ID.me Verification Complete but WMR Shows Identity Verification Required?

I'm seeing this more and more lately. It's like when your bank asks for a second verification code after you've already logged in with your password. The ID.me process is separate from the IRS identity verification for your actual return. When I had this happen last year, I had to wait about 10 days for a letter with instructions for the next verification step. If you don't get the letter within 2 weeks, you might be looking at a much longer wait compared to people who just get the standard processing time. The worst part is when you finally get the letter, you have to go through yet another verification system.

I went through this exact situation on March 12th this year. The ID.me verification and the identity verification for processing your return are completely separate systems. I found https://taxr.ai extremely helpful for understanding what was happening with my transcript codes. It showed me that the 570 freeze code on my account was specifically related to the identity verification hold, not an audit or other issue. On March 24th, I received the official letter (typically a 5071C) with instructions for verification, completed it the same day, and my refund was released on April 7th. The service helped me understand exactly what each code meant and what to expect next.

I had this exact situation last month. After multiple failed attempts to reach someone at the IRS about my verification status (spent literally hours on hold), I used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and got connected to an agent in about 15 minutes. The agent confirmed I needed to wait for the letter but also put notes in my file about my verification attempts. This seemed to help because my letter arrived just 3 days later. Without speaking to an agent, I would have been completely in the dark about what was happening with my return.

I'm a bit confused about this whole process... if we've already verified through ID.me, shouldn't that information be shared with the IRS processing system? Or do we need to wait for a specific letter before taking any action? I'm worried about missing something important.

Be extremely careful about how you respond to verification requests! Last tax season, my brother got a text claiming to be from "IRS Verification" with a link to verify his identity for his refund. It looked legitimate, but it was a sophisticated phishing attempt. The IRS will NEVER initiate contact through text or email for identity verification. They always send official letters. I've worked in cybersecurity for years, and these tax season scams are getting incredibly sophisticated. They know exactly when people are expecting verification requests and target accordingly. If you get anything suspicious, go directly to IRS.gov and navigate from there.

When I received this message in February 2024, I called the IRS Identity Verification toll-free number (800-830-5084) directly. The representative explained that the ID.me process is specifically for accessing your online account, while the additional verification is for the tax return itself. When I received my 5071C letter on February 28th, I had two options: verify online through ID Verify or schedule an in-person appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center. I chose the online option and completed it within 20 minutes. My refund was processed exactly 9 business days later. The entire process from initial filing to refund took 31 days, which is actually within their normal processing window.

According to Internal Revenue Manual 25.25.6, the IRS uses the Taxpayer Protection Program (TPP) to verify taxpayer identities when returns are flagged by their fraud detection systems. This is completely separate from the ID.me verification process, which only grants access to online services. Per the IRS procedural update from November 2023, approximately 5-7% of all returns go through this additional verification process. Once you receive your letter (usually Form 5071C or 5747C), you have 30 days to respond before your case is transferred to the Automated Questionable Credit (AQC) department, which can add significant delays. I'd recommend checking your mailbox daily and responding immediately when you receive the letter.

Has anyone received the actual letter yet and gone through the verification process? How long did it take after verification to get your refund? I'm in the same situation and wondering what timeline to expect.