🔐 ID.me Verified but IRS Refund Still Processing? What to Do Next (2025)
“I’ve completed ID.me verification, so why is my IRS refund still processing?”
This is one of the most common questions taxpayers ask after receiving an IRS identity verification notice. While ID.me confirms your identity, it does not mean your tax return has finished processing.
This guide explains what happens after ID.me verification, how long refunds typically take in 2025, and what steps you should take next.
1️⃣ What Happens After ID.me Verification
ID.me verification is used by the IRS to prevent identity theft and refund fraud.
It confirms who you are — not that your return is complete.
After verification, your tax return is sent back into the IRS processing system for additional review. This review may involve automated checks, manual verification, or cross-matching your return with W-2 and 1099 information submitted by employers and banks.
As a result, many taxpayers continue to see “Still Processing” or “Refund Pending” for several weeks after ID.me verification.
2️⃣ How Long Does an IRS Refund Take After ID.me?
The IRS does not provide a fixed timeline once identity verification is complete. Based on 2025 IRS guidance and EA practice experience, typical timelines include:
- Simple cases: 2–3 weeks after verification
- Average cases: 4–6 weeks
- Additional review required: 6–9 weeks or longer
Refund timing varies depending on claimed credits (such as EITC or Child Tax Credit), missing forms, income mismatches, and whether any IRS correspondence is pending.
3️⃣ Common Reasons Refunds Stay in “Still Processing”
Even after successful ID.me verification, refunds are often delayed due to the following reasons:
- Missing Form 1095-A or Form 8962 for Marketplace insurance
- Refund holds related to EITC or Child Tax Credit
- Income discrepancies between your return and IRS records
- Incorrect direct deposit information
- Manual IRS review triggered by minor inconsistencies
- Unresolved prior-year tax issues or amended returns
A taxpayer completed ID.me verification but did not include Form 8962.
The IRS paused the refund for manual review. After submitting the missing form, the refund was released several weeks later.
4️⃣ Does a Delayed Refund Mean an IRS Audit?
No. A delayed refund does not automatically mean an IRS audit.
Audits follow a separate process and always involve an official audit notice. Most ID.me-related delays are routine verification or processing reviews.
5️⃣ What You Should Check Right Now
- Check Where’s My Refund regularly
- Log in to your IRS Online Account to review notices
- Confirm your ID.me verification status
- Verify whether Form 1095-A was issued
- Double-check direct deposit information
- If delayed more than six weeks, review IRS letters carefully
If the IRS sends you a notice, responding exactly as instructed is usually the fastest way to resolve the delay.
6️⃣ EA Practice Notes: What Not to Do
- Do not file an amended return just because your refund is delayed
- Do not repeat ID.me verification unnecessarily
- Avoid calling the IRS before checking your online account
- Always respond to IRS letters before taking other action
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This article is based on U.S. federal tax law as of 2025. State tax rules may differ, and individual results vary. This content is for general informational purposes only and is not tax or legal advice.