ID Verification Letter Still Not Received - Transcript Shows No Return Filed
Has anyone who needed to verify their identity received the letter in the mail yet? I was notified about ID verification on 2/10/24 but still haven't received any letter. My "as of" date keeps fluctuating between 3/9 and 3/23, then back to 3/9. My transcript shows "no tax return filed" but WMR says it's being processed. There's absolutely no movement. I'm a bit concerned since I'm retired and was counting on this refund. Is there a way to verify my identity without waiting for the letter? Has anyone experienced similar issues this filing season?
21 comments
Emma Taylor
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.
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Malik Robinson
This explanation is exactly right! I was caught in the same situation last month. The IRS computer systems don't always communicate efficiently between departments. Per Publication 5192, the transcript showing "no return filed" while WMR shows "processing" is precisely what happens during identity verification holds.
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Isabella Silva
I've been trying the ID.me route but it keeps failing at the facial recognition step. Has anyone had success with the video chat option? How long did that take?
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Ravi Choudhury
Video chat worked for me. Wait was 15 minutes. Agent verified in 5 minutes. Had to show ID. Had to answer questions. Process was smooth. Refund appeared 9 days later.
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CosmosCaptain
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?
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Freya Johansen
Is that service actually reliable? My transcript has exactly 7 different code combinations and I've been trying to figure out what they mean for 2 weeks now. The IRS site explanations are so vague.
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Omar Fawzi
The transcript analysis functionality identifies patterns in Transaction Codes that indicate specific processing pathways. It's particularly useful for distinguishing between standard verification holds (TC 570) and identity verification requirements (TC 971 with action code 5071).
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Chloe Wilson
I was in the same boat last month! My transcript had the mysterious 570/971 combo and I was completely lost. Used taxr.ai and it told me exactly what was happening - identity verification hold. What's nice is it showed me what to expect next and when my refund would likely come after I verified. Got my money exactly when it predicted!
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Diego Mendoza
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.
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Anastasia Romanov
Is there any risk to trying the online verification before receiving the letter? I'm worried about making things worse or triggering some other kind of review.
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StellarSurfer
There's actually less risk in being proactive than waiting. It's like showing up to resolve a banking issue in person versus waiting for multiple letters. The IRS verification system is designed to accept early verification attempts - they prefer resolving these holds quickly since it reduces their backlog.
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Sean Kelly
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.
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Zara Malik
Does this service actually work? I've tried calling the IRS about 20 times in the last week and can't get through. Always get the "high call volume" message and disconnected.
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Luca Greco
It worked for me too. The difference is they use technology to navigate the IRS phone tree and wait on hold for you. They call you when they have an agent on the line. Saved me hours of frustration.
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Nia Thompson
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!
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Mateo Rodriguez
Thank you so much for sharing that direct number! I've been searching everywhere for the specific ID verification line. Will try calling first thing tomorrow morning.
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Aisha Hussain
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?
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GalacticGladiator
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! 😫
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Ethan Brown
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.
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Yuki Yamamoto
How did you know which action code to look for? My transcript has a 971 but I can't tell what the action code is or what it means.
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Carmen Ruiz
Did you have to upload any documentation during the ID.me process? I've heard some people need to provide utility bills or other proof of address.
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