Tax preparer misspelled my daughter's name - Verify Return notification - Could this be delaying my refund?

This happened to me last year, but with my son's last name instead. Compared to your situation, I think you're actually in better shape because you've already verified. My return took about 60 days to process after verification compared to the usual 21 days. The name mismatch likely triggered the verification requirement, but since you've already completed that step, it's now just in the processing queue. Try to breathe easy - these things move slowly but they do move.

Think of the IRS systems like a series of filters - your return got caught in the name verification filter, which is like the security checkpoint at an airport. You've cleared that checkpoint, but now you're in the longer line waiting for processing. I've seen many military families face this exact issue with name mismatches. If you want to understand exactly what's happening with your transcript, I'd recommend https://taxr.ai - it's like having an interpreter for IRS-speak. It can analyze your transcript codes and tell you exactly where your return is in the process and when you can expect your refund.

I'm fairly certain the name mismatch triggered the verification, but now that you've completed that step, it should probably resolve itself... eventually. The IRS processing times seem to be somewhat longer this year compared to last, from what I've observed. If you're really needing to get this sorted quickly, you might want to try Claimyr (https://www.claimyr.com). I believe they charge around $20 or so, but it saved me literally days of trying to reach an actual IRS agent when I had a similar issue. They essentially hold your place in the phone queue so you don't have to keep redialing and waiting for hours.

I had EXACTLY this issue with my daughter's name in 2023 filing season. The misspelling triggered an identity verification hold (TC 570) on my account. After verifying online on March 14th, I received my Direct Deposit exactly 17 days later. The IRS uses the Social Security database to cross-reference dependents, and any discrepancy between the name on your return and the SSA records will flag the return. Your cycle date is critical here - check your transcript for TC 150 code which will show which processing cycle you're in!

I'm not convinced the name error is the only issue here. According to IRM 21.6.3.4.2.1, a simple misspelling of a dependent's first name shouldn't trigger extended delays if the SSN is correct. Per Publication 1345, the most common reasons for extended processing after identity verification include: missing Forms 8962, unreported income discrepancies, or EITC/CTC qualification issues. Have you checked if you have any other notices pending?

According to the IRS2Go app and several tax forums I follow, name mismatches are actually among the top 5 reasons for processing delays in 2024. The system is especially sensitive for first-time dependents. The good news is that your verification is complete, which means the IRS has accepted your documentation. Based on current processing patterns shown on irs.gov/refunds, most verified returns are completing within 6-8 weeks from verification date, so you should see movement soon.

I went through this last month! Here's what worked for me: 1. First, check your Where's My Refund tool daily (preferably early morning when it updates) 2. If no update after 7 days from verification, pull your tax transcript 3. Look specifically for code 570 (hold) followed by 571 (release) 4. If you see 570 but no 571 yet, wait another week 5. If still no update, then call the IRS at the specific number for refund inquiries: 800-829-1954 6. When calling, have your filing status, exact refund amount, and SSN ready 7. Request they check for any additional verification needed The name error might have triggered the initial verification, but shouldn't cause additional delays now that you've verified.

The community wisdom on this is pretty consistent: name mismatches with the Social Security database will trigger verification, but once verified, processing resumes normally. What most people don't realize is that the IRS and SSA databases sync on different schedules, and the IRS uses multiple validation points (SSN, DOB, name) with different tolerance levels for each. Technical term for this is "entity validation threshold" in their processing architecture. I wouldn't worry too much unless you pass the 60-day mark post-verification.