Refund Delays & Identity Theft Crisis

500k+ identity theft victims waiting ~20 months; 14M suspended returns; CP53E freezes affecting 500k+ taxpayers. TAS Act passed committee but no floor vote. 1M refunds delayed ~5.5 weeks. New article confirms CP53E can delay refunds up to six weeks due to paper-check phaseout. IRS Letter 4464C (RIVO verification) explained with 60-day timeline; it is a standard security check, not an audit. TIGTA reports on improper payments and paper record security add scrutiny. 4M filers received direct-deposit error notices. FTC sent $6.8M to Brigit customers in second-round refunds.