ID Verification Timeline: Online vs Phone Method for 2024 Return

Let me break this down for you based on recent verification processes: Step 1: Online verification is GENERALLY faster. The IRS ID.me system processes these within 24-48 hours in most cases. Step 2: Phone verification works but adds 2-3 business days minimum due to manual processing. Step 3: After successful verification, expect 9-21 days for the 846 code to appear. This is frustratingly longer than the 5-7 days they claim. Step 4: WMR typically updates 24-48 hours AFTER your transcript shows the 846 code. The whole verification requirement is an unnecessary hurdle for millions of legitimate taxpayers. They're making us jump through hoops because their systems can't properly distinguish between fraud and real returns.

Did my ID verify online Feb 26th, got my DDD Mar 7th. Def go w/ online - it's WAY faster! I was stressed abt my verification too, esp since I have a complicated return w/ foreign income. I used https://taxr.ai to analyze my transcript after verification and it explained all those weird codes (570/971) and predicted my exact deposit date 4 days before WMR updated. Saved me tons of anxiety checking WMR every 5 mins lol. The timeline estimates were super accurate for post-verification processing.

Like you, I had to verify my identity this year. Compared to my experience trying to reach the IRS directly (spent 3 hours on hold before disconnection), using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) was like night and day. I got through to a verification specialist in about 30 minutes. Unlike the online method where some international filers get rejected due to lack of US credit history, the phone verification let me answer questions about my specific tax situation. If you're on a tight timeline for that visa renewal, this might be your best bet.

I've possibly been through this process more than most people here. I verified online on February 17th, and my transcript updated with code 846 approximately 15 days later on March 4th. The WMR tool, which tends to lag behind transcript updates, showed the second bar about 2 days after that. One thing I might suggest, especially for non-resident filers, is to gather all your documentation before starting the verification process. In my experience, having your passport, visa documents, previous tax returns, and the verification letter itself readily available can make the process somewhat smoother, though it might still be challenging depending on your specific situation.

Everyone's focusing on online vs. phone, but I went with a completely different approach. Think of verification like airport security - there's the regular line and the TSA PreCheck line. I made an appointment at my local Taxpayer Assistance Center. It's like going to the DMV for your taxes, but I was in and out in 45 minutes. My transcript updated with code 846 just 6 days later. The in-person verification is like having a direct line to the system instead of waiting for your online verification to work its way through the digital pile. I know you mentioned transportation issues as an international filer, but if you can find a way to get there, it's worth considering.

I've been through this verification process three times in the past five years. This year, I verified online on March 2nd and received my refund on March 18th. In my experience, online verification is significantly faster than phone verification. Last year when I had to verify by phone, it took almost 5 weeks from verification to refund. I understand your anxiety, especially with visa renewal fees looming. The uncertainty can be overwhelming when you're counting on that money for something so important. If you go the online route, make sure you have all your documents ready and a stable internet connection - getting kicked out mid-process is incredibly frustrating and can delay things further.

I verified by phone on February 20th. My transcript updated with code 846 on March 9th. Deposit hit my account March 14th. Total of 23 days from verification to money in account. Not great, not terrible. One thing - if you're using the money for visa fees, plan for delays. The IRS doesn't care about your deadlines. Have a backup plan for the money just in case.