10+ Weeks Since Filing (2/13) - Still Processing, TT 152, No Transcript Access

I went through something eerily similar last year. Filed 2/15, stuck on processing for 11 weeks with the Topic 152 message. In my case, it turned out my return was flagged for an income verification review, but they never sent a notification letter. From my experience, there are several possibilities for your situation: 1. Identity verification hold (though they typically remove the refund amount when this happens) 2. Random review selection (they do this for statistical sampling) 3. System backlog in a specific processing center The fact that your refund amount is still showing is actually a good sign - it typically means no major issues have been identified. Have you tried accessing your account through the IRS online portal rather than just WMR? Sometimes that shows more detailed information.

I was in exactly the same boat - filed on 2/10, waited exactly 63 days with no movement whatsoever. Topic 152, amount still showing, couldn't access transcripts. I finally bit the bullet and tried calling the IRS directly, but after 3 attempts and 127 minutes on hold (I timed it), I gave up. Ended up using Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) and got through to an actual human in exactly 19 minutes. The agent confirmed my return was stuck in the "Error Resolution System" due to a discrepancy between my reported W-2 and what they had on file (employer submitted late). They released it while I was on the phone, and my refund was deposited 8 days later. Worth every penny not to waste hours on hold. Is anyone else finding the IRS phone system even worse than previous years?

I'm actually in a similar situation (filed 2/15, still processing, TT152) and I've done some digging into what's happening. 😂 Welcome to IRS purgatory! TT152 actually isn't a problem - it's just a generic "we're processing your refund" message. The fact that your refund amount is still visible is genuinely positive. When there's a serious issue, they typically remove the amount and change the message. The transcript access issues are likely unrelated to your refund status. The IRS authentication system is notoriously finicky - many people with perfect credit histories still can't get through their verification process. Based on the processing patterns I've been tracking, returns filed in mid-February 2024 are showing longer than average processing times, particularly for taxpayers with higher AGIs who might have more complex returns. The IRS is still working through staffing challenges in certain processing centers.

Have you tried analyzing your tax transcript once you get access? I was in a similar situation and couldn't make sense of all the codes and dates. Used https://taxr.ai to analyze my transcript and it explained exactly what was happening with my return. It showed me that I had a 570 code (temporary hold) followed by a 971 (notice issued) that I hadn't received yet. The analysis predicted exactly when my refund would be released based on the processing patterns. Would it be worth the cost of getting a tax pro to help you access and interpret your transcript? Sometimes seeing what's actually happening behind the scenes can save you weeks of anxiety and uncertainty, especially when you're waiting on a substantial refund amount.

Have you perhaps checked if your state tax refund is also delayed? In some cases, federal processing delays can potentially impact state processing as well. I'm wondering if there might be some correlation between the two that could possibly provide additional insights into what might be happening with your return.

Be very careful about how long you wait. According to IRS Publication 556, taxpayers generally have a limited window to address processing issues before certain automated systems take over. I waited 12 weeks last year thinking it would resolve itself, and ended up with my return being auto-adjusted incorrectly. Had to file Form 12807 (Request for Reconsideration) which took an additional 16 weeks to process. If you hit week 12 with no movement, I strongly recommend taking proactive steps per Section 6213(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Has anyone actually received their refund after being stuck in this "processing with Topic 152" status for more than 10 weeks? I'm starting to wonder if these returns are just forgotten in some digital pile somewhere...