From what I've seen in this community over the past few months, the "10 week" timeline is their standard response for anything PATH-related this year. Some people do get it sooner (around 6-7 weeks), but others have gone the full 10 weeks or even longer. It seems to depend on which processing center your return went to and how backlogged they are. The Texas center seems to be moving faster than the Kansas City one, for example. The "system problem" response is frustratingly vague compared to previous years when they'd at least tell you if it was under review or just in a queue.

Did they give you any specific error code or just the generic "system problem" explanation? Sometimes the representatives have access to more detailed information than what they initially provide. It's like trying to get a diagnosis from a doctor who only says you're "sick" without specifying what illness you have.

I think what's happening is your return is in the post-verification queue but hasn't been assigned to a processing batch yet. Have you checked if your state return is processing? Sometimes that can give you a clue about federal status too? The IRS systems are so opaque, aren't they? I've found that checking transcripts between 3-5am Eastern time shows updates fastest since that's right after their overnight processing runs. Maybe try that tomorrow? The lack of cycle code is actually a good sign in your case - it means your return is just waiting for initial processing rather than being held up for review.

OMG this verification process is MADDENING!! 😤 I went through this exact thing in March and it took 9 days after verification for anything to change. The most frustrating part is that the IRS doesn't tell you ANYTHING during this time! But I promise it will update - the system is just incredibly slow. Everyone I know who's gone through verification this year has had the same experience with the transcript showing nothing and then suddenly everything appears at once. Hang in there!

I tried doing exactly what you're planning last year and it didn't work out. The agent told me they could only verify the year that was specifically mentioned in the letter I received. I referenced the same IRM section and they still refused. Apparently different offices have different policies. I ended up having to make a second appointment and wait another 6 weeks. The whole system is much more complicated than I expected for something that should be straightforward. I've been filing for 20+ years and never had these issues until recently.

I successfully got 3 years verified in one appointment exactly 47 days ago. The key was bringing precisely the right documentation. For each year I had: original W-2s (not copies), 2 forms of ID (passport and driver's license), Social Security card, and printed copies of the returns. The agent initially said they could only verify the year on my letter, but when I showed I had all the proper documentation and cited Publication 17 page 93 regarding multiple-year verification procedures, they processed all 3 years. My refunds were deposited 14 days later for all years. Being prepared and polite but firm about your rights makes all the difference.

Have you checked your account transcript or just your return transcript? Sometimes your account transcript will update first. And have you verified that you're actually looking at 2023 and not accidentally pulling 2022? I've seen people panic over nothing because they were looking at the wrong year. Did you e-file or paper file? E-file should show acceptance within 24-48 hours, but paper can take weeks just to show as received. Patience is key with the IRS, especially during peak season.

According to Internal Revenue Manual 21.4.1.3, normal processing time for electronically filed returns is 21 days, though the IRS is not obligated to issue refunds within this timeframe. Section 6402(a) of the Internal Revenue Code gives the IRS broad authority to determine refund timing. Community wisdom suggests checking transcripts on Thursdays or Fridays between midnight and 6am EST when batch processing typically occurs. Most returns with filing status changes undergo additional verification per IRM 25.25.3, but this rarely results in audit selection.

I'm wondering... did they tell you specifically what triggered the verification requirement? Was it something about your business filing that might have raised a flag? I'm asking because I may be in a similar situation and want to prepare myself for what might be coming.

I had nearly the identical situation last year with my small business return. Verified in person, then nothing for weeks. I kept checking online and calling with no updates. Turns out there was a secondary review happening that nobody told me about. When I finally got through to someone, they said my return was flagged for a "business rule exception" that required manual review after the identity verification. By the time I found this out, it had already been resolved, but I wasted so much time and stress not knowing. Document everything from your visit and be prepared for a longer wait than they tell you.