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If you're really struggling, you might possibly want to consider looking into an Offer in Compromise instead of just hardship status. It could potentially allow you to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount if you qualify. The form for that is 656, but you'll still need to complete the 433 series forms as part of the application process.
I filed for hardship status on January 12th this year after losing my job in December. Completed Form 433-F with all my documentation showing I had essentially no income beyond unemployment benefits. Got approved on February 8th and collections immediately stopped. They'll review my case again in 6 months, but by then I should be back on my feet with my new job starting next month. Don't listen to people saying the IRS won't work with you - they actually have reasonable hardship programs if you document everything properly.
What you're experiencing is likely related to the PATH Act verification process. When taxpayers claim certain refundable credits like the Earned Income Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit, the IRS is required by law to perform additional verification steps before releasing refunds. This typically creates a processing delay that can extend 45-60 days beyond the standard 21-day timeframe. The absence of movement on Where's My Refund is actually quite normal during this extended verification period.
Man, the IRS really needs to work on their communication! ๐ Would it kill them to just add a "we're still checking your stuff" status instead of leaving us in the dark for months? Thanks for explaining this so clearly!
I might be able to offer some possibly relevant insight based on my experience. I filed on February 10th, was accepted on February 11th, and had a similar situation with credits. My WMR showed no movement for approximately 7 weeks, then suddenly updated to approved. The deposit appeared in my account 5 days later. In my case, it seems the IRS was simply processing a large backlog of returns, particularly those with credits that require additional verification under the PATH Act provisions.
I had a similar experience but with TurboTax instead of H&R Block. Waited about 8 weeks total compared to previous years when I got my refund in 2-3 weeks. Makes me wonder if different tax preparation software affects processing times.
This is typically a Taxpayer Authentication Failure in the WMR interface, not necessarily an issue with your actual return processing. The IRS uses a multi-stage verification algorithm that sometimes gets disrupted during database updates. Try these technical workarounds: 1. Clear your browser cache if using the website version 2. Uninstall and reinstall the app if using mobile 3. Try accessing WMR during off-peak hours (early morning) 4. Use your AGI from line 11 on Form 1040 instead of the refund amount 5. Request an account transcript which will show the actual status regardless of WMR functionality In approximately 60% of cases, this resolves within 72 hours without any action needed.
Would this apply even if I'm getting the error on the phone system too? I tried calling the automated refund hotline and got the same information doesn't match message.
Per IRM 21.4.1.3, the WMR application pulls data from the CADE 2 and MeF systems with refresh cycles that can lag by 24-72 hours. Have you verified that you're using the primary taxpayer's SSN if this was a jointly filed return from your previous marriage? According to Reg. ยง301.6109-1(a)(1)(ii)(B), you must use the SSN of the primary taxpayer listed first on the return.
According to the IRS website (https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions), this error can happen for several reasons: 1. Information entered doesn't match their records 2. You've checked too many times in a 24-hour period 3. Your return is still being processed 4. There's a system update in progress I'm seeing a lot of posts about this on other forums too. Can anyone confirm if checking too frequently actually causes this error? I've been checking mine daily and wonder if I should stop.
I filed exactly 31 days ago on February 24th. Got my refund of $3,742 today, March 27th. The Where's My Refund tool updated at 3:45am this morning showing approved, and the money was in my account by 9:30am. My transcript showed code 846 with date 3/27 last Saturday.
If anyone's still waiting and feeling anxious, I recommend checking your account transcript instead of the Where's My Refund tool. It usually updates with more detailed information about your return status. You might feel worried seeing all those codes, but they can actually tell you more about what's happening with your return.
Giovanni Martello
Just got mine too! Also with Chime and same DDD. Here's what I've noticed over the past few years: โข 2022: DDD on Friday, deposit Wednesday evening โข 2023: DDD on Friday, deposit Wednesday afternoon โข 2024: DDD on Friday (3/8), deposit Wednesday evening (3/6) Seems like Chime consistently releases 2 days early for IRS refunds. So grateful for this community sharing their experiences - helped me plan accordingly instead of checking my account every 5 minutes!
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Savannah Weiner
Is anyone else concerned about how these early deposit features might affect future IRS processing? What happens if the IRS decides to implement last-minute adjustments after the ACH notification but before the official DDD? Couldn't this potentially create situations where people receive incorrect refund amounts that then need to be clawed back? I've seen horror stories of the IRS demanding repayment with interest and penalties when they've overpaid. Are these fintech banks potentially setting up their customers for problems down the line?
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Levi Parker
โขThis concern comes up often, but it's not actually how the process works. By the time an 846 code is issued with a DDD, the refund amount is finalized. The IRS doesn't make adjustments during that 2-3 day window between ACH notification and settlement date. If they need to make changes, they'll stop the process before issuing the 846 code. Banks like Chime have processed millions of these early releases without issues because they're releasing funds based on confirmed, finalized transactions.
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Libby Hassan
โขNot possible. ACH system doesn't work that way. IRS locks amount before sending. Been this way for years. No documented cases of clawbacks from early releases. Non-issue.
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