The blank transcript indicates your return hasn't entered the primary IRS processing queue yet. This is different from normal processing delays. I'd recommend bypassing the general line (800-829-1040) and instead call the Taxpayer Advocate Service at 877-777-4778. They can initiate a formal inquiry if your return has exceeded normal processing timeframes, which at 8+ weeks, yours definitely has. Request a "Taxpayer Assistance Order" if you're experiencing financial hardship due to the delay. This triggers an expedited review of your case.

I waited 3 months for my refund last year after filing in February. Called every week. Each time they told me "just keep waiting." Finally got a letter saying they needed to verify my identity. But by then, I'd missed the payment deadline on my car loan that I was counting on the refund for. The late fees and credit score hit were brutal. Don't just wait like I did - be proactive! And definitely don't make financial plans assuming the refund will arrive on time. The IRS works on their schedule, not yours.

I stopped using tax prep cards three years ago after a nightmare experience. My refund was supposedly deposited but the card showed zero balance for four days. Customer service had no answers. Finally had to go to an actual H&R Block office to resolve it. Now I use Credit Union direct deposit - refund came two days EARLIER than estimated this year. Plus no random fees for checking my balance or calling customer service. These cards make money by hoping you don't read the fine print.

Be careful about relying on these cards year after year. My cousin used Emerald Card for three years straight. Last year, they froze his account for "suspicious activity" when he tried to withdraw his full refund. Took 14 days to resolve. The company claimed it was for his protection, but he missed a car payment because of it. These companies aren't banks - they don't have the same regulations. Always have a backup plan for accessing your money.

I was in the same boat last year waiting for my refund with a DDD and a major car repair bill looming. After my DDD passed with no deposit, I spent three days trying to get through to the IRS on their regular number with no luck. I finally used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and got connected to an actual agent in about 15 minutes. Turns out there was a small verification issue they needed to clear up. Got my deposit two days later. If your DDD passes with no deposit, might be worth considering instead of waiting on hold for hours.

Has anyone noticed if the Refund Status Bar on WMR updates differently for Cash App deposits versus traditional bank accounts? I'm wondering if there's any correlation between the status bar progression and when Cash App actually releases the funds.

Be careful with Credit Karma this year. I had issues with my CTC processing because of how they handled the advance payments from last year. Steps I had to take: 1. Double-check that Letter 6419 amounts matched what CK entered 2. Verify CK didn't automatically check the box for receiving advance payments if you didn't 3. Call CK support directly (not IRS) to verify your filing status Several people in my tax group had delays because CK's system didn't properly account for the advance payments.

Did you opt for the fees to be taken out of your refund or did you pay upfront? In my experience from previous years, this makes a significant difference in processing time, especially with TurboTax. The refund-deduction option adds that SBTPG middle step which can add 1-3 days.

Was in same boat. Waited three weeks for letter. Never came. Called IRS. Endless hold times. Used Claimyr instead. Connected in 20 minutes. Agent confirmed portal amount was correct. Filed same day. Don't wait for letter. Claimyr saved me weeks of stress. https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c

Oh my goodness, I went through EXACTLY this last year! I was so worried about messing up the Child Tax Credit after my divorce. I finally just went ahead and filed using the portal amounts. The letter arrived THREE DAYS after I filed and matched exactly what was in the portal. I was SO relieved! My return was processed normally with no issues at all. Just make sure you have a clear agreement with your ex about who claims which year - we put ours in writing just to be safe!