Timeline After ID Verification? Anyone Get Refund Sooner Than 9 Weeks?

I went through this exact situation last month! I verified my identity on February 3rd and was absolutely terrified it would take the full 9 weeks they mentioned. My transcript actually updated just 12 days later, and I had my refund direct deposited on day 16. The waiting was awful though - I checked WMR literally every morning at 6am like clockwork. From what I've seen in other groups, military families sometimes process a bit faster, so you might be pleasantly surprised!

Has anyone tried calling the IRS to ask about expediting the process after verification? According to the IRS website (https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/identity-verification-for-irs-letter-recipients), they don't actually provide status updates specific to the verification process. I'm wondering if there's a specific department we should be asking for? I'm a bit worried since my return has credits that my family really needs.

There's a significant distinction between Identity Verification types that affects processing timelines. The IRS currently employs two primary verification protocols: the Taxpayer Protection Program (TPP) verification and standard ID verification for suspicious returns. TPP verifications typically process within 2-4 weeks, while suspicious return verification can indeed take the full 9 weeks due to manual review requirements. Did they specify which verification protocol you completed?

After waiting three weeks post-verification with no updates, I... um... tried calling the IRS directly. I spent two days trying to get through, constantly getting the "high call volume" message. I was about to give up when someone recommended Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I was honestly hesitant to try it, but it actually worked - got me connected to an IRS agent in about 25 minutes. The agent confirmed my verification was complete but my return was still in the review queue. At least I knew it wasn't lost in the system. Might be worth trying if you need peace of mind while waiting.

I'm not convinced calling actually helps speed anything up. In my experience: • Most agents just read the same information you can see online • They rarely have visibility into the verification review process • The 9-week timeline is deliberately conservative • The system works on automated queues that calling doesn't affect I've gone through verification twice in recent years, and both times my refund came between 3-4 weeks without any intervention. I think patience is honestly the best approach here.

Look, I know everyone's saying to be patient, but let me be straight with you - the 9 weeks is just the IRS covering themselves. I verified my ID on March 2nd and had my refund on March 22nd. Just 20 days. My neighbor waited 6 weeks. My coworker waited 2 weeks. There's no rhyme or reason to it that I can figure out. The military status might help, but don't count on it. Just plan for the worst (9 weeks) and hope for the best (2-3 weeks).