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I'm not buying all these "just wait" or "use this service" answers. The IRS is legally required to pay interest on late refunds after 45 days from the filing deadline (or from when you filed if after the deadline). So: โข If you filed Feb 22, they have until about April 8 before interest kicks in โข They know this and will likely process just before that deadline โข These "services" people are pushing are just trying to make money off your anxiety โข The IRS is understaffed but not incompetent - they have a system
Back in 2022, I had almost the identical situation with my gig work return. Filed in February, no movement until April. I eventually learned that gig worker returns (Schedule C filers) are flagged more frequently for manual review because of historically higher rates of claimed deductions. This isn't a conspiracy - it's just risk management on their part. When I finally got my refund, everything was exactly as I filed it. What I found most useful was checking my account transcript rather than relying on WMR. The transcript showed codes that indicated my return was in review, while WMR just showed the generic "still processing" message.
Be careful about identity verification requirements this year. Last year I filed early with EIC, got my state refund quickly, but then my federal went into limbo. Turns out they flagged me for ID verification but the letter took 3 weeks to arrive. By the time I got it and verified my identity, I'd already waited 2 months. If you don't see any movement by March 1st, check if you need to verify your identity through ID.me or by calling the dedicated verification line. Don't just wait indefinitely like I did.
I'm in the exact same situation! Filed January 20th with TurboTax, claimed EIC, got my state refund on February 2nd, and my federal is still processing. Have you checked your account transcript on the IRS website? Mine shows a 570 code which apparently means they're reviewing something. Did you have any investment income or unemployment this year? Those can trigger additional review.
I filed exactly on February 14th at 9:37am. My transcript updated on March 1st with a 570 code, then on March 8th it changed to 571 (release of hold) and 846 (refund issued) with a direct deposit date of March 15th. The money hit my account this morning, exactly on schedule. From what I've seen in previous years, the IRS processes returns in batches based on when they were received, so all of us 2/14 filers should be in roughly the same batch.
My transcript shows processing date of March 18th (cycle code 20241105) with a 570 code dated March 15th. Based on your experience, how many days exactly between your 570 and 571 codes? Trying to calculate when I might see movement.
Just to clarify for everyone - the 21-day processing guideline is just that, a guideline. The IRS is not obligated to process returns within that timeframe. Many factors can extend processing time including verification of credits, identity verification requirements, and staffing limitations. If you need your refund for immediate expenses, you might want to adjust your withholding for next year to prevent being in this situation again.
My transcript updated exactly 6 days before my refund hit my account. WMR updated only 2 days before the deposit. My transcript showed an 846 code dated 4/05/2024 and the money appeared in my account on that exact date at 3:27am. Has anyone else noticed this precise timing with their deposits this year?
Yeah, mine was super accurate too. My 846 date was 3/29 and that's exactly when I got it. I've filed taxes for 12 years now and this is the first time I've paid attention to transcript dates instead of WMR. Way more reliable! I was telling my sister about it who's still waiting on hers.
Just to clarify - if your transcript shows an 846 code with a date, that's your refund date. WMR is notoriously behind on updates. Last year I got my refund a full week before WMR even acknowledged it was sent! Transcript is the source of truth.
CosmicCruiser
According to Internal Revenue Manual 21.4.1.3, the IRS has established timeframes for processing returns, but these are guidelines rather than guarantees. Per IRC ยง 6611(e), interest on refunds begins to accrue after 45 days from the later of the due date or the filing date. This suggests that even the IRS acknowledges that processing can take longer than 21 days. Patient persistence is unfortunately required when dealing with delayed refunds.
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Anastasia Fedorov
I had the exact same issue last filing season. Here's what worked for me: Step 1: Check your transcript for specific codes (570, 971, etc.) Step 2: Look for cycle dates (usually in top right corner) Step 3: Check the WMR tool only once per day (usually updates overnight) Step 4: If no movement after 30 days, call the IRS Step 5: Be prepared with your filing date, expected refund amount, and any transcript codes Following these steps, I discovered my return was flagged for simple verification. Once resolved, I received my refund within a week.
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