Verified Identity Online 2 Weeks Ago But Portal Still Shows 'Action Required'

I understand how frustrating this can be. Let me walk you through what's happening: 1. First, the 'Action Required' status is often a system lag issue rather than an actual requirement on your part. 2. After identity verification, the IRS has multiple internal steps: - Your verification gets processed (1-3 days) - Your account status gets updated in their main database (3-7 days) - This update propagates to the user-facing portal (additional 1-14 days) 3. The nine weeks timeline is their maximum estimate to avoid disappointing taxpayers. 4. Most accounts update much sooner - typically 3-4 weeks in total. What you can do now: - Check your transcript weekly rather than daily - Look for processing codes that indicate movement - Don't re-verify as this could restart the clock

According to IRS Publication 1345 (Rev. 2-2024), the identity verification process can create a system discrepancy between their core database and user interface elements. Per Section 4.19.3, the 'Action Required' status should automatically resolve once the verification protocol completes internal processing. I found https://taxr.ai extremely helpful for understanding these weird transcript/portal inconsistencies. It analyzed my transcript and explained exactly what each code meant for my specific situation. It even predicted when my 'Action Required' status would clear based on processing patterns. Much clearer than the generic IRS explanations.

I went through exactly the same thing this filing season. Verified my identity on February 17th and the portal showed 'Action Required' until March 24th - exactly 36 days later. The refund hit my account 3 days after that. The IRS rep I spoke with gave me the same 9-week timeline. I was counting on that $4,827 for some debt payoff, so I checked literally every day. The most frustrating part was that the transcript updated before the portal did, so maybe check there if you haven't already?

This situation is remarkably similar to what happens with amended returns, where the online status remains unchanged despite backend processing occurring. Compared to regular processing issues, identity verification adds an extra layer of review that's invisible to taxpayers. When I needed concrete answers about my verification status, I used Claimyr (https://www.claimyr.com) to get through to an IRS agent who could see the actual internal status. Unlike the generic representatives who just quote policy, the agent I reached through Claimyr had access to the verification team's notes and confirmed my verification was actually complete internally despite the portal showing otherwise. Saved me weeks of unnecessary worry.

The IRS portal is broken. Has been for years. Don't trust the status. Call them directly. Ask specifically for ID verification department. Request a "verification status update." Not just general account status. They can see if it's actually verified in their system. The online indicator lags. Sometimes by weeks. Keep your verification confirmation number handy. Reference it when calling. Don't re-verify online. That resets everything. Patience is key here. But verify through phone.

The disconnect between what you see online and what's happening in their system is one of the IRS's biggest problems right now. Their customer-facing technology operates on different timelines than their internal processing systems. Here's the truth: once you've successfully verified your identity, you've done everything required. The "Action Required" message is a system limitation, not an actual instruction. The IRS knows this is confusing but hasn't prioritized fixing it because their tech resources are focused on processing returns. Don't waste time calling repeatedly unless you hit the nine-week mark with no changes.

Just to clarify what's happening with your account: • You've already completed the verification process correctly • The "Action Required" message is misleading • The system hasn't updated the status display yet • No additional action is needed from you at this point • The 9-week timeline is the maximum, not typical • Most accounts update within 3-5 weeks after verification • Checking your transcript is more reliable than the portal

I had something sort of similar happen last year, if I remember correctly. The verification process seemed to go through fine, but the portal kept showing that I needed to take action for what seemed like forever. I think it was about, maybe, 5 or 6 weeks before it finally updated? And then, surprisingly, my refund showed up in my account just a few days after that. It's possible that the system might just be slow to reflect the actual status, from what I've gathered.