3 Weeks After Filing - No Transcript Updates & WMR Still Processing

Have you checked if your return might be caught in one of the standard verification procedures? The IRS has been implementing enhanced fraud detection systems this year, haven't they? And what about the possibility of PATH Act delays if you claimed EITC or ACTC? Sometimes returns get flagged for no particular reason other than random selection, don't they? You might want to check your e-file acceptance confirmation - was it actually accepted or just received?

I would suggest that you might benefit from using a transcript analysis tool. I've had some, though not extensive, experience with https://taxr.ai which might help in your situation. It could potentially identify patterns in your transcript once it becomes available. I'm not saying it will speed up your refund, but it might give you more insight into what's happening behind the scenes with your return. These tools typically analyze the transaction codes that appear on your transcript and provide a more understandable explanation of what's happening.

Have you considered calling the IRS directly to inquire about your return status? Many people in similar situations have had success using Claimyr (https://www.claimyr.com) to get through to an IRS representative without spending hours on hold. Would it be worth trying that approach to get more specific information about why your transcripts aren't updating? I'm curious if they might be able to see something in their system that isn't showing up on your end yet.

I'm going through almost the exact same timeline. According to the IRS2Go app and irs.gov/refunds, processing should take up to 21 days for e-filed returns, but many people are reporting longer waits this year. Have you checked the IRS Operations page at irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations? They've been posting updates about processing backlogs. Also worth looking at the tax topic 152 explanation on the IRS site, which often appears when returns are just moving through normal processing channels.

Ugh, I've been dealing w/ this exact issue. No transcript, WMR stuck on processing, no 570/971 codes bc there's literally nothing to see. Called IRS after 4 wks and they said my return was flagged for "random review" - not an audit, just verification. Rep said they're super backlogged w/ these reviews. Basically they pull random returns to verify income/withholding against what employers reported. Nothing you can do but wait it out. Took me 9 wks total last yr for the same thing. Frustrating AF.

I filed on February 3rd and had exactly this situation. No transcript updates for 27 days. WMR stuck on processing. Called on day 28 and was told my return was selected for a random review. Transcript finally appeared on day 32 with a 570 hold code dated March 25th and a 971 notice code dated April 1st. Received my refund exactly 42 days after filing. The letter arrived 3 days after my deposit. It was just explaining they reviewed my return and made no changes.

This happens every year to a percentage of filers, and it's actually less stressful than when you see error codes on your transcript. When comparing to returns with actual problems, the "no transcript available" situation almost always resolves itself without requiring any action from you. Last year my husband's return had this exact pattern while mine processed normally. His took 5 weeks longer but processed automatically with no intervention needed. The system is just overloaded this time of year, especially compared to late-season filers who often see processing in under 2 weeks.