URGENT: IRS Identity Review (5071C) – Verify Return or Delay Refund

You filed your return in a timely manner and were waiting for your refund to be sent within the standard timeline that the IRS promises. But alas, it has been much longer than that and you are wondering, “Where is my DAMN refund!”

In several recent cases it appears that the IRS is delaying refund processing and payments by several weeks because they are spending a lot more time validating tax payer identities. This is mainly due to the rise in fraud and increased number of tax returns being processed.

This article will provide information on getting help and how tax payers know their return has been held up due to additional return verification; and how to quickly validate their identity with the IRS to get their refund as soon as possible. See the comments forum below for more taxpayer experiences and tips.

How you know your return has been held for IRS ID verification

In most cases if it has been more than 21 days after e-filing your return and you are seeing no progress on your tax return processing, despite WMR checking daily, there is a good chance your return has been held up for further review.

In particular, if you keep seeing a message like the one below after a month from your filing date it is highly likely that the delay is due to your return requiring further (identity) verification.

IRS return processing message showing after 21 days.

Generally speaking if you filed electronically via most leading tax software providers a lot of the basic information and math reconciliation checks have been done. So the most logical reason for the extended delays in processing is IRS systems have flagged your return for additional verification.

Flagging of returns is done programmatically in most cases by IRS tax systems, but could also be due to specific ID flags from past year returns, ex-spouse claims or if there are multiple returns with a similar SSN (a real case of identity fraud).

There are also cases where larger than normal refund payments (deposits) are also flagged for return verification – e.g. to validate bank account details. For example I experienced this when I had a $40,000 refund (because I paid too much in estimated taxes) delayed for several weeks, following a request for ID verification.

But its only when you get a formal notice or letter (see section below) from the IRS that you need to perform additional identity verification that you know that your return processing (and hence your refund) has been delayed.

Further, you likely won’t have a tax transcript and related processing codes available until you complete the ID verification process.

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IRS Identity Validation Process

The start of the identity validation process is getting an IRS letter. Until you get that, there is nothing much you can do and your refund processed status will show as “still being processed“.

It normally takes up to a month after filing to get the IRS return verification letter which will be mailed to the address listed on your latest filing.

The IRS notice will be of the series, 5071C, 5747C, 6331C or 5447. See the example below, which is a Letter “5017C – IRS Verify Your Identity” notice I received.

Letter 5017C - IRS Verify Your Identity Notice
Letter 5017C – IRS Verify Your Return and Identity Notice (Page 1)

The letter will confirm the return was received but asks tax filers to verify their identity in order for the IRS to complete processing of the return and issue a refund.

The letter will provide options to complete this process including what to do if you didn’t file, which means you could be a victim of identity fraud.

It is critical you complete the ID verification process ASAP to move your return processing forward and get paid any refunds you are due.

How to verify your identity with the IRS

The fastest and recommended way to verify your identity is to go online and use the IRS Identity Verification Service website. You can also call the IRS number (see section below for more) on your notice to complete your return verification.

You should only go to the IRS return verification website after being directed to do so after receiving the IRS verification letter which contains a unique 14-digit control number to start the online return verification process.

IRS Verify Your Return
IRS Verify Your Return

You will need one or more of the following to validate or confirm your identity. This must match what you provided on your most recent tax return:

  • Name
  • Social Security Number or Individual Tax ID Number (ITIN)
  • Date of Birth
  • Filing Status
  • Mailing Address
  • Third Party Verification Questions such as prior address, W2 information, mortgage information, etc., that only you should know.
  • Estimated Refund Amount (if applicable, per your filing)

Once your return identity is verified you will see the message below. This will resume processing of the tax return and any applicable refunds.

Verify Your Return Confirmation
Verify Your Return Confirmation

You can also use your IRS account to start the verification process. You still need the verification letter from the IRS to get the 14-digit control number, but your IRS account dashboard will show a link to verify your tax return information per the screen shot below.

If the IRS is unable to verify your identity online or over the phone they will likely ask you to schedule an appointment at your local IRS office.

Also beware online scams – The IRS will never request identity verification information via email nor will they call a taxpayer directly prior to sending an official letter, with a 14 digit control number for validation (per screenshot above).

If you get a call from someone who says they are from the IRS, it is likely a scam unless they can provide you with a specific case number – which is found in the upper corner of the letter you would have received from the IRS.

You can only use the above method (online or via the phone) if you submitted a past tax return. If not, or this is your first time filing, you will need to call the IRS or visit a local office.

How Long Will Return Identity Verification Delay My Refund?

Once you successfully verify your return and identity, the IRS refund processing clock resets from the standard 21-day timeline. This will mean your refund payment will also be delayed.

It can take up to 9 weeks for the IRS to process your return and make a refund payment after successfully verifying your identity and tax return information. This assumes no other errors are found with return in subsequent processing.

However your return and refund status will update on WMR and the IRS2Go after 2 to 3 weeks. You will also see updates on your transcript once IRS processing is underway.

Other Options to Verify Your Return

It is highly recommended you verify your return online, but if you cannot you can also call the Taxpayer Protection Program Hotline on 1-800-830-5084 or number noted on your IRS verification notice.

IRS Identity verification - Taxpayer Protection Program hotline
Taxpayer Protection Program hotline

You will need the same information as you would if verifying online, including current and prior year tax return information, to complete the verification process.

Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)

The IRS has put in place and IP PIN for those who have experienced identity fraud or verification issues in the past.

It can also be used to protect dependents from fraud or others (e.g. ex-spouses) from incorrectly claiming them on their tax return for dependent credits like the CTC and EITC.

The Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is basically a unique six-digit number (not your SSN or TIN) you can use with the IRS to verify your identity when e-filing your return. It is only valid for a single calendar year and a new one is issued every year.

You can apply for an IP PIN on the IRS website or one is automatically issued to you (CP01A notice) if you have been a victim of tax-related identity in the past. Your actual pin will be sent in the mail.

If you don’t already have an IP PIN, you may get an IP PIN as a proactive step to protect yourself from tax-related identity theft.

If you want to get one for your spouses or other dependents, they will also need to complete the IRS’ identity verification process.

Feel free to leave a comment on your experience or if you have any further questions

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177 thoughts on “URGENT: IRS Identity Review (5071C) – Verify Return or Delay Refund”

  1. What do us people that cant verify online do when there phones do not work ?? Right now we jist have to wait like really

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  2. I think it’s real salty that I filed my taxes this year for 2019 and then you know I had to verify my identity will I have not received my 2014 taxes when I did that too because I confirm that one altogether was approved for it was told to wait nine weeks and then kept calling the IRS office every week and they said wait till April 13th will April 13th was yesterday and now I’m 9 weeks her up and I’m screwed I have seems like I’m not getting my money for my 2014 Federal that I never got and I’m still waiting on

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  3. How do I contact the IRS verification line if they are not accepting calls so I can verify my identity over the phone because I can’t verify online?

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    • Same issue here, i accidentally hit no instead of yes on a ? through the online verification and was immediately routed to a page stating my return was identity theft/fraud and no payments would be issued, return would be referred for id theft, no way to correct the answer or contact them to verify via phone, not taking calls for id verification!!

      Reply
  4. I RECEIVED FORM 5071C AND WAS ASK TO VERIFY ID ONLINE OR BY PHONE. I TRIED ONLINE BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL BECAUSE I DO NOT HAVE A CREDIT CARD, STUDENT LOANS, OR HOME LOAN. DUE TO MY WORK HOURS I CANNOT GO IN TO THE OFFICE SO I BELIEVE OVER THE PHONE IS MY BEST OPTION. WHAT QUESTIONS WILL THEY ASK? WHAT WILL I NEED TO HAVE ON HAND? THIS IS MY FIRST TIME FILING.

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    • You’ll need past return information. They might ask if you have lived at other addresses, how much you made this year and last year, jobs you’ve worked at, mother’s maiden name…similar questions.

      Reply
      • I filed my taxes in a timely manner. And I received an advance loan from my refund. So I thought everything was fine. but then I received a letter in the mail about needing to verify my identity in order to get my refund. I tried to verify online with the id verify tool, but it wouldn’t let me probably because my phone number isnt under my name and i dont have a current credit card or home loan. So i then tried to verify by calling the phone number on the letter. The IRS guy asked me everything from my mothers maiden name and her new married name, and my fathers name, my address current and old, where i was born, my phone number, he asked me about my 2019 tax return, but then still told me that i failed the phone call verification and that i needed to go all the way to Huntsville, Alabama to the IRS Office to verify in person. even after i gave him all the correct answers to his 100 questions! And mind you i live in Georgia so going to Alabama requires me to have to load up my 5 children and drive to another state just to give the same answers that i have already given them! Not to mention we are in the middle of a World wide Pandemic and I have Multiple Sclerosis so my immune system is severely compromised already! I dont even leave my house to go to the grocery store anymore my husband has to do all of the errands for our family. And they want me to travel state to state. Is there a way to fax them my documents or something instead? Please anyone that know please let me know

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  5. I filed early 01/11/2020 and when the irs opened late January 27th my returns was accepted. Checked my status on WMR & it said my return was still being processed and a date will be posted when available. Received a letter 03/02/2020 saying I needed to verify my identity which I did that same day, the next day after verifying WMR status changed to we have received your return & IT Is being processed. It’s been 2weeks since I verified and still no deposit date

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  6. I was accepted on jan 27th 2020 and had to verifiy my id did that march 2nd march 5th i went from still being processed to being proccessed it is now march 12th and no update i guess i just hope for the best and expect the worse

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  7. My nerves are BEYOND bad rn!! I filed on the 30th of Jan, and I started checking WMR pretty early because my lease was up on Feb 29th and I needed my deposit and first months rent by then, and thought I would have received my refund by then! However, 26 days after I filed I called because I started to worry! They then told me that I was being pulled to have my identity verified and to wait on the letter, so I asked how long before I get that? And they told me it could take a week or so so I asked would it be quicker to schedule an appointment and the lady assumed I ASKED to be seen in person over waiting on the letter. So I got the letter the next day, tried to verify but I couldn’t because the lady assumed that I wanted an appointment, so I had to drive TWO hours away because in my town it would have been a week or more to be seen, so I took the appointment, went, got there and couldn’t find my freaking ID!! So I had to drive that two hours back and all i could do was cry! Soon as i turned down the road I live down, the guy from the irs office called me and said they found my license outside in the freaking parking lot, so u guys could imagine how I was!! Anyway made another appointment at the same place verified my ID and was told I had to wait 9 weeks! Now my children and I are about to be homeless and carless and I told them that and they told me to call TAS! In which I did and they said they couldn’t speed up the process, and I couldn’t apply for the hardship until after it has been 9 weeks! But what’s the since in that when we’ll already be homeless by then?! I had a few say I could possibly get it in two weeks but only a VERY tiny amount of ppl told me that but the majority said 9 weeks!! I’m worried, scared, anxious, all wrapped in one! It’s been a week now and 1 day since I verified and I still haven’t gotten my bars yet, and it’s still saying it’s been received and is being processed! Please say a positive prayer for my family as we really was anticipating my refund!

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    • I waited the nine weeks after verification and now I’m on week 25!!! No change in status, NO letter explaining what’s going on nor can I get anyone on the phone that knows what to DO!!! So I feel your frustration!!! What do I do next??

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      • I’m now in my 10th week after proving my identity. And I have got nothing. Not even a letter. My information says it’s wrong on the wheres my refund checker. It always worked before I proved my identity. And what makes me mad is you can’t complain to nobody cuz nobody cares

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  8. I filed on 01/28/2020 and was approved the same day. I was waiting and checking wmr and received a message that said Your tax return is still being processed A refund date will be provided when available. on the 24th I received the form stating that I had to verify my identity. After 3 tries I was finally able to identify myself online. Now I am waiting to see how long it takes to get my refund and once I do I will come back to this site and provide an update.

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  9. I was asked last year to verify my Identity, I wasn’t able to but I didn’t worry because it said they would hold the refund for next year, this year. but I haven’t received it and I did received my returns for 2019.
    what can I do?

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  10. I am trying to give my identity verification to the IRS cause i received a 5071C letter and i can’t get any help on it so u can receive my refund.

    Reply
  11. I was among the first to file 01/19 and it is now going into April letters sent saying income verification I don’t need to do nothing but still called IRS and stated I would have to wait 3-16 weeks such BS. I keep checking status and it is still reading they have received and still being processed I just hope it’s not longer than 16 weeks and they still send it to me. Idk what else to do???

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  12. This is what I have been looking at when I open the WMR site for 52 days since i first filed! Thirty days since verification Identification!!!!!!
    I HAVE BILLS THAT ARE IN DEFAULT BIG TIME!
    Your Personal
    Tax Data
    Social Security Number

    or IRS Individual Taxpayer
    Identification Number:
    ***-**
    Filing Status:
    Single
    Your Expected
    Refund Amount:

    Refund Status Results
    Print your Refund Results for your records. Take the survey.

    We cannot provide any information about your refund.
    If you electronically filed a complete and accurate tax return you should receive your refund in about 21 days from the received date. If you mailed your return please allow 6 weeks.

    Please read the following information related to your tax situation:
    Tax Topic 152, Refund Information
    If you have questions or need additional information, please have the following on hand when you call:
    A copy of this page.
    A copy of your tax return.
    The Social Security Number, Filing Status, and refund amount claimed on your return.
    The date you mailed your return.
    Please mention reference number 9001 to the IRS Customer Service Representative.
    IRS Hours of Service:
    Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
    Call:
    1-800-829-0582, when asked for an extension, enter 362.
    From outside the US call 267-941-1000.
    TTY/TDD: 1-800-829-4059

    Reply
    • What if you are required to verify identity in person because online or phone call to irs didnt work but the government shut down due to coronavirus.. what am i supposed to do? I’m not sure if I’m able to get a stimulus check either until i verify my identity. Do I just here struggling while everyone else gets paid… my hours at work were cut so i applied for unemployment and received 2 weeks payments of only $80. i dunno i just need help and no one seems to care.

      Reply
      • That’s my problem, too, and I don’t know what to do! I have a disabled son and no money coming in other than the little bit from his disability and that doesn’t cover all the bills. I have done everything I can possibly think of to get my return but no luck.

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      • led on February 16th

        Feb25th- IRS WMR tool says “processing Tax Topic 152”

        March 15- I received 5071C letter requesting me to “confirm identity”. FYI: ID verification line off due to IRS not accepting calls SO had to go create acct with IRS To complete process online. This requires many documents and a request code to confirm identity. I did this same day I received my letter and they mailed it….took half a month to get code.

        April 13- Got code In mail to confirm identity. (Took a month to get) Online, I completed the ID verification process. (Says it will take up to 9 weeks to process taxes & I can check refund status in 2-3 weeks)

        April 27th- Still waiting on my refund status to change on “Where’s My Refund” tool. It displays the same thing it did before I confirmed identity. “Processing Tax Topic 152

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  13. I verified on 3/11/2019..went from still being processed and a date will be provided when available …to we have received your refund and it is being processed on 03/13/2019..why haven’t I gotten ddd yet is that a good sign

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    • This was my issue and I had to figure it out. Go online to identity verification tool and verify I’d. You’ll have to create login acct with its and get code mailed to you to verify I’d but go online and start now. It takes a bit.

      Filed on February 16th

      Feb25th- IRS WMR tool says “processing Tax Topic 152”

      March 15- I received 5071C letter requesting me to “confirm identity”. FYI: ID verification line off due to IRS not accepting calls SO had to go create acct with IRS To complete process online. This requires many documents and a request code to confirm identity. I did this same day I received my letter and they mailed it….took half a month to get code.

      April 13- Got code In mail to confirm identity. (Took a month to get) Online, I completed the ID verification process. (Says it will take up to 9 weeks to process taxes & I can check refund status in 2-3 weeks)

      April 27th- Still waiting on my refund status to change on “Where’s My Refund” tool. It displays the same thing it did before I confirmed identity. “Processing Tax Topic 152

      Reply
  14. My Name is Erick and I am going through the same thing as many of you. I have been filing my doing my taxes on turbo tax for
    years, and never had a problem. I would get them no later then 23 of February. I get a letter in the mail from IRS, saying they need
    some identification. I call the IRS and it took about 45 min to get someone. I gave them personal information and things about my tax return from last year. He as me to repeat him my direct deposit number that I have been using. He look it over and said it could take up to 9 weeks to get my refund, I was like it never took that long. He explained to me because of a lot of people have being using fake id numbers and also getting back more money than they was supposed to. I got my state refund check back no problem. Me and my wife just bought a new home through habitat for humanity and looking to fix it up, however we have bills to pay and is looking for the refund to help us out.

    Reply
    • Have you received your refund yet? I filled and was accepted the 28th of January got my identity verification letter and verified the 22nd of February and was told to wait till the 25th of March of i hadn’t received it by then to call back, well I didn’t receive it so of course I called and was told I was missing informed and that it could take up to 9 weeks from verification date it is now the 16th of April and I still have received nothing from the IRS not had the WMR tool updated it still just says we have received your return it is processing a return date will be available when it is ready! I filled damn near 4 months ago and still nothing so was just wondering if you had had better luck

      Reply
  15. I went to sure my experience with this ordeal. I filled my taxes on 2/02/19 and the 21 days went by. I was freaking out because I always get my state before I get my federal. I called IRS and asked what’s the hold up? I was told that I would need to verify my identity. I’ve never had to in pass and this made me nervous if I messed something up. I called the IRS after I got the later in the mail which took 10 days to get.
    I waited on hold for like an hour before I got a representative no the phone. I swear they asked for so much documentation, getting a home loan was easier! After speaking with the rep she said it would take 6 to 9 weeks!
    I was flabbergasted! Well not even 5 days later I got a DDD! I know that everyone here does not want to hear over another person getting their taxes by yourself. I was on the forum and reading everywhere I could to see how people in the same boat deal with it and their results. But yeah I was that impatient, worry wart too! Taxes are definitely delayed this year and try to have faith it will come, just not as fast as me would like! I used H&R BTW so if you think TurboTax is to blame it’s not it’s the irs and who they so randomly choose to have to wait weeks or months to get a refund.
    I will see you guys next year.

    Reply
  16. I’m a Uber&Lyft driver. I file on the 1/29 and got the V-letter on 2/19. I made the appointment on 2/20 but it’s snow so didn’t go and made the appointment 2/21. I hope I get my money in 5 day’s if not I’m going to loose my job. I have to pay the MVA $900.00 before I can get my new registration. Also my my rent/electric/cable due. I’m a single mother of 4 and I just trying to make it. How I’m gonna buy food for my kids

    Reply
    • What’s the appointment for? Or was it because you didn’t verify your self over the phone?
      An I hope things worked out for you

      Reply
  17. Filed on 1/29/19 and received an email the next day saying it was accepted. After 3 days the status bar disappeared and all I got was “your return is still being processed”. Yesterday was the 21st day after I filed and I got a 5071c letter from the IRS stating I need to verify my identity. I called the IRS, did my verification over the phone which went quickly and smoothly…only to be told now it will be 9 weeks until I get my refund. I am not happy at all.

    Reply
  18. My name is Taylor. So my fiance filed on 4-2-18 and it was accepted that very same day. 4-21-18 we received a letter stating that he had to verify his identity. He called that day (4-21-18) and tried to verify his identity over the phone, unfortunately the nice lady asked who his previous employer was from 2014, and it didn’t state it on his w2 forms on the H&R Block website. She then proceeded to tell him that he couldn’t try again over the phone and had to meet with a IRS agent at the nearest IRS facility. The nearest one was 2 hours from where we lived. She connected us with a nice man that set up an appointment for us on 4-25-18. We went up there and my fiancee went in with the IRS agent and I went to the restroom to change my son’s diaper. By the time I came back, he was already done. She said it could take up to nine weeks. He said she didn’t even ask to see his ID. So we drove two hours for not even 10 mins to verify his identity. It is now 4-30-18 and the “where’s my refund” tool still says, “Return still being processed. Direct deposit date will be posted when available” or something like that. I really hope it doesn’t take that ling because our car is breaking down, and we have been waiting to buy a new one and the dealer has put the car on hold for us. I don’t know what to do!! I have missed so much work because of my car breaking down on me and not to mention having to go to the IRS. Please someone tell me if they have already done this process and have gotten their refund back already? How long did it take after validating your identity?

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  19. Here’s my time line for taxes this year, dealing with 4883c letter.
    It was actually a simple process
    I called in the morning and wasn’t on hold for very long at all.

    2/26/18 federal filed
    2/26/18  federal “accepted and being processed, refund date will be provided when available.”
    2/29/18 “still being processed.”
    3/13/18 received 4883c letter
    3/21/18 called attempted to verify
    3/22/18 validated id over phone
    (Told up to 9 weeks to process(May 24))

    3/29/18 wmr updated from “your tax return is still being processed and a refund date will be provided when available”  to “we have received your return and it is being processed.”

    3/31/18 updated to approved!
    With direct deposit date of 4/4/18

    Each of the women I spoke to at the IRS were very polite and helpful in the process.
    I was very discouraged when I received the letter but honestly the process was painless.

    Reply
  20. i am nervous they are going to ask me stuff i dont know that good..i am 64..is it just like what cars did you own and how many w-2’s? like and you say the number..thanks

    Reply
    • I was really nervous too.They just wany to see if the numbers and stuff you have on your tax return is the same thing they have in their system.I had to go to the office to verify mine.It was a breeze very easy over the phone theytheyll ask u certain numbers thats on ure return.

      Reply
  21. My federal return was delayed as well. I called the irs 3 times. The first time they said they couldn’t tell me what was wrong and that i would get some letter in 14 days. The second time i called the lady told me it was the one that is to make sure you are well you. Well turns out they’ve sent it 3 times to the correct address and i haven’t seen any of them in my mail. And they said oh well we can have you go to a IRS office that closes at 430 and takes the last appointment at 330 mind you i work and i dont have time off and ill lose money if i leave to do this dumb shit. I dont understand why me calling the IRS 3 times and verifying myself 3 times doesn’t prove that its me? so stupid.

    Reply
    • How did you get someone on phone? When I verified I’d no ph calls being taken and had to do it online. Complete verifying process online but it’s been two weeks and nothing’s changed on war?

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  22. Has anyone used this so called tax payer advocate line? I spoke with them (IRS) and was told I did not meet their criteria for what is considered a financial hardship, what a croc! I filed Immeadiately after receiving my w2s cause I do have a financial burden and instead of my return which was suppose to arrive by direct deposit on the 25th I get a letter telling me to verify my identity which by the way is the 2nd year in a row now. I verified my info and was told to wait up to 9wks of course like everyone else on here. They claim their system randomly pulls names but when it happens 2yrs in a row considering how many people there are in this country, how random is that really?? P.S. WMR wheres my refund site is a joke, its simply a way to blow you off.

    Reply
  23. I filed jan 2018 soon as the IRS opened with a new tax preparer. After close to a month of seeing processing on their app i got a letter saying verify my identity. I called the number provided all info and got cleared. Male proceeded to tell me i could receive my refund from the next day to up to 9 weeks!!!! Keep in my mind spring break is coming and i have took off that week to take my kids out of townfor the first time and it seems that i will not get my funds by then. I cannot wait 9 weeks!!!! As a single parent i cant even loose my faith!!! Only God can help us for those who cant wait on it because we need to survive now and get thedebt we have behind us!!! We need justice!!!

    Reply
      • I feel the same as you it’s not fair I filed on the 18th of Feb wait and check keep saying been processing then I get a letter today I need 2 pay my bills can’t rest for people that I made promise that I was waiting on my return just need to get this pressure of me I lost my daughter to cancer it has taken a told on me and my family .just very stress with what they told me 2day 9weeks ,we need justice for what they are taking us I work hard everyday what are so disappointed that people don’t work went right on got there date they shouldn’t be looking at people that have work at there same job for 16year

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  24. If I Id verified last year, will I have to do it again this year? I used same address, and information and debit card from last year

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    • I am in the same boat and I am calling first thing tomorrow have you called and if so what Info did they give you if any? If you have received it now how much longer after the 9 weeks did you have to wait? I’ve been filing my own taxes on turbo tax for the last 11 years and I have never once had it take longer then the 21 days until this year and if I hadn’t of called after 4 weeks of waiting on would have never found out I needed to verify but finally got my letter and did the verification on the 22nd of February and still have not received a damn thing I hope you have received yours by now and can give me a little bit of hope

      Reply
  25. So i filed… got a letter saying i need identified called then had to go to irs ..when i got there the lady said my w2 didnt match what she had im computer. It was because im a waitress n i make tips . She then asked me a series of questions and told me to wait uo to 9 weeks!! Does this mean no taxes??

    Reply
  26. Well I filled on Feb 4, 2017, IRS accepted on Feb 4, 2017. On Feb 22, 2017 I get a letter 4883C from IRS. Feb 24, 2017 called to verify Identity, was told it would take 9wks for refund. I call IRS April 21, 2017 at 8wks asking what is going on with refund. The nice lady proceeded to tell me that IRS had yet to Process my refund. She had to do a referral to see what is going on and that it can take another 9wks. Really!!! if we are late doing our taxes they charge us a penalty. They should pay me interest for holding on to my money this long. Here we are May 4, 2017 going on 10th wk and still nothing.

    Reply
  27. I filed Feb 1st and was accepted same day. Waited 24 days and then found the ID verification letter in my mail box. Verified the following Monday (27FEB17) and I am still waiting (Its 31MAR17-waiting for 5 weeks on Monday since ID check). The 9 weeks from verification will be 01MAY17. Hopefully I will get it sometime this month because I just want to get some things paid off. I will keep you posted. :(

    Reply
  28. I called the IRS today because it never takes this long and I did kinda tell a small lie to get the info I needed the lady told i had been randomly selected for review and need to verify my identity and to wait two week for my letter does it really take the whole two weeks or can I do something to speed up the process

    Reply
  29. hello,
    What is mean 5747C letter ? ….. I already calling them and got appointment ? Thank you for your advise ?

    Reply
  30. I filed on the 5th of Feb didn’t no I had to verify my identity. I did that on the 28th of feb my bar still saying that its a delay on my refund how long does it take to get my refund back they say 9 weeks but people have told me 3 weeks it will b 3 weeks next week I just hope I can get it back soon I’m a single mother of 5 n I need my money

    Reply
  31. hi, i have filed fed tax returns on Jan26th in IRS office along with applying new ITIN for my wife. ITIN was received on Feb16th. Where as I’m still waiting for an update on my refund. When i check online with right details, it is saying – Can not provide any information. I called IRS and provided all my details to the person who took my call. After 10 minutes of hold (he must have been checked IRS database), he told me that he couldn’t find any information, and he asked me to wait for another one or two weeks to get update on refund. I’m confused and thinking if i need to submit tax returns through online as i have got ITIN already.
    Can someone tell me what i need to do now?

    Reply
  32. I filed my taxes on Jan 29th. Got a letter in the mail saying I had to verify who I was. Which I already did on March 8th. My question is. How much longer do I have to wait for my Refund. Does it really take 9 weeks? That’s BS. I’ve been waiting almost two months. Please help ,anyone with the same situation?

    Reply
    • Right here same situation i check every single day but it says the same thing my husband had surgery and hes nt workin i ws waitin for this money so bad more than 2 months already!

      Reply
  33. I just got off the phone with the Irs to verify my path act for 2016 refund and I would like to know how much longer must I wait??? Has anyone gotten this far?? Has anyone received their refund after verifying with the IRS their identity???? Please lmk how long I must wait I’ve already waited 6 weeks to just verify my identity now another wait??? How long? Please help……

    Reply
    • i verified identity and still have not recieved a DD date!! its been 2 weeks since i talked to them..

      Reply
        • You will need a prior years tax return this years tax return and need to know your own info as well as your parents DOB and names. they will ask u questions from your last tax return so if u filed last year get that return u will need then they will ask questions from the return you filed this year. also u will need the letter they sent out to u saying u need to call and verify your identity. if u don’t have u will have to wait for it because they ask for info from that letter as well a control number is what they want. so if u haven’t received that letter there’s nothing u can do. hope that answers your question on what docs u need….

  34. I just verified my path act letter with the Irs by phoning them and waiting on hold… now that I did this how much longer with it take before I receive my refund??? Does anyone know? Or has anyone gone this far and received their refund thus far???? Please answer?

    Reply
    • hello I received my verification letter in the mail last Friday and I was on hold for at least 2 hours .but I did get my id verified she said it could take up to 45 days to get my refund. I will be glad when I do I have bills to pay. Its just a waiting game.

      Reply
  35. It’s been more than 21 days since my tax return was received by IRS. Call IRS and lady said my return didn’t go through, what ever that mean, and they will have to try and send it through again. She said it will take two weeks and if it doesn’t get accepted they will contact me. I asked her if I will be getting a letter. She said I will not be getting a letter. I am still confused.

    Reply
  36. I just called regarding the hold up on my tax return as well. I filed it at the end of January, the man on the phone got argumentative, i asked him if we could move forward, he hung up .. Great customer service.

    Reply
  37. I don’t know what the hell is going On with my Refund I file electronically on the 28th it was accepted I got my State tax last week what I need to know is if your State Refund already made it to your Bank Do that suppose to mean your Federal checked out okay with the IRS…they wouldn’t give your State if something is wrong with your Federal ..is status on my federal and it keeps telling me I’m putting in the wrong information & I know that I’m Not..what do this Mean?

    Reply
    • Not necessarily State and Federal are two totally separate entities not processed in the same place. I got my state last year like 2 weeks after i filed but my federal went under review and it just got released yesterday for 2015 a whole year later. So even though your have to enter information from your federal return on your state and vice versa they are not processed by the same people. This year Irs processing has changed alot with the new laws. If you are not getting the refund status on the where’s my refund website I suggest calling and trying to get to a live person alot of times they have more info. You could need to do an identity verification letter or if federal is saying you are putting in incorrect information you may need to check to make sure you are using the right filing status (single, hoh married etc) and also the exact refund amount. If the info is correct and its still saying re enter more than likely that means its still pending

      Reply
  38. i filed on 1-3 17 was excepted on 1-6 17 on 2 4 17 received letter from I R S to call and verify my identity did first thing 2-6-17 got threw it almost all the way and got disconnected had to call back go threw it all over again after many times put on hold 75 minutes later i was told everything was ok and that i would receive a letter or my refund with in 9 weeks. it took them a month to let me no this. he said i was good to go so why may i receive a letter?

    Reply
    • Why cant I verify without the letter. I spoke with someone today that said yes, I need to verify but he would not do it because I havent gotten a letter

      Reply
      • Because the letter has a code of numbers that they aske for on it. So that’s why you need the letter. I got the letter last week and verified

        Reply
  39. Helpful discussion , I learned a lot from the analysis ! Does anyone know where my business can find a template IRS 14039 form to edit ?

    Reply
  40. Filed on 2/9 and was accepted on 2/10. WMR showed the accepted bar but then it disapeared a couple if weeks later. Right after the 21 day mark we received the dreaded “ID Verify” letter in the mail. It wouldn’t let me do it on their site so I called in to verify via phone. Unfortunately the lady said my husband got his Mother’s maiden name wrong, which is crazy cause I had her on speaker and he was correct. I think she may have made a mistake some how. Well since he got the question wrong we had to travel 6 hours round trip to our local office. Thankfully, our identity was finally verfied on March 4th. She said it will take up to nine weeks before we would receive our refund. I honestly did not thank it would take that long. This Friday, May 6th will be the 9th week since we were verified and still no refund! I’ve called a few times and they say it’s still being processed and it showed we were verified on the 4th of March! It’s been 81 days today since my return was accepted! 81 LONG days! Whenever I check WMR I keep getting the heart sinking “We’re still processing your return and a date will be given once complete”. I asked the irs rep on Friday “so if I don’t get our refund by next Friday do I just call back?” And she just said “yes”. What the heck? I feel like I’m the only one who has had to wait this long! I have looked all over the net and can’t find out if others received their refund on or after the 9 week wait time? It sucks not knowing and I really feel in my heart that when Friday rolls around my bank balance will go unchanged. Ibwould love to hear from anyone who has or is going through the same thing as me. Any help is truly appreciated and if you are still waiting good luck!

    Reply
    • Hey Cindy, did you get your refund? I am in the same situation as you. It has been 12 weeks after I verified my ID. Still nothing back.

      Reply
    • Hello. Cindy,
      Yes I am in the sam boat, however when I spoke to the Irs rep I made sure I was very pleasant in attempts to receive inside info, about the only thing that was made clear to me is that 9 week mark is from the date of verifying our identity:((( yes, bullcrp it is I know and I am hoping it’s up to 9 weeks so I asked is it up to nine weeks ???? She replied I’m sorry it is nine weeks !!!!!! Wth!!!!!! I am not being forged by a Russian living in Russia !!! That’s what this is all about so says the Irs rep… that they had u covered a scam in Russia??? Okay so once we r verified then wipe us off that list !!!!!

      Reply
    • It’s 9 weeks after you verify. So I too was verified on March 3rd. I called twice and I’m getting the same response as you. Week ending March 6th will be the 9th week for me as well. Let’s just stay hopeful and hopefully our refunds will be released before the 9th week.

      Reply
    • Yes I’m going through same thing except mine been only 62 days and I spoke to them they said 9 more weeks it’s been two weeks out that nine so far so frustrated that I’m still waiting no date and still say processing smh

      Reply
    • I am in the same boat and still waiting after my 9 weeks as well I will be calling first thing g tomorrow morning to find out if they can give me any info but I’m assuming they are just going to tell me to wait longer

      Reply
  41. I filed Jan 14 got accepted Jan 19 I started to wonder what was taking so long for me to recieve my refund until i got a letter in the mail at the end of february i verified my identity March 9 it has already been 3 weeks how long will it bw before i recieve my tax return???

    Reply
  42. What about STATE refunds? (I lived in NE the first part of 2015, then moved to PA) I E-Filed via TT on 2/2/16 and my returns were all accepted on 2/2/16. My Fed was DD on 2/10, I owe for PA, I’m due a refund from Nebraska, yet still have NOT received my refund from Nebraska state. The state’s WMR site says my returned was received and I should receive my refund w/I 7-21 days. Today is 3/5/16 and still nothing! The phone #’s given to check do not work either.

    Reply
  43. I filed my taxes on the 1/13/16 n didn’t find out til after 21 days that I had to confirm identity… I did that on 1/9/16 n they said they didn’t process mine til the 2/19/16 …do I’m still stuck n processing no other info n still no date never had this problem n I’m 2 pissd don’t no what to do ….its march help help help plz I need my money forget that…. They said I don’t have to do n e thing else don’t seem like it…still don’t hav my money

    Reply
  44. I filed on 1/25/2016 with turbo tax. It was accepted and would have my return in 21 days. I got a letter from the irs on my identity. So I called and took care of it the same day. Now they said it could take up to nine weeks. It has been 2 weeks and still nothing. Why is it taking so long.

    Reply
  45. I filed January 27th had one bar and tax topic 152. On Feb 6th that went away with a generic message refund is processing a date will be provided when available. Called irs on my 21st day to be told by a very nasty lady wait 6 to 8 weeks i had eic and education credits and that was not going to be processed til may. She told me the irs was cracking down and i needed to wait. She told me she saw no latter’s being sent out to me. Not satisfied with that i called the tax advocate line got a really nice guy he got my information placed me on hold came back to the phone and asked me did i receive a letter. I said no because i didn’t. Informed me that i needed to id verify that nothing wrong with my return. I verified online after not being able to get through on the phone on the 18th. Called irs monday the 22nd to make sure the verify was received was told it was and case closed. Woke up saturday morning to a dd of 3/2. Good luck everyone. I never waited more than a week to receive my refund. God bless u all

    Reply
  46. The IRS accepted my return on the 5 I had a refund date on feb and it have change to its a delay and yes I do got identify theft but why give me a date and take it away

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  47. Evening everyone,

    I can see the frustration with the delays due to the verification process. However, I am on the other side of the fence. I have received a notice from both the IRS and my state asking me to verify my identity before they continue processing my returns. The funny thing is I was still waiting for my 401k withdraw paperwork from my previous employer and therefor I still haven’t filed my return for this year. I went online to both my state and federal agencies, proved my identity and rejected both returns. I must now file using the “paper” method. While this is going to delay my return I a happy they caught it before sending out a refund. The process to fix it once that happens is far worse. I will be mailing out both my personal and business returns this weekend now that I have the identity issue fixed. If this also happens to you make sure to file a police report, place an “Identity theft alert” on all 3 credit unions and contact your states Attorney Generals office asap. Best wishes to you all.

    Reply
    • Thanks for the feedback Walter. Really got to hear the other perspective on this and shows that maybe what the IRS is doing is better in the bigger picture of things. While the 2 to 9 weeks delay due to extra ID checks is a pain for those waiting for a refund, the time to resolve incorrect refund distributions due to ID breaches could be much longer.

      Good luck to you and hope you can get your paper return through with no issues.

      Reply
      • I just received a 4833c letter asking me to call irs.this is my first time filling a tax this year for my business.
        What are the questions IRS asK for Identification?

        Reply

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