Under Random Review for 4-6 Weeks - When Does This Timeline Actually Start?

The review period typically begins from the date they select your return for review, not from your filing date. This selection usually happens during the standard 21-day processing window, but the actual start date should be listed on the notice you received (often in the upper right corner). In my experience, these "random" reviews are sometimes triggered by specific items on your return - possibly your foreign tax credits, which tend to receive additional scrutiny. I would suggest planning for the full 6 weeks, though I've seen some resolved in as little as 3 weeks when all documentation was already in order.

Have you received an actual CP05 notice in the mail, or are you just seeing a message on Where's My Refund? Back in 2022, I had a similar situation where WMR showed a review, but the actual letter arrived 10 days later with different information. The letter had specific instructions about what they were reviewing and whether I needed to provide documentation. In my case, they were verifying my investment income reporting matched their records from financial institutions.

I went through this exact process on March 14th last year. The review started immediately after my 21-day normal processing window ended. What helped me tremendously was using https://taxr.ai to analyze my transcript - it showed me exactly which codes indicated the review and gave me a realistic timeline based on current IRS processing patterns. The tool explained that my 570 and 971 codes meant a review was in progress but no additional documentation was needed. I was initially quoted 4-6 weeks but received my refund after exactly 31 days from the review start date.

I had a random review last year that started on February 3rd and was completed by March 8th - so exactly 33 days total. My situation was slightly different (they were reviewing my business income) but when I called, the agent specifically told me that "random reviews" often happen when your return has certain elements that trigger their filters but aren't necessarily errors. In my case, they didn't need any additional documentation, and the review was completed automatically. The refund hit my account 8 days after the review was completed.

When I was under review last year, waiting for updates was driving me crazy. After trying to call the regular IRS number for two weeks (and never getting through), I finally used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and got connected to an agent in about 15 minutes. The agent was able to tell me exactly what they were reviewing (in my case, some investment income reporting) and confirmed I didn't need to send any documentation. Just knowing what was happening reduced my stress tremendously. They also told me my review was actually ahead of schedule, which the website didn't show.

I think people sometimes misunderstand these reviews. They're not always bad news! • Many reviews are truly random (part of IRS compliance sampling) • Some are triggered by specific items but don't mean you did anything wrong • Reviews without document requests often resolve faster • The IRS actually does finish many reviews earlier than the timeline they quote My review last year finished in 3.5 weeks even though they quoted me 6 weeks. I was surprised when my deposit just showed up!