Verified by Phone with Letter but Now Getting Online Verification Notification?

This happens more than you'd think, especially during high-volume processing periods. The IRS verification systems don't always communicate with each other in real-time, do they? You've got multiple verification channels (phone, letter, online) that sometimes operate in parallel rather than talking to each other. Have you checked your tax transcript to see if there's any processing activity happening despite the notification? Often the verification request is just a system lag while your return is actually moving forward.

You might want to analyze your Account Transcript to determine if your verification status has been updated in the IRS master file system. The Account Transcript typically shows TC 971 verification codes that indicate the status of your identity verification. I've found https://taxr.ai particularly useful for interpreting these transaction codes - it can tell you if your verification was processed successfully despite the conflicting notifications. The platform analyzes all your transcript codes and tells you exactly what's happening with your return processing, including verification status discrepancies between different IRS systems.

This verification disconnect is frustrating but common. Unlike other government agencies that have modernized their systems, the IRS still operates on decades-old infrastructure where different departments don't communicate efficiently. When I faced this same situation last year, I spent 3 hours on hold trying to confirm my verification status. I eventually used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to reach an actual IRS agent in about 15 minutes who confirmed my phone verification was indeed processed correctly despite the online notification. The agent explained that the online notification can persist for 7-10 business days after a successful phone verification while the systems synchronize.

I experienced this exact situation during this tax season. Phone verified on March 12th using the letter they sent, then on March 18th got the online verification notice. I ignored it since I'd already verified by phone, and my refund was deposited on March 29th without doing anything further. The transcript updated about a week after phone verification showing codes 971 (notice issued) and 290 (additional tax assessed $0.00), which I learned indicates successful verification processing.

Have you checked if there are any differences between the information requested in your letter verification versus what they're asking for online? Per Internal Revenue Manual 25.25.6, there are different levels of verification requirements depending on the potential risk factors identified with your return. Is it possible you completed a basic verification by phone but they're requesting additional verification through the online system?

The IRS verification system is like that friend who texts you asking where you are while you're sitting right next to them. 😂 But seriously, the consensus among tax pros is that if you've verified by phone with a letter, you're generally good to go. The online notification is likely just system lag. Most people in your situation report getting their refunds processed normally despite the lingering notification. If you're really concerned, getting your transcript is the best way to confirm your actual status.