Per Internal Revenue Manual 3.30.123, paper returns go through multiple handling stages before being entered into the system. First, they're batched and numbered, then they undergo perfection review, then data transcription, and finally validation. Only after all these steps will your return appear in their system. IRS Publication 2043 specifically notes that paper returns take substantially longer to process than e-filed returns. The community consensus is to wait at least 8 weeks before becoming concerned.

I've been filing paper returns for 15+ years (my situation doesn't allow e-filing). In my experience, March filings typically show up in their system by mid-May to early June. Last year was particularly slow - I mailed on March 3rd and it didn't appear in their system until June 17th. The refund came about 10 days after that. The waiting is definitely stressful, but as long as you have proof you mailed it (certified mail receipt), you should be fine.

Did you receive any kind of confirmation email from SBTPG with details? And have you checked if there might be any fees they deducted that could be causing a difference in the amount? Sometimes banks will reject deposits if the amount doesn't match exactly what was expected.

I waited from March 15th to March 23rd last year with the exact same situation. SBTPG said sent, nothing in my Chime. When I finally got through to the IRS, they told me SBTPG had returned the money because of a "name mismatch" - but nobody bothered to tell me! Had to wait another 6 weeks for a paper check. Don't wait as long as I did to start investigating - every day matters when it's your money.

If you have your transcript access, you can check your account transcript to see if they've already scheduled the paper check. Look for code 846 with a description like "refund issued" - that will show the date they're sending it out.

Just be patient. The IRS is actually pretty good about sending out paper checks once they know the direct deposit failed. And make sure your address is current with USPS - that's where they'll send it!

Congrats on the good news! FYI for everyone - those IRS emails are legit but they sometimes go to spam folders. Def check there if u haven't gotten one but WMR shows approved. The trace # in Netspend is just their way of showing an incoming ACH transfer - other banks might call it pending deposit or ACH memo. BTW the IRS started sending those emails more regularly in 2023 tax season, so it's not brand new but they've gotten better at consistent timing. The email usually comes 2-3 days b4 the deposit hits ur account.

Think of the IRS refund process like an airplane flight: your return is "boarded" (accepted), then "taxiing" (processing), then "in the air" (approved), and finally "landed" (deposited). That email is basically your "we're beginning our descent" announcement. One word of caution though - I've seen cases where people get the email but then have a last-minute hold placed on their refund. It's like when the plane circles the airport due to traffic. Rare, but it happens, especially with certain international tax situations where the IRS does an extra verification step. Just keep an eye on your transcript if you can access it, as that will show any last-minute changes.

After seeing this post on February 28th, I immediately checked my transcript despite being a weekly 05 cycle code. To my surprise, it had updated with a DDD of March 8th! I filed on February 15th and had been religiously checking every Friday morning as that's when 05 cycles typically update. The IRS is definitely processing returns differently this tax season. For anyone waiting, here's what worked for me: 1. Check transcripts daily regardless of cycle code 2. Look for code 846 with a specific date (that's your actual deposit date) 3. If you see code 570/971 combination, don't panic - mine had those for 3 days before updating to DDD 4. The WMR tool updated a full 24 hours AFTER my transcript showed the DDD Hope this helps someone else who's anxiously waiting!

This situation is actually pretty different from previous years. In 2022 and 2023, cycle codes were much more reliable indicators of update patterns. What we're seeing now is more like the 2019 processing season when the IRS was transitioning between systems. The key difference I'm noticing is that returns with certain combinations of credits seem to be getting prioritized differently. For example, returns with only W2 income and standard deduction appear to be processing faster than those with self-employment income, regardless of cycle code. I'd suggest checking both WMR and transcripts daily, but don't count on either being 100% accurate until you actually see the money in your account.