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Based on what I've seen across hundreds of cases, here's what typically happens: Blank transcripts for 2-3 weeks is normal, especially for early February filers. Compared to last year, the IRS is actually processing returns about 15% faster, but transcript updates are lagging behind actual processing. Requesting verification this early is similar to what happens when people repeatedly call customer service for a package that's still within the delivery window - it often creates more delay than it solves. If you're at exactly 21 days, give it until at least day 28 before taking action.
I was in this exact same boat last year. Filed Feb 10th, accepted Feb 11th, and transcripts stayed blank until March 8th. I panicked and requested verification on day 23, and honestly regretted it. My sister filed the same day and didn't request verification - she got her refund a week before me. I think the verification request just added unnecessary steps. I was counting on that money for some medical bills and the extra delay was really stressful. If I could do it over, I'd have just waited another week before doing anything.
According to Internal Revenue Manual 21.4.1.4, the 846 code indicates that the refund has been scheduled but not necessarily released. Per IRS Publication 5486, when a taxpayer elects to have fees deducted from their refund, the funds follow a specific path: Treasury ā Third-Party Processor ā Financial Institution ā Taxpayer account. Treasury regulations require each entity to process within 24 hours of receipt, but weekend and holiday delays can extend this timeline. In my case last year, my 846 date was 3/15, SBTPG updated on 3/17, and funds were in my account on 3/18.
I think we've all been through the SBTPG waiting game at some point! From what I've seen in this community over the years, it seems like their system usually updates within about 48 hours of your transcript showing the 846 code, but sometimes it can take a bit longer, especially if your DDD falls around a weekend. I wouldn't worry too much yet - having both WMR and your transcript showing the same DDD is usually a pretty reliable sign that everything is on track! š
I received my verification letter on March 15th after filing on February 23rd. Exactly 20 days. I verified online that same day, and my refund was approved on March 29th with direct deposit hitting my account on April 3rd. The letter had very specific instructions about going to the ID.me verification portal. Make sure you have a smartphone handy because they required a selfie verification when I did mine.
Got mine last week after waiting about a month! The whole process was actually pretty smooth once I had the letter. I was worried because last year I had issues with my stimulus payment verification and it was a nightmare. This time I verified online using the 14-digit code, and my transcript updated within 48 hours showing my refund was processed. My advice is to check your mailbox daily - the envelope looks pretty plain and could be mistaken for junk mail!
I maintain a comprehensive timeline database of IRS processing patterns each year, and this is absolutely typical for the current filing season. The Transcript Database Integration (TDI) often lags behind the Return Processing Pipeline (RPP) by 21-35 days during peak volume periods. My analysis of 142 early filers this season shows that returns submitted between February 1-15 are experiencing an average 28-day delay before transcript visibility, regardless of refund status. I wouldn't be concerned until you reach the 45-day mark without transcript updates.
Think of your tax return like checking luggage at the airport. The "accepted" message is just the baggage tag being printed - it's in the system but hasn't even been loaded onto the conveyor belt yet. Your transcript showing nothing is like the tracking app not showing your luggage location - it doesn't mean your luggage is lost, just that it hasn't been scanned at a tracking point yet. I filed on February 5th, transcript showed nothing until March 2nd, then suddenly everything appeared at once and my refund was deposited on March 8th. The system is like a pipeline that's completely full - things only move when something comes out the other end.
Sean Murphy
According to the IRS newsroom (https://www.irs.gov/newsroom), they're planning to implement these changes in phases. Looking at similar situations in the past, I've found that taxpayers with dependents under 6 years old might be prioritized in the first wave. The IRS Commissioner mentioned in a recent press briefing that they're developing a dedicated tool for tracking these specific adjustments. Has anyone found any other official resources about the rollout schedule? I'm particularly interested in how they'll handle cases with split custody arrangements where tax benefits alternate years.
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Javier Gomez
ā¢That's a great point about split custody! I haven't seen specific guidance on that scenario yet. Have you checked the IRS FAQ section? They sometimes update that before formal announcements.
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StarStrider
After researching this extensively, I can confirm the IRS will issue automatic adjustments through their Automated Underreporter (AUR) system for the expanded Child Tax Credit. They'll use Form 846 (Refund Issued) on your transcript when processing. Most taxpayers should see Transaction Code 291 (Adjustment) followed by 846 within the same cycle. Relief finally! I was preparing for another amendment nightmare like last year's Schedule E correction.
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