• Amended returns are currently taking 20+ weeks to process • WMAR tool is notoriously unreliable this year • Many taxpayers reporting "still processing" for months • Transcripts often show no updates until final processing • IRS backlog is worse than they're admitting publicly • Paper returns are sitting in processing centers • You should prepare alternative plans for tuition payment

I think some of the comments here are a bit too pessimistic. Here's what the amended return process actually looks like step by step: 1. Mail your 1040X (hopefully certified) 2. IRS receives and enters into system (2-3 weeks) 3. Initial processing begins (shows on transcript as TC971) 4. Review of changes (this is the longest part, 6-10 weeks) 5. Approval or request for more info 6. Refund processing if applicable (1-2 weeks) I've done this twice in the last few years and while it's not fast, it is predictable. I'm a bit worried about your tuition deadline though - you might want to make a backup plan just in case.

I just checked the IRS2Go app and the official refund status page at https://www.irs.gov/refunds and found that a 971 code by itself often means they're just processing your return normally! According to several tax forums I've been reading, when your state refund comes quickly but federal is delayed, it usually means you're just in the normal processing queue. My transcript updated with a direct deposit date exactly 21 days after filing. The lack of additional codes is actually a good sign - it means they haven't found any issues that require correction. You'll probably see a deposit date soon!

Have you checked if you claimed any credits that might trigger additional review? EIC or Child Tax Credit can slow things down. Also, did you file with a military address? That sometimes routes returns through a different processing center. Try checking your transcript again tomorrow morning - they often update overnight on Thursdays.

Def check your informed delivery from USPS if you have it set up! That way you'll know for sure if it's coming that day. Also FYI - IRS checks come in an envelope that looks kinda like junk mail tbh, so check everything carefully before tossing anything. I almost threw mine away last yr bc it didn't look official enough lol. The envelope just says "Department of Treasury" not "IRS REFUND CHECK INSIDE" or anything obvious.

According to Internal Revenue Manual section 21.4.1.4.7, the IRS allows 4 weeks from the date a refund check is mailed before initiating a trace. If your check was mailed March 15th, you should wait until April 12th before requesting a trace. Per IRS Publication 556, if you don't receive your check by then, you'll need to call the IRS at 800-829-1040 or submit Form 3911 "Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund" to start the trace process. The IRS will verify the check wasn't cashed and issue a replacement, which takes approximately 6 weeks from the trace initiation date.

From what I've seen in this community over the past few months, the "10 week" timeline is their standard response for anything PATH-related this year. Some people do get it sooner (around 6-7 weeks), but others have gone the full 10 weeks or even longer. It seems to depend on which processing center your return went to and how backlogged they are. The Texas center seems to be moving faster than the Kansas City one, for example. The "system problem" response is frustratingly vague compared to previous years when they'd at least tell you if it was under review or just in a queue.

Did they give you any specific error code or just the generic "system problem" explanation? Sometimes the representatives have access to more detailed information than what they initially provide. It's like trying to get a diagnosis from a doctor who only says you're "sick" without specifying what illness you have.

Just got through this exact situation! My timeline: • March 4: Filed return • March 18: Transcript showed 826/971 codes • March 25: Got 846 code with DDD • March 27: Refund deposited The notice came a day AFTER my deposit and explained they reduced my refund by $42 due to a calculation error on my health insurance premium tax credit. The whole process was much faster than I expected! Hoping yours follows the same timeline.

I had exactly 6 business days between 826/971 codes and my DDD appearing. Got the notice 11 days after the codes appeared. They had reduced my refund by exactly $273.14 because I apparently miscalculated a self-employment tax deduction. So frustrating because I triple-checked everything! The most annoying part was checking WMR every morning at 3:45am thinking it would update faster (it didn't). My advice: set up direct deposit if you haven't already - I got my money 2 days after the DDD appeared.

Let me explain the exact process based on what I've learned: Step 1: Bank rejects the direct deposit and notifies the IRS Step 2: IRS flags your account with a "direct deposit rejection" indicator Step 3: System automatically converts to paper check processing Step 4: Check is printed and mailed to address on your most recent tax return Step 5: You receive the check (typically 2-4 weeks after rejection) The good news is this is a common issue that has a standardized resolution path. The bad news is there's not much you can do to speed it up unless you can reach an agent directly.

I think I might be having this exact same issue right now... I was supposed to get my refund deposited last week, but nothing showed up. I'm really worried because I need this money for an emergency dental procedure next week. Has anyone had any luck calling the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service instead of the main line? I'm not sure if this qualifies as a hardship case, but I'm getting desperate.

I think what's happening is your return is in the post-verification queue but hasn't been assigned to a processing batch yet. Have you checked if your state return is processing? Sometimes that can give you a clue about federal status too? The IRS systems are so opaque, aren't they? I've found that checking transcripts between 3-5am Eastern time shows updates fastest since that's right after their overnight processing runs. Maybe try that tomorrow? The lack of cycle code is actually a good sign in your case - it means your return is just waiting for initial processing rather than being held up for review.

OMG this verification process is MADDENING!! 😤 I went through this exact thing in March and it took 9 days after verification for anything to change. The most frustrating part is that the IRS doesn't tell you ANYTHING during this time! But I promise it will update - the system is just incredibly slow. Everyone I know who's gone through verification this year has had the same experience with the transcript showing nothing and then suddenly everything appears at once. Hang in there!

Be careful with that 570 code! I had one appear on March 12th, 2023 and I made the mistake of just waiting. After exactly 45 days with no update, I finally called on April 26th and found out they needed verification documents from me, but the letter had never arrived! I ended up not getting my refund until June 3rd. Don't be like me - if you don't see movement by April 15th (that's 42 days from your code date), definitely call them to check what's happening!

I know it feels like your refund is stuck in the IRS version of the Bermuda Triangle right now, but don't worry too much! 😂 I had a 570 code on February 18th with no 971 either. My refund showed up exactly 32 days later without any additional transcript updates beforehand. The IRS works in mysterious ways, but they usually get there eventually. Just keep checking on Fridays and Wednesdays - those are the main update days. Your graduation money is coming soon!

What's interesting about the 5747C is that it's part of the IRS's layered identity verification process. Have you considered why they're requiring in-person verification for your specific case? Often it's triggered by certain combinations of factors - amended returns with address changes, significant income differences from previous years, or specific credits claimed. Could your amended return have triggered any of these flags? Understanding the why sometimes helps navigate the process more effectively.

DEFINITELY in-person only for 5747C!!! I tried everything to avoid going in person last year and wasted 3 weeks trying to do it online or by phone. The IRS absolutely will not process your return until you complete the in-person verification. And don't forget to bring EVERYTHING listed on the letter - I forgot my W-2 and had to come back a second time. SO FRUSTRATING!! Make your appointment ASAP because they book up fast this time of year!

Think of the IRS verification process like airport security - everyone has to go through it, but some people get randomly selected for additional screening. That's what happened to your return. The letter is like your boarding pass - without it, you're stuck in the terminal. But unlike the airport, there's a back door (calling directly) that lets you proceed without the paper. Don't wait for the letter that may never arrive - just call and get it done.

I had my CPA submit Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) after waiting 3 weeks for a verification letter that never arrived. This expedited the process and I received my refund via DD exactly 16 days later. The key was providing comprehensive documentation - including copies of my driver's license, social security card, and a utility bill showing my address. This approach bypassed the need for the verification letter entirely and resolved the hold on my account.