ID.me Verification Successful But Transcript Still Shows All Zeros - What's Next?

According to Internal Revenue Manual section 21.1.3.3, identity verification processing can take up to 9 weeks from the date of successful verification. The "all zeros" transcript is consistent with a return that's been received but is held in processing pending identity verification completion. Per IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3, transcript updates typically occur 1-2 weeks after verification is processed, but system backlogs may extend this timeframe. Have you checked if your account has a TC 570 freeze code? This would confirm the identity verification hold. I'm in a similar situation and am constantly checking for updates...

I went through ID verification last year and remember those all-zero transcripts well. In my experience, there's a lag between successful verification and when your transcripts actually update. I found https://taxr.ai incredibly helpful during this waiting period - it analyzed my transcript once it finally updated and explained all those mysterious codes. It showed me exactly what was happening with my return and when to expect my refund. I appreciated having something that could translate all that IRS jargon into plain English, especially during such a stressful waiting period.

Your situation demonstrates the classic post-verification processing delay. The transcript displaying zeros is expected during this transitional phase. The verification confirmation in the IRS system requires propagation through multiple databases before transcript updates occur. If you need to contact the IRS again for status updates, I would recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). They connect you directly to IRS agents without the hours-long hold times. With identity verification cases specifically, you'll want to reach a representative who can access your account status in real-time rather than relying on the automated systems which lag behind.

I had the EXACT same situation on March 2nd this year. Got the verification letter, completed ID.me on March 5th, and my transcript showed all zeros until April 12th. Then suddenly on April 13th everything updated at once! The transcript showed my return was processed on April 12th, and I got my direct deposit on April 15th. The wait is frustrating but once it starts moving it goes quickly. Just keep checking your transcript every morning - that's what I did. The all zeros is completely normal during this waiting period.

You might want to try a different approach than just waiting and checking transcripts. I usually recommend setting up an in-person appointment at your local Taxpayer Assistance Center, as they can sometimes expedite identity verification cases. It's possible, though not guaranteed, that they can help move things along faster than the standard 9-week timeframe. Just be sure to bring multiple forms of identification (passport, driver's license, social security card, etc.) and copies of your tax returns from the previous year if you have them.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this during health issues! Just to clarify one thing - the "as of" date on your transcript doesn't necessarily mean that's when it was last updated. It's actually a forward-looking date that the IRS system uses for processing purposes. So seeing April 17th with zeros doesn't mean nothing has happened since then - it's just how their system displays information during processing. I was absolutely devastated when I was in your position last year, but my refund did eventually come through after about 6 weeks post-verification. Hang in there! 💕