You're definitely fine! I've been tracking DDD patterns for years and here's what I've learned: • 846 code = guaranteed refund is coming • DDD day of week varies widely now • Some banks post 1 day early (especially credit unions) • Some banks hold until next business day if it's Friday • The old "Wednesday rule" ended around 2019-2020 The most important thing is you have an 846 code! That means your refund is approved and on the way.

I worked in tax preparation for 15 years and can confirm Friday DDDs are completely normal now. Back in 2018, I remember when this change started happening. The Treasury Department expanded their distribution schedule from just Wednesdays to multiple days throughout the week. I had a client last year with a Friday DDD of 3/31, and their refund hit their account exactly on that date. The IRS processing system has actually become more efficient with this change, as it prevents the banking system from being overwhelmed with millions of deposits on a single day.

This delay is likely due to several factors: • Child Tax Credit claims trigger additional verification • IRS is prioritizing certain returns (typically lower income/simpler returns first) • System backlogs from the Feb 12-15 surge period • Staffing issues at processing centers Based on this tax season's patterns, most returns with similar characteristics are updating between 28-42 days after filing. The transcript typically updates overnight Thursday-Friday or Friday-Saturday.

FYI - the N/A transcript doesn't mean they haven't received ur return. It means they haven't processed it yet. There's a diff. The return is in the system (confirmed by ur acceptance and WMR first bar) but hasn't been assigned to processing queue yet. This is happening to TONS of ppl this yr. The cycle codes show most CTC returns are now processing in cycle 20240805 thru 20240807 which means late March/early April deposit dates.

OMG I was so confused about this too! 😫 So here's what I learned after hours of research: the IRS changed their processing system this year. They're now using a new verification process that adds about 7-10 days to EVERYONE'S refund timeline. Even if your return is accepted quickly, there's this new internal review that happens before they release funds. I was shocked when I found this out!

According to the IRS.gov website, they're currently processing returns filed on February 22nd. You can check their operational status page for updates: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations. Most people I know who filed electronically with direct deposit are getting refunds in 18-25 days this year. Paper returns are taking 6-8 weeks minimum.

Have you considered that the verification might be related to something specific on your return? Sometimes it's not random but triggered by certain entries. In my case, it was because my address changed AND I claimed a tax credit I hadn't claimed before. The frustrating thing is that they don't tell you why you need verification, right? Just that you need it? Something else to try: check if your state tax agency has a reciprocal verification process with the IRS. In some states, if you verify your identity with the state tax authority, it can satisfy the federal requirement too. Might be worth looking into while you're waiting to get through on the phone.

According to IRS Procedural Regulation 201-08-15, taxpayers facing verification barriers have alternative options that many IRS representatives won't voluntarily disclose. You can request a Taxpayer Advocate Service Form 911 (Application for Taxpayer Assistance Order) if the verification delay is causing financial hardship - which it sounds like it is with your mother's medication needs. Additionally, you can contact your Congressional Representative's office. Each has staff dedicated to helping constituents with federal agency issues, including IRS problems. I've seen cases where a Congressional inquiry resolved verification issues within 48-72 hours when other methods failed. It's frustrating that we have to go to these lengths, but these are legitimate channels specifically established for situations like yours.

Your return is likely undergoing a Two-Factor Authentication (TFA) process that's separate from the IP PIN verification. The IRS implemented enhanced verification protocols in 2023 that can trigger multi-layered authentication requirements, especially for returns with international components. I recommend monitoring your transcript daily for Transaction Code 971, which indicates correspondence has been issued. Don't attempt preemptive verification through ID.me or the IRS identity verification service until specifically instructed, as this can further complicate processing.

I went through this exact nightmare scenario last month! Filed February 12th with my IP PIN, got the verification message on my transcript February 20th, and then nothing happened for weeks. Finally got letter 5071C on March 8th asking me to verify online. Completed that the same day, and my refund was approved exactly 9 days later. If you're on a tight timeline like I was (needed my refund for a medical procedure), just keep checking your mail daily. The frustrating part is you can't proactively verify - you have to wait for their specific instructions.