I went through this exact scenario last month. My solution was calling the dedicated ID Verify line at 800-830-5084 (don't use the general IRS number). I called at exactly 7:01am when they opened and got through in 10 minutes. The agent verified my identity over the phone and removed the hold. My transcript updated within 3 days, showing my return was processed, and my refund hit my account 5 days later. Don't wait for that letter - it might never come or arrive after your return times out!

According to the IRS.gov website, you can also verify your identity in person at a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) if the online methods aren't working for you. The IRS.gov appointment scheduler (https://apps.irs.gov/app/appointment/) lets you book a time at your local office. What concerns me is that if your transcript shows "no tax return filed" but WMR shows "processing," there might be a disconnect in their systems. This could potentially delay your refund beyond just the ID verification issue. Have you considered checking with your tax preparer to ensure there weren't any rejection issues that might not be showing up correctly?

Has anyone here had their ID verification letter actually arrive AFTER they already verified online or by phone? I'm so worried that if I verify without the letter, the letter will arrive later and cause confusion in the system! This whole process makes me so anxious! 😫

I experienced the exact same situation with the TC 570/971 combo and no letter arriving. After analyzing my Account Transcript, I noticed the specific Action Code 5071 attached to the 971, which explicitly indicates identity verification is required. On February 22nd, I verified through ID.me without waiting for the letter. My transcript updated with TC 290 on March 1st, followed by TC 571 (reversal of previous hold) on March 3rd. DDD (direct deposit date) code 846 appeared on March 5th with payment scheduled for March 8th. The IRS is currently experiencing a 38% increase in identity verification cases compared to last year due to enhanced fraud prevention measures. Your fluctuating "as of" dates are simply weekly processing cycle updates and don't indicate any problems.

I went through this exact same situation in early February! My ID verification was triggered on 2/8, and like you, I never received the letter despite waiting over 3 weeks. The "as of" date bouncing around is completely normal - it's just their system updating weekly cycles. Here's what worked for me: I called the ID verification line at 800-830-5084 at exactly 7:00 AM on a Tuesday morning. Got through in about 20 minutes (much better than the general IRS line). The agent was able to verify my identity over the phone by asking me questions about my previous tax returns, my SSN, and some basic personal info. The whole call took maybe 10 minutes once I got through. My transcript updated 4 days later showing the hold was released, and my refund was deposited exactly 7 days after that phone call. Don't wait for the letter - it seems like mail delays are really bad this year for these notices. The phone verification is much faster and just as valid. Also, the disconnect between your transcript showing "no return filed" and WMR showing "processing" is totally normal during ID verification holds. The systems don't sync up until the hold is released. Hope this helps ease your worry a bit!