Here's what's happening with the IRS update schedule this year: 1. The IRS received funding to modernize their processing systems 2. They're implementing a more distributed processing approach 3. Instead of processing most returns in just a few large batches, they're now processing smaller batches throughout the week 4. Your cycle code (last two digits of the 14-digit number on your transcript) determines your processing group 5. Even if you were cycle 05 before, you might be in a different cycle now 6. Check your 2023 transcript for your current cycle code 7. You need to check WMR and transcripts ASAP as the deposit could come any day now!

I'm SO RELIEVED to see someone else experiencing this! 😅 The cycle change threw me for a loop too. I did some digging and found that the IRS has officially implemented their new Enterprise Case Management system this year, which allows for more frequent processing batches. If you check your transcript, look at the full cycle code (should be 14 digits). The 4th and 5th digits represent the year (24 for 2024) and the last two digits are your cycle number. Many people who were traditionally cycle 05 are now seeing 01, 02, or 03 cycles, which explains the different update days. This doesn't necessarily mean faster or slower processing - just different days for updates.

I had a strange experience with verification last year. My return was accepted on January 28th, but then nothing happened for weeks. I called the IRS after 21 days and discovered I needed to verify my identity, even though I hadn't received any letter. The agent explained that sometimes the letters get lost in the mail. After verifying through ID.me that same day, my refund was processed within a week. My takeaway is that if your refund is delayed beyond the normal processing time (21 days for e-file), it's worth calling to check if verification is needed.

Back in 2022, I had to go through verification twice because I moved states. From that experience and helping others since, I've noticed some patterns that might indicate you'll need to verify: 1. First-time filers almost always get verified 2. Major life changes (marriage, divorce, moving states) 3. Large changes in income or deductions 4. Claiming refundable credits for the first time 5. Filing from an IP address in a different location than your address If any of these apply to you, I'd recommend being proactive and checking your transcript weekly after filing.

It seems like most people here have had similar experiences, which probably means you're in good shape. The IRS systems tend to update in stages, and there's usually a lag between when your return is accepted and when your transcript reflects the information. This is probably more noticeable now because you're checking earlier in the process than you might have in previous years. I'd say give it another week or so before getting too concerned, as the IRS is likely just working through their backlog of returns.

Last year I had exactly this situation. Filed on February 8th through TurboTax, got the acceptance confirmation within 48 hours, but my transcript showed all zeros with verification of non-filing until March 2nd. Then suddenly everything updated at once and my refund was deposited on March 7th. The key thing I learned is that the different IRS systems don't synchronize in real-time - they batch update on different schedules.

According to Internal Revenue Manual section 21.4.1, what you're experiencing is likely a 'processing path change.' Per IRS guidelines, when a return moves between different processing departments, the tracking status may reset temporarily. This commonly occurs when: 1) Identity verification is needed, 2) Income discrepancy is detected, 3) Credits require additional verification, or 4) Address change processing is occurring. Given your recent divorce, the system may be reconciling your new filing status. I recommend checking your tax transcript for codes 570/971, which would confirm this theory. I was so worried when this happened to me, but it resolved itself within 14 days.

Let me walk you through what might be happening here. In approximately 15% of cases, a return that shows full progression and then reverts is experiencing what's sometimes called a 'verification loop.' It's possible, though not certain, that your recently changed marital status triggered additional verification. The IRS might be cross-referencing your new filing status with previous years' data. If that's the case, you might want to check if your ex-spouse has already filed, as this can sometimes create processing delays when both parties file as single for the first time after filing jointly in previous years.

I had the exact same switch from 05 to 02 this year. Called and confirmed it's nothing to worry about. Got my refund exactly 8 days after the cycle date shown on transcript. The cycle just tells you which batch your return is processed in. 02 is Tuesday's batch.

The IRS typically assigns cycle codes based on a combination of factors including the type of return, processing center workload, and sometimes even the last two digits of your SSN. In most cases, a change from 05 to 02 is simply administrative and doesn't necessarily indicate any issues with your return. It's generally considered that cycle 02 might actually be slightly faster for processing.