How Long After Verifying Identity to Get Your TurboTax Refund: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you've filed your taxes with TurboTax, and then, BAM! An identity verification request from the IRS. It can be a little unsettling, can't it? You're probably wondering, "How long is this going to hold up my refund?" You're not alone! This is a common question, and while there isn't one exact answer, we're going to break down the process, what to expect, and how to stay informed.
Let's dive in and get you closer to understanding when your refund will arrive!
Step 1: Understanding Why Identity Verification Happens
First things first, don't panic! Receiving an identity verification request isn't necessarily a bad sign. It's actually a safeguard. The IRS takes identity theft very seriously, and these requests are a crucial part of their efforts to protect you and your tax refund from fraudsters.
Why the IRS Might Flag Your Return for Identity Verification:
Unusual Filing Activity: If your current tax return looks significantly different from previous years (e.g., a sudden drastic change in income, credits claimed, or filing status), it might trigger a flag.
New Taxpayer: If you're filing for the first time, or if it's been a while since you last filed, the IRS might want to confirm your identity.
Suspicion of Fraud: Unfortunately, identity thieves sometimes attempt to file fraudulent returns using stolen personal information. The IRS's systems are designed to detect such attempts.
Security Measures: Sometimes, it's just a random security check, part of the IRS's ongoing efforts to prevent fraud.
It's important to note that TurboTax itself doesn't directly cause these verification requests; they come from the IRS. TurboTax is merely the software you used to prepare and submit your return.
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| How Long After Verifying Identity To Get Refund Turbotax |
Step 2: Responding to the IRS Identity Verification Request
This is the most critical step in getting your refund. The IRS will typically send you a letter (often Form 5071C, 4883C, 5447C, or 5747C) by U.S. mail. Be wary of emails or phone calls claiming to be from the IRS asking for personal information for verification; these are almost always scams.
How to Respond:
Tip: Read once for flow, once for detail.
Online Verification (Recommended): The IRS typically provides an online option (often through ID.me, a trusted third-party service) to verify your identity. This is usually the fastest and most efficient method. You'll need:
The IRS letter you received.
Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Your filing status for the tax year in question.
Your exact refund amount.
Copies of your current and previous year's tax returns (Form 1040, 1040-SR, etc.).
Any W-2s, 1099s, or other income documents used in your return.
A government-issued photo ID and a device with a camera for a selfie (for ID.me's self-service option).
Phone Verification: The IRS letter will also provide a phone number you can call. Be prepared for potentially long wait times, especially during peak tax season. Have all your tax documents ready before you call.
In-Person Verification (Less Common): In rare cases, the IRS might request an in-person verification at a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC).
Crucial Tip: Do not ignore this letter! Your refund will be held, and your return will not be processed until you successfully verify your identity.
Step 3: The Waiting Game – How Long After Verification?
This is where many taxpayers get anxious. Once you've successfully verified your identity with the IRS, the clock resets, in a way. The IRS states that after successful identity verification, it takes approximately 6 weeks to complete processing your tax return.
Factors Influencing the Timeline:
IRS Workload: The IRS processes millions of returns, and their workload can fluctuate, especially during peak filing season (February to April).
Complexity of Your Return: If your return is complex or involves certain credits (like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit), it might naturally take a bit longer to process, even after verification.
Errors or Discrepancies: If, even after identity verification, the IRS finds other errors or discrepancies on your return, it could lead to further delays. They will likely send another letter requesting clarification.
Method of Refund: Direct deposit is always the fastest way to receive your refund. If you opted for a paper check, it will take additional time for mailing.
While the IRS states "approximately 6 weeks," it's not uncommon for some taxpayers to receive their refund sooner, while others might experience slightly longer waits. The 9-week timeframe is also sometimes cited as a maximum for more complex cases after verification.
Step 4: Tracking Your Refund After Identity Verification
Once you've verified your identity, your primary tool for tracking your federal refund remains the IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool.
Using "Where's My Refund?":
Website: Go to the official IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool at IRS.gov/Refunds.
Information Needed: You'll need your Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN, your filing status, and the exact refund amount shown on your original tax return.
Status Updates: The tool will typically show one of three statuses:
Return Received: The IRS has your return and is processing it.
Refund Approved: The IRS has approved your refund and is preparing to send it. A direct deposit date or a mailed check date will usually be provided.
Refund Sent: Your refund has been sent to your bank or mailed to you.
Update Frequency: The "Where's My Refund?" tool is updated once every 24 hours, usually overnight. Checking multiple times a day won't provide new information.
What TurboTax Can Tell You:
Reminder: Short breaks can improve focus.
TurboTax can tell you the e-file status of your return (whether it was successfully accepted by the IRS). However, once the IRS accepts your return, TurboTax has no further insight into the IRS's processing timeline or the specific reason for any delays, including identity verification. Your TurboTax account dashboard might show "Accepted" even if the IRS is holding it for verification. This is why the IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool is paramount after verification.
Step 5: What if Your Refund is Still Delayed?
If it's been more than 6-9 weeks since you successfully verified your identity and you still haven't received your refund or seen an update on "Where's My Refund?", it's time to take further action.
Next Steps:
Re-check "Where's My Refund?": Always start here. Ensure you're entering the information correctly.
Review Your IRS Online Account: If you have an IRS online account (which requires ID.me verification to set up), you can sometimes see more detailed transcripts or notices that indicate the status of your return, including any holds. Look for "Code 570," which often indicates a hold or delay.
Check for Additional IRS Mail: The IRS might have sent another letter requesting more information or explaining a further delay.
Contact the IRS: This should be your last resort due to potentially long wait times.
Automated Refund Hotline: 800-829-1954.
IRS Taxpayer Assistance: 800-829-1040. Be prepared with all your tax and identity verification details.
Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS): If you've tried to resolve the issue with the IRS and haven't had success, or if the delay is causing a significant hardship, you can contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service, an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers resolve problems.
Patience is key, but persistence is also important if the delay extends significantly beyond the estimated timelines.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions taxpayers have about their TurboTax refund after identity verification:
How to speed up my TurboTax refund after identity verification?
The only way to "speed up" your refund after identity verification is to respond promptly and accurately to the IRS's request. Choosing the online verification method (ID.me) is generally the fastest way to complete this step. After verification, the processing time is largely out of your hands and depends on the IRS.
QuickTip: Short pauses improve understanding.
How to know if the IRS needs me to verify my identity?
The IRS will always send you a letter by U.S. mail (typically Form 5071C or 4883C) if they need you to verify your identity. They will not initiate contact by email, text message, or social media for this purpose.
How to track my refund status with TurboTax after identity verification?
While TurboTax can show your e-file status (Accepted/Rejected), once the IRS accepts your return, all subsequent refund tracking is done through the official IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov. TurboTax does not receive updates on the IRS's internal processing or specific holds.
How to contact the IRS about a refund delay after identity verification?
If it's been significantly longer than 6-9 weeks after successful verification, you can call the IRS automated refund hotline at 800-829-1954 or the main IRS assistance line at 800-829-1040. Have your tax return and the identity verification letter handy.
How to find out why my TurboTax refund is taking so long after identity verification?
The IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool is your primary source. If it indicates a delay or provides a specific message, follow any instructions. You can also try checking your IRS online account for transcripts or notices that might explain the hold.
QuickTip: Revisit this post tomorrow — it’ll feel new.
How to avoid identity verification delays in future tax filings?
Consider enrolling in the IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) program. This is a unique six-digit number issued annually to you by the IRS, and you must use it when you file your tax return. It adds an extra layer of security and can help prevent identity theft.
How to know if my identity verification was successful with the IRS?
After completing the online verification process (e.g., with ID.me), you should receive a confirmation message. If you called the IRS, the representative should confirm if your identity was successfully verified. The "Where's My Refund?" tool status may also update to "Refund Approved" once processing resumes.
How to get help if I'm struggling with the IRS identity verification process?
If you're having technical issues with the online ID.me process, visit the ID.me IRS help site. If you've tried contacting the IRS by phone multiple times without success, or if you're facing significant hardship due to the delay, you can reach out to the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS).
How to know if my refund was offset for other debts after identity verification?
If your refund is reduced or entirely taken to pay off other debts (like past due child support, federal student loans, or state income tax), you will receive a separate notice from the Bureau of the Fiscal Service (BFS) explaining the offset. This happens after the IRS has processed your return.
How to confirm my tax refund was sent to my bank after identity verification?
Once the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool shows "Refund Sent" with a direct deposit date, it typically takes 1-5 business days for the funds to appear in your bank account. You can then check your bank account directly.
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