Tax preparer forgot my ID PIN but IRS didn't reject it - Filed 2/22 and stuck on "still processing"

Think of the ID PIN like a special key to your tax account. The IRS might accept the return without it - like how sometimes a door might still open even if you use the wrong key - but then they'll flag it for manual review, which is like having a security guard double-check your ID before letting you through. This manual review is likely what's causing your "still processing" status. It's actually good they're being careful with your tax identity! You should contact your tax preparer ASAP though - they should help fix this without charging extra, just like a locksmith who installed the wrong lock should fix it for free.

I experienced this exact scenario during the 2023 filing season. My tax professional omitted my Identity Protection PIN, and my return entered what the IRS calls the "Error Resolution System" (ERS). According to my research, when an IP PIN is established but not used, the system flags the return for manual verification rather than outright rejection. My return showed "still processing" on the Where's My Refund tool for approximately 9 weeks. I'm concerned that with the current backlog at IRS processing centers, yours might take even longer. Have you attempted to access your tax transcript online? That might show specific transaction codes that could indicate where in the process your return is currently held.

According to IRS Publication 5367, when an Identity Protection PIN is missing from a return, the IRS is required to conduct additional verification procedures. Per Internal Revenue Manual 21.5.6.4.11, this can extend processing time by 6-9 weeks. You have the right to receive assistance regarding your return status under the Taxpayer Bill of Rights Section 2. I would recommend calling the IRS directly to inquire about your specific situation, but be prepared for extremely long wait times. I used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) last month when facing a similar issue - they got me connected to an IRS agent in about 25 minutes instead of spending hours redialing. The agent was able to verify my identity over the phone and manually release the hold on my return.

The IRS Where's My Refund tool (https://www.irs.gov/refunds) won't tell you much beyond "still processing" unfortunately. I've seen so many people with ID PIN issues this year on r/IRS and the TaxSlayer forums. ARRRGH it's so frustrating that the IRS systems don't just automatically reject returns with missing PINs instead of letting them sit in limbo for months! According to the official IRS PIN FAQ page (https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/identity-protection-pin-ip-pin), you should call the specific Identity Theft line at 800-908-4490 rather than the general IRS number. They can verify your identity and possibly release the hold.

So I had this EXACT same thing happen to me last year. My preparer forgot my PIN, the IRS accepted it, then nothing happened for 3 months. I checked WMR every single day - nothing changed. Then one day I got a letter in the mail (CP01H) asking me to verify my identity. I had to create an ID.me account and verify online. Two weeks after that, my refund was approved and I got it 5 days later. The whole thing took almost 4 months from filing to getting my money. Not saying that'll happen to you, but don't be surprised if you get a letter asking for verification.

I'm not sure if this would help, but... maybe you could try contacting the Taxpayer Advocate Service? They might be able to help if you're experiencing financial hardship because of the delay. I think you may need to wait at least 30 days after filing before they'll consider it a hardship case, though. Maybe also check if your tax preparer has any kind of guarantee or insurance for mistakes they make? Some of the bigger tax preparation companies might have policies about errors they make that cause delays.