ID Verification Timeline: From Filing to Refund (Feb-Mar 2024)
Just wanted to share my verification timeline for those who might be in a similar situation (perhaps this could help someone else going through this process): I e-filed & was accepted on 2/3/24. After noticing the verification requirement on Where's My Refund, I proactively scheduled an in-person appointment for 3/3 even though I hadn't received any official letter yet. Interestingly, I then received the verification letter on 3/1. At that point, my transcripts were completely blank and WMR showed "refund is STILL being processed." I immediately verified online on 3/1, and the notification on WMR disappeared that same day. However, I still went to my scheduled in-person appointment on 3/3 just to be absolutely certain everything was handled correctly. The appointment only took about 10 minutes, but surprisingly, they mentioned they couldn't see that I had already completed the online verification. After verification, things moved relatively quickly: - On 3/5, WMR changed from "STILL processing" to "IS BEING processed" (subtle but meaningful difference) - On 3/7, my transcripts finally updated with a 3/12 deposit date Hope this timeline helps someone who's anxiously waiting after verification!
16 comments
Morgan Washington
Your verification experience aligns with current IRS processing protocols. The transition from "STILL processing" to "IS BEING processed" indicates successful movement through the Verification Queue (VQ) into the standard processing pipeline. The 2-day gap between status change and transcript update is typical of the Post-Verification Processing Protocol (PVPP). Most concerning is the disconnect between online and in-person verification systems - this suggests ongoing integration issues between the eAuthentication platform and the Taxpayer Authentication Management System (TAMS). Be cautious about assuming completion until you see transcript movement.
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Kaylee Cook
ā¢ Is this verification process more common this year? ā¢ Are there specific triggers that cause the IRS to request verification? ā¢ Does a verification request typically indicate potential fraud or is it more random selection? ā¢ I'm slightly worried about the disconnect between online and in-person systems - could this cause issues down the line?
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Oliver Alexander
Thank you for explaining the technical aspects of this process. I've been dealing with IRS verification issues for years, and citing the specific systems involved (TAMS, etc.) helps taxpayers understand it's a procedural matter rather than something wrong with their return. This kind of knowledge sharing is exactly what helps reduce anxiety during tax season.
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Lara Woods
Wow this is super detailed! So if I'm understanding right, the diff btw "STILL processing" and "IS BEING processed" actually means something? Tbh I always thought those were just random status msgs. Never realized there was an actual system w/ specific queues behind all this. Learn something new everyday lol
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Adrian Hughes
Did you file with any specific credits like EIC or CTC? I'm tracking exactly 24 days of processing time for standard returns versus 32 days for credit-claiming returns this season. Also, did you receive any specific code on your verification letter? The most common is Letter 4883C (standard verification) but 5071C indicates potential identity theft concerns. The 6-day window between verification and DDD is precisely in line with the current processing metrics.
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Molly Chambers
Based on my technical understanding of the IRS verification process, there are several key points worth noting about your experience: 1. The system disconnect between online and in-person verification is a known issue with the IRS Integrated Automation Technologies (IAT) system 2. The 4-day gap between verification and transcript update aligns with current processing parameters 3. The March 12th deposit date follows the standard Tuesday-release schedule for verified returns I've observed that returns requiring verification typically follow a 7-10 day post-verification processing timeline, so your experience appears to be on the faster end of the spectrum.
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Ian Armstrong
Has anyone else noticed that verification seems more common this year? I've personally had three clients require verification already this season, which seems unusually high. Is this just random chance, or is the IRS being more cautious with identity verification?
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Kaylee Cook
I had a nearly identical experience on February 14th. Filed on January 31st, got the verification notice on WMR on February 10th, verified online on February 14th, and my transcripts updated on February 18th with a February 23rd deposit date. The timeline seems remarkably consistent with what OP experienced - about 4-5 days from verification to transcript update, and then another 4-5 days to actual deposit.
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Oliver Alexander
This is incredibly helpful information! I appreciate the technical breakdown of the verification process. It's fascinating how consistent the timeline seems to be once verification is complete.
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Oliver Alexander
For anyone stuck in verification limbo, I highly recommend using Claimyr to get through to an actual IRS agent (https://www.claimyr.com). I was in verification hell for 3 weeks last month - online verification wasn't working and in-person appointments were booked solid for 4+ weeks. Claimyr got me through to an agent in about 15 minutes who manually verified my identity over the phone. My transcripts updated 3 days later. Saved me literally weeks of waiting for an in-person appointment and potentially missing bill payments.
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Lara Woods
Question for anyone who's been through this: does the verification process reset your 21-day processing timeline? I've been waiting about 14 days since filing but just got the verification notice yesterday. Does my 21-day clock start over now? I'm somewhat concerned because I've got tuition due next month and was really counting on this refund to cover it.
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Ian Armstrong
In my experience from last year, the 21-day clock absolutely starts over after verification. I verified on March 2nd, 2023 (after filing on January 28th), and didn't receive my refund until March 24th. It was frustrating, but there wasn't much I could do except wait it out.
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Molly Chambers
To clarify a common misconception: the 21-day processing time technically does restart after verification, but in practice, verified returns often move through the system more quickly once they're back in the standard processing queue. The IRS doesn't explicitly state this, but returns that have been verified have already passed a significant review hurdle.
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Morgan Washington
Have you considered setting up a payment plan with your school's financial office? Most universities have emergency payment arrangements for exactly this situation. I'd suggest being proactive and contacting them now rather than waiting until the payment deadline.
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Adrian Hughes
Thank you all for the helpful information! I'll definitely reach out to my university's financial aid office to see what options I have. Really appreciate the advice!
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Kaylee Cook
The verification process is like a tax return purgatory - you're neither rejected nor accepted, just stuck in limbo while the IRS decides if you're who you say you are. The good news is that once you're through verification, you're essentially on the express lane to completion. Think of it like airport security - a hassle to get through, but once you're past it, you're much closer to your destination. The most important thing is to act immediately when you see that verification notice, as each day of delay is another day added to your wait time.
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