According to IRM 21.4.1.3, normal processing time for e-filed returns should be 21 days, but many returns are being processed faster this year. It's worth noting that per IRC § 6402(a), the IRS has the authority to credit overpayments against any liabilities before issuing refunds, which can cause delays that aren't reflected in transcript updates. If your transcript shows recent activity, that's generally a positive sign.

My sister filed on May 4th and her transcript updated yesterday. I filed on May 7th and nothing yet. This is so much faster than last year when I filed in February and didn't get my refund until April! The IRS seems to be moving much quicker with the later filers compared to how they handled early filers who claimed EITC or CTC.

According to the official IRS2Go app updates and the https://www.irs.gov/refunds page, many 2024 returns are processing differently this year. My tax pro explained that returns filed in early February should expect 15-21 day processing times, with many showing no transcript updates until final processing. I filed 2/4, transcript showed N/A until 2/19, then got DDD for 2/22.

I think we might be seeing a pattern here that could be helpful for others in the community. It seems that many straightforward returns are being processed with minimal transcript updates this year. While it might be concerning to see no activity, it could actually be a good sign that your return isn't encountering issues that would trigger hold codes. Perhaps the IRS is prioritizing resources toward processing rather than updating systems that generate the intermediate codes we've come to expect. As long as you received the acceptance confirmation when you filed, your return is likely moving through the system as intended.

I'm not convinced calling actually helps speed anything up. In my experience: • Most agents just read the same information you can see online • They rarely have visibility into the verification review process • The 9-week timeline is deliberately conservative • The system works on automated queues that calling doesn't affect I've gone through verification twice in recent years, and both times my refund came between 3-4 weeks without any intervention. I think patience is honestly the best approach here.

Look, I know everyone's saying to be patient, but let me be straight with you - the 9 weeks is just the IRS covering themselves. I verified my ID on March 2nd and had my refund on March 22nd. Just 20 days. My neighbor waited 6 weeks. My coworker waited 2 weeks. There's no rhyme or reason to it that I can figure out. The military status might help, but don't count on it. Just plan for the worst (9 weeks) and hope for the best (2-3 weeks).

The 5071C verification process you underwent is part of the IRS's Taxpayer Protection Program (TPP), which is distinct from their Identity Theft Victim Assistance (IDTVA) program. TPP cases are processed through the Return Integrity Verification Operation (RIVO) and typically resolve much faster than true identity theft cases. Your timeline of verification-to-DDD is consistent with current RIVO processing metrics for the 2024 filing season. The medical changes you mentioned likely triggered the Dependent Database (DDb) scoring threshold, but since you verified successfully, you avoided the more intensive Automated Questionable Credit (AQC) review process.

For anyone else dealing with identity verification, the IRS has actually streamlined the process for 2024. They've added more appointment slots at TAC locations and improved their online verification system. If you receive a 5071C letter, you now have three options: verify online through ID.me, schedule an in-person appointment, or call the dedicated TPP hotline. The in-person route has been consistently the fastest based on data from this filing season. Also, bring both the requested documents AND your tax return information to your appointment - many people forget the latter and have to reschedule.

Here's what you need to do: 1. File Form 1040X for tax year 2021 to claim the enhanced Child Tax Credit - you have until April 15, 2025. 2. For the stimulus payments, you would have needed to claim those on returns for tax years 2020 and 2021. The deadline for 2020 was April 15, 2024, but you might qualify for an exception if you can show reasonable cause. 3. You'll need to provide documentation that your ex-spouse did not claim the child in those years. Request tax transcripts for your child using Form 4506-T. 4. If your ex truly hasn't filed since 2018, you're legally entitled to claim the child and all associated credits as long as the child lived with you for more than half the year. Don't wait any longer - the deadline for 2021 amendments is approaching.

Just to clarify something important - when you say your ex hasn't filed since 2017/2018, did you verify this through the IRS or are you just assuming? It's like assuming your car is out of gas when the gauge is broken - you really need to check. The IRS won't just take your word that your ex didn't claim the child. You need to request a wage and income transcript for the child's SSN to confirm no one claimed them for those years. Do this ASAP because if the deadline passes, it's like watching money float down the river that you can never get back.