Compared to my previous returns with EIC, my non-EIC return this year processed dramatically faster. While my EIC returns typically took 25-30 days even after the PATH Act hold lifted, my current return took just 9 days from acceptance to direct deposit. Without code 768, your return bypasses the special compliance review process that EIC returns undergo. It's such a relief not having to deal with that extra waiting period! Your processing should be significantly quicker than the standard 21 days, assuming there are no other review codes on your transcript.

YES! You absolutely will process faster! I'm a tax preparer and I'm seeing non-EIC returns processing in 7-14 days consistently this season while EIC returns are taking 21-30 days minimum. The 21-day guideline is the IRS's way of managing expectations, but without refundable credits, you're on the fast track! So excited for you to get your refund sooner than expected! Just keep checking your transcript for the 846 refund issued code - that's when the money is on its way!

There are actually several solutions to this problem: • Use exactly $0 as your prior year AGI (no decimal points) • Check for a specific "did not file last year" option in your software • Create an account on IRS.gov which requires identity verification but bypasses AGI issues • Request an Identity Protection PIN through the IRS website • File by paper as a last resort I've helped dozens of clients with this exact issue. Most software has a specific way to handle non-filers from the previous year.

I've been there. It's frustrating. Try another software. Some handle this better. I used FreeTaxUSA last year. It worked fine. They have a specific option. Don't panic. Paper filing is always an option. Just mail it in. Takes longer for refunds though. Worth trying online options first.

According to the Internal Revenue Manual (IRM) section 21.4.1, once a return has been accepted for processing with direct deposit information, the payment method cannot be altered through customer service channels. The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) locks payment parameters after initial processing stage. However, there are two specific scenarios to be aware of: 1. If the financial institution rejects the direct deposit (closed account, incorrect routing number), the IRS automatically converts to paper check issuance. 2. If you're concerned about tax offset intercepts (where the Treasury Offset Program might take part of your refund for outstanding debts), changing to paper check would not prevent this as TPO intercepts occur before disbursement method is executed. Your best course of action is to ensure your banking information is correct and active, or alternatively, allow the direct deposit to fail naturally if you prefer a paper check.

Just to clarify something I'm seeing in the other comments - when people say "accepted" they're usually referring to two different things that get confused a lot. Your return being "accepted" by the IRS just means they received it and it passed the initial checks. It doesn't mean the review process has finished. So while it's true you can't change the direct deposit info now (unless you want to file an amended return, which would delay things by months... not worth it! 😅), you're still probably a couple weeks away from the actual deposit happening if you're on PATH. The PATH Act holds certain refunds until at least February 15th, so they're just now starting to release those funds for qualifying returns.

I worked a seasonal job with a tax preparation company. We saw this pattern frequently. State verification rarely triggers federal verification. They use different security systems. Most people who verify for state sail through federal processing without issues. Your transcript showing processing without 570/971 codes is a good sign. You'll likely see your refund soon.

Under IRS Publication 5027, identity verification requirements are specifically tied to the Taxpayer Protection Program (TPP). Does anyone know if the TPP flags are shared between state and federal systems? Or do they maintain completely separate risk assessment protocols?

I had a $14,800 refund last year due to a similar situation with overtaxation on a bonus. Isn't it interesting how the withholding system treats lump sum payments as if you'll make that amount every pay period? I filed on February 10th and received my refund on March 8th - so 26 days total. The IRS did verify my identity through their online verification system, which added about a week to the process. But overall, it was smoother than I expected for such a large amount. Have you checked if you might be eligible for the identity verification online rather than by mail? That can save considerable time if your return gets flagged.

The community consensus on large refunds is that filing accuracy matters more than timing. PATH Act restrictions only apply to EITC and ACTC claims, which have a mandatory hold until mid-February regardless of when you file. For non-PATH refunds, the Discriminant Function System (DIF) scoring used by the IRS assigns higher review probability to returns with statistically unusual characteristics - large refunds being one factor but not the only one. My recommendation: file when your documentation is complete, ensure your W-2 data matches exactly what you enter, and use direct deposit for fastest processing. E-filing with complete documentation typically results in the fastest processing regardless of refund size.