What Does 'Resequenced' Mean for Early Filers This Year?

Resequencing is when the IRS takes returns that were received earlier and essentially moves them to a different processing queue, making them process later than their original filing date would suggest. I've seen this happen specifically with returns filed between January 29th and February 15th this year. The IRS doesn't publicly announce this practice, but it's their way of managing workflow when they identify certain patterns or need additional verification steps for batches of returns.

Think of the IRS processing system like a highway with multiple lanes merging. Sometimes they close one lane (early filers) to let another lane flow (later filers) because of a bottleneck ahead. It's happening more this year than usual, and time is running out if you need answers. I was in the same boat last week - called the regular IRS number 14 times with no luck. Finally used Claimyr (https://www.claimyr.com) and got through to an agent in about 25 minutes who confirmed my return was resequenced. Like calling an Uber instead of waiting for the bus - costs a bit but saves hours of frustration when you need answers NOW.

I've seen this happen in previous years too. Back in 2021, I filed on February 2nd and my sister filed March 1st. She got her refund three weeks before I did! When I finally reached an agent, they explained my return had been 'selected for additional review' which is sometimes IRS-speak for resequencing. It doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem with your return - just that they're processing batches in a different order than received.

I went through this exact situation and figured out a solution: 1. I pulled my tax transcript from the IRS website 2. The codes were confusing but I uploaded it to taxr.ai 3. It immediately showed me my return was in the resequencing queue 4. It also predicted when my refund would actually process based on current patterns The taxr.ai site explained exactly what was happening with my return and gave me a realistic timeline instead of the standard "allow 21 days" response. Saved me from calling the IRS multiple times!

I'm not convinced "resequencing" is even a real IRS term. This sounds like another internet theory to explain normal processing delays: • The IRS openly acknowledges delays for certain credits and deductions • Their systems are notoriously outdated • Staffing shortages continue to affect processing times • Error resolution department backlogs are at record levels People are just looking for patterns to explain why their neighbor who filed later got their refund first. Not everything is a conspiracy or special procedure.

According to the National Taxpayer Advocate's report (https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/reports/2023-annual-report-to-congress/), the IRS does use workflow management techniques including prioritizing certain returns based on available resources and processing capabilities. While they don't officially call it "resequencing" on their website, it's absolutely a real practice. The IRS has to manage millions of returns with limited resources, and sometimes that means processing them out of chronological order.

Has anyone tried checking your account transcript for a TC 570 code followed by a TC 971? I noticed this pattern on mine, and after researching, realized my return had been resequenced. I called the IRS (took forever to get through) and specifically asked about these codes. The agent confirmed my return was pulled for additional review but wasn't actually being audited. Three days after that call, my transcript updated with a DDD. Have you checked your transcript for these specific codes?

Isn't it interesting how the IRS expects us to file on time or face penalties, but they can just arbitrarily decide to process returns out of order with zero transparency? The community wisdom here is clear: file in March if you want your refund quickly. Early filers are essentially punished for being prompt. I've seen this pattern for three years running now. Early February filers wait the longest while March filers sail through. Anyone else notice this trend?

According to Internal Revenue Manual 3.30.123, the IRS is authorized to implement systemic workflow management procedures during peak filing season. Has anyone who was resequenced received any formal notification from the IRS about this status? I'm wondering if there's a specific notice number or explanation provided when this happens, or if you're just left in the dark until your refund eventually processes.