After you file

While that may be the boilerplate IRS answer, it makes absolutely no sense. I didn’t ask WHAT the policy was (I read that too),  I asked WHY they say what they say.  It only takes them an average of 3 weeks to send refunds for a standard electronically filed return.  They received my verified answer to their question of whether or not I was who I said I was.  I jumped through the hoops required to prove my identity.  So now the only thing left to do would be for them to process my return, right?  Why would it take an additional 6 weeks for a total of 9 weeks to do something it usually takes them 3 weeks to do?  (Plus they had my return for 3 weeks before sending me the letter requesting verification of my identity, so they will have had it for 12 weeks.)  If I withheld money from them for 9 weeks, I’d have to pay a penalty and interest.  I’m glad they’re checking my identity, but come on now…9 more weeks to process my return??? That’s a bit much without giving a reason.  A return is a return.  Once identity is verified, process it.  It shouldn’t take 12 weeks or 9 weeks.  It should take the average time-unless there is something else going on they’re not telling us about.