Just to clarify something that hasn't been mentioned yet - the 152 code on WMR isn't actually an official IRS transaction code like the ones on your transcript (570, 971, etc). It's just a message code for the WMR tool itself. Its disappearance usually indicates the system is preparing to show you a new status, but the WMR tool often lags behind what's actually happening with your return. This is why many people report their refund arriving without WMR ever updating to the third bar.

This is really helpful information, and I appreciate everyone sharing their experiences! As someone who's been through multiple tax seasons, I can confirm that the disappearing code 152 is actually pretty normal. What I've learned is that the IRS systems often update behind the scenes before the WMR tool reflects those changes. For anyone else dealing with this - here's what I'd recommend: 1. Check your transcript if you can access it online (it's way more reliable than WMR) 2. Don't panic if codes disappear - it usually means progress, not problems 3. The 21-day processing timeframe is just a guideline, especially for early filers 4. If you filed in late January, you're right in the normal processing window The good news is that most people reporting this issue end up getting their refunds within a week or two of the code disappearing. The system is definitely glitchy this year, but the underlying processing seems to be working. Hang in there - it sounds like you're on the right track!

mine switched from 05 to 03 last week and got my refund yesterday!

Cycle 03 just means Wednesday processing - nothing to worry about! I was cycle 03 too and got my refund after about 5 weeks. The key is checking your transcript for any freeze codes or holds. If you don't see any 570/971 codes like Giovanni mentioned, you're probably just in the normal processing queue. Hang in there! 💪

Call the IRS early morning right when they open. Thats what I did and got answers quick

From what I understand, cycle code 03 means your return is in daily processing which is actually faster than weekly (05). This usually happens when they need to do additional verification or when there are certain credits/deductions that require manual review. The good news is that daily processing typically moves quicker once they start working on it. I'd expect to see movement within 1-2 weeks if everything checks out. Keep monitoring your transcripts - you should see a 846 code appear when your refund is approved and scheduled.

Has anyone tried calling OLT's technical support line directly instead of using their online chat? I had a similar HSA issue with them last year (though mine was related to a mid-year change from individual to family coverage). Their online support was useless, but when I called the phone number, I got someone who knew exactly what the problem was. Apparently, some of these HSA edge cases are known issues in their calculation engine, and the phone support staff have specific workarounds they can tell you. The number should be on your receipt email or in your account page. Might be worth trying before switching software or filing manually.

I just went through this exact same issue with OLT! The problem is definitely in their HSA calculation logic. What worked for me was going to the "Forms" section in OLT and manually editing Form 8889 directly. Here's what I did: After completing all the regular tax info, I went to Forms > Form 8889 and found the HSA contribution worksheet. There's a line where you can override the "maximum contribution allowed" calculation. I entered the correct amount ($5,375 in your case) and added a note explaining the dual catch-up contributions. You'll also want to make sure both HSA accounts are properly entered - your family account with $4,875 and your husband's individual account with $500. The key is that OLT needs to see them as separate accounts to recognize that you can each claim the $1,000 catch-up. This override prevented the excess contribution penalty from appearing on my return. Just make sure to double-check that your Form 8889 shows the correct calculations before filing!

While I understand the frustration, there are legitimate reasons for these delays. The IRS is operating under significant constraints with outdated technology systems and staffing shortages. According to the National Taxpayer Advocate's 2023 Annual Report to Congress, the IRS had a backlog of over 3.2 million unprocessed amended returns at one point. The term "referral" in IRS parlance (specifically a Form 911 TAS referral) does have a tracking mechanism, but the 30-day timeline is aspirational rather than guaranteed. Your best option is to request a specific referral to the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) if you're experiencing financial hardship due to the delay.

I'm dealing with something similar - filed my amended return in March 2024 and it's been radio silence since then. The frustrating part is how the messaging keeps changing. First they say "16 weeks," then "no timeline," then you hear about these mysterious "referrals" that may or may not actually exist. What I've learned from this thread is that we're basically stuck in a broken system where outdated technology meets bureaucratic inefficiency. The suggestions about congressional representatives and the Taxpayer Advocate Service seem like the most legitimate routes if you're truly experiencing hardship. Has anyone here actually had success with TAS? I'm wondering if it's worth the effort or if it's just another layer of bureaucracy to navigate.