I'd suggest a more proactive approach than just waiting. According to IRC §7811, you can request Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) assistance if you're experiencing a significant hardship due to IRS delays. The definition of "significant hardship" includes the need to meet essential educational expenses. I filed exactly 52 days ago and was given the same "system issues" explanation. I submitted Form 911 to TAS on day 46 and received a case advocate within 4 business days. My case is still pending, but at least there's someone specifically assigned to help resolve it. The TAS agent confirmed they've received exactly 14,723 cases related to these system delays in the past 30 days alone, so this is definitely a widespread issue.

Just to clarify something important: these "system issues" are different from the normal processing delays we see every year. Regular processing delays typically show different transcript codes (usually a 570 followed by a 971 within days). What's happening now is that returns get a 570 code but then no subsequent action for weeks. Compared to the 2023 tax season when we saw similar technical issues in February, the current situation is affecting roughly twice as many returns. Last year's processing bottleneck was resolved by mid-April, so there's reason to believe this will clear up in the coming weeks.

I was in almost the exact same situation as you! Filed March 7th, accepted same day, and just got my DDD for March 27th this morning. Here's what I did: 1. Made sure all my information matched my previous return exactly 2. Double-checked all numbers before submitting 3. Filed electronically with direct deposit 4. Didn't claim any credits that might delay processing 5. Made sure my AGI from last year was entered correctly for identity verification I think being meticulous about accuracy really helps speed things along. The system seems to flag even minor discrepancies for review.

Did you check your tax transcript online to see if there were any specific codes that appeared before you got your DDD? The Where's My Refund tool doesn't show much detail, but the transcript often has codes like 570/971 that can indicate what's happening behind the scenes. The IRS website has information about these codes, but they can be confusing to interpret: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript

I called the Treasury Offset Program on January 15th, 2024 and confirmed they are definitely offsetting for defaulted student loans this tax season. The automated system will tell you if you have an offset, how much, and which agency placed it. If your loans are with ED, you might still have options. The Fresh Start program launched on September 30th, 2023 allows you to get loans out of default quickly. Call your loan servicer directly after confirming an offset - sometimes they can help even after you've filed but before the offset occurs.

I had my entire $3,700 refund offset last year for old student loans I forgot about from a certificate program! Never even got a notice beforehand. Called the offset number afterward and they confirmed it went to Department of Education. When I called ED, they told me if I had set up a rehabilitation plan before filing, I could have avoided it. Are you expecting a large refund? If so, might be worth looking into rehabilitation even if you're planning to eventually pay it all off.

Did the preparer give you copies of both your federal and state returns? Always request complete copies of everything they file. Did they clearly break down their fees for each service? What credentials did they have? PTIN? EA? CPA?

This varies by state and preparer type. H&R Block and similar national chains typically include both federal and state in their basic package. Independent CPAs often charge separately but are transparent about it. The shadiest operations are the temporary storefronts that pop up January-April and disappear right after the filing deadline. Compared to other countries, our multi-tiered tax system creates these opportunities for confusion and sometimes deception.

Not sure all these DDD posts are helpful. My bank never follows the pattern others describe. Last year I had a 3/15 date. Nothing came. Called IRS after 5 days. They said wait 21 days from DDD. Ended up getting a paper check 6 weeks later. Something about my direct deposit info being "rejected" even though it was correct. Anyone else have this happen? Worried about this year too.

According to the Automated Clearing House (ACH) processing protocols, the IRS initiates a batch transfer to financial institutions on the morning of the designated DDD. This transfer includes a Settlement Date field that instructs when funds should be made available to account holders. Financial institutions are obligated to comply with NACHA regulations regarding fund availability, but internal processing schedules may cause variations in actual posting times. For 3/27 DDDs, expect most major banks to post between midnight and 6:00 AM Eastern Time, though credit unions often operate on different processing cycles.