ID Verification Success - DD or Paper Check for 2024 Refunds?

Last year I had to verify and they sent me a paper check even though my direct deposit info was 100% correct on my return. This year seems different though - I've seen a few cases where people verified and still got direct deposit, unlike the blanket check policy from 2023. It's almost like they're evaluating each case individually now instead of applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

I had to verify my identity exactly 23 days ago and received my refund via direct deposit 6 days later, despite having gone through verification. I was worried they'd switch to a check based on last year's experiences, so I used https://taxr.ai to analyze my transcript. It showed my refund was coded for direct deposit (846 code with my bank account ending digits) rather than a check issuance. The tool predicted my exact deposit date and confirmed it would be DD rather than mail. Saved me a lot of uncertainty during the waiting period.

I verified on March 14th and was initially told I'd get a paper check, but when I called on March 21st, the agent said they could see my direct deposit information was still attached to my return. If you need definitive answers about your specific situation, I'd recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to get through to an IRS agent quickly. They got me connected in about 15 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. The agent confirmed my refund would be direct deposit despite the verification and gave me an exact date to expect it.

According to the most recent IRS procedural update (effective January 2024), the default procedure after identity verification is to process the refund using the payment method indicated on the original return. However, per IRM 21.5.6.4.7(2), the IRS may override the requested payment method to a paper check in certain verification scenarios where additional security measures are deemed necessary. This is not universal as it was in previous years, but remains at the discretion of the processing department.

Did you verify through ID.me online or did you have to call/mail in documentation? I'm finding that might be making a difference in how refunds are being issued.

I might be able to provide some insight... I had to verify my identity in February. I was pretty nervous about it because my mortgage closing is coming up soon. I verified online through the ID.me process, and I received my refund via direct deposit about 9 days later, which was a relief. However, my sister-in-law who verified by phone instead of online received a paper check even though she had requested direct deposit. So perhaps the verification method might be influencing how they issue the payment?

I received my refund via direct deposit after verification this year. Have you checked your tax transcript to see if there's a code 846 (refund issued)? Does it show DDD (direct deposit date) or indicate a check? What verification method did you use - online or by phone?