When I had to verify my identity this tax season, I waited 3 weeks and saw no updates. I tried calling the IRS regular number but couldn't get through after hours of trying. I finally used Claimyr.com (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) and got connected to an agent in about 15 minutes. The agent told me my return was just sitting in a queue waiting for someone to manually review the verification, and they were able to expedite it. Got my refund about 5 days later. Definitely worth it instead of waiting indefinitely.

I'm still waiting after verifying my identity 6 weeks ago. Called twice and both times was told "just keep waiting." This system is completely broken. 🙄

I maintain a comprehensive timeline database of IRS processing patterns each year, and this is absolutely typical for the current filing season. The Transcript Database Integration (TDI) often lags behind the Return Processing Pipeline (RPP) by 21-35 days during peak volume periods. My analysis of 142 early filers this season shows that returns submitted between February 1-15 are experiencing an average 28-day delay before transcript visibility, regardless of refund status. I wouldn't be concerned until you reach the 45-day mark without transcript updates.

Think of your tax return like checking luggage at the airport. The "accepted" message is just the baggage tag being printed - it's in the system but hasn't even been loaded onto the conveyor belt yet. Your transcript showing nothing is like the tracking app not showing your luggage location - it doesn't mean your luggage is lost, just that it hasn't been scanned at a tracking point yet. I filed on February 5th, transcript showed nothing until March 2nd, then suddenly everything appeared at once and my refund was deposited on March 8th. The system is like a pipeline that's completely full - things only move when something comes out the other end.

I had this exact same situation last filing season! I was waiting and waiting for the verification letter that never seemed to come. After about 4 weeks of checking my mailbox daily, I finally called the IRS Identity Verification hotline (800-830-5084) and explained my situation. The agent was actually really helpful and verified me right over the phone. She said sometimes the letters get lost in the mail or are significantly delayed. My return was processed within 10 days after that call. Don't be afraid to be proactive - the worst they can say is that you need to wait for the letter!

Have you checked if your return is showing any specific codes on your tax transcript? Sometimes the transcript will show a specific freeze code that indicates what type of verification is needed, which might help determine if you can proceed without the letter.

The DDD is specifically the date when the Treasury Financial Management Service (FMS) initiates the ACH credit to your financial institution. This is distinctly different from when your bank posts the deposit to your account. The IRS has fulfilled their obligation once the ACH is initiated. Banking regulations under Nacha (National Automated Clearing House Association) allow financial institutions processing time that can extend 24-48 hours beyond the ACH initiation timestamp. This isn't an IRS issue but rather standard banking protocol.

Has anyone received their refund earlier than the DDD this year? My WMR updated on April 2nd showing a DDD of April 8th, but I'm wondering if there's a chance it might arrive before then. I've heard some online banks like Chime release funds earlier than traditional banks?

States are overwhelmed this year. Budget cuts. Staff shortages. New systems. I called my state four times. Got different answers each time. One rep told me they're prioritizing returns by filing date. Another mentioned they batch process certain types of returns. Very confusing.

Here's what's happening with state returns this year based on my research: States are implementing additional identity verification steps that weren't used in previous years. For example, if you have investment income like you mentioned, many states are now cross-referencing those amounts with third-party reporting which adds 2-3 weeks to processing. When you called, check exactly what department you reached - if it was collections saying "you don't owe anything," that's different from the refund department confirming your return is processing. Try this specific approach: call early morning (8:00-8:30am) and specifically ask for the "refund status department" rather than general inquiries. Ask them to check if your return is in the regular processing queue or if it's been flagged for additional review.

I was in the same boat as you last week! Much worse than my federal return experience. After trying for days, I finally used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to get through to the PA Department of Revenue. Compared to waiting on hold for hours like I did last year, I got connected in about 15 minutes. The agent told me there was a small discrepancy in how my name was entered in their system vs. how I was typing it in the check status tool. Such a relief to finally get an answer!

Oh my goodness, I'm so glad I found this thread! I've been having the EXACT same problem with my PA refund check! Does anyone know if this means our refunds are delayed, or is it just the status check system that's having issues? I'm really counting on this money soon!

Holy tax code, Batman! 🦇 I had NO idea this was a thing! Been sitting here for 3 weeks refreshing WMR like it's social media. Called this morning after seeing this post and guess what? Yep, needed to verify! The agent said they don't even send notices about this anymore. Just quietly hold your refund hostage until you call them. Tax season: 10/10 for drama, 0/10 for communication.

While verification can resolve some cases, be aware that calling can sometimes create additional delays. In the 2023 filing season, I observed multiple instances where taxpayers who called unnecessarily had their returns flagged for additional review due to the contact. The IRS authentication protocols sometimes trigger secondary reviews when verification is attempted for returns not actually requiring it. Proceed with caution and only call if your return has been in processing status for more than 21 days.

The IRS has a useful guide specifically for new business owners at https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/starting-a-business. According to their guidelines, you should definitely file a Schedule C even with no income. Your inventory purchases aren't immediately deductible but will be part of your COGS when you eventually sell items. You might also want to look into the de minimis safe harbor election if your purchases were under certain thresholds.

I just went through this exact scenario with my craft business! I purchased $3,750 in materials in December 2023 but didn't sell anything until January 2024. My accountant had me file a Schedule C showing zero income, and we listed the inventory on Part III but didn't claim it as COGS yet since nothing sold. We did deduct my $850 in legitimate business startup expenses like my LLC filing fee, website costs, and business cards. The inventory will become COGS when I file my 2024 taxes as items sell.

According to IRS Revenue Procedure 2023-19, financial institutions must comply with ACH transfer protocols within prescribed timeframes. SBTPG falls under this regulation as a designated financial agent. Their published service level agreement states 90% of trace numbers should be visible within 24 hours of receiving funds from IRS. Current processing times are exceeding these standards. You may reference this when contacting them. Their compliance department has a separate direct line: 800-901-6663, option 2, then option 4.

Got my trace # this AM! Filed 2/15, accepted same day, 846 code on 3/1, SBTPG got it 3/5, trace showed up today 3/7. BTW if ur using the app vs website they show diff info sometimes. App showed nothing but website had my trace when I checked. Might wanna try both if ur waiting. GL everyone!

Just got my deposit at 10:22am EST today! Filed thru H&R, DD to Varo. FYI for anyone else wondering, my WMR updated to "sent" status late last night, and the $ hit my acct this AM. Def faster than my old bank that would hold it for a day. Last yr was similar timing - WMR updated overnight, $ in acct before noon. Hope this helps anyone still waiting!

I've been using Varo for tax refunds for three years now, and compared to traditional banks, the timing is much more favorable. With my previous bank (Wells Fargo), even after the IRS released the funds, I would often wait 1-2 additional business days before seeing the money. With Varo, I've consistently received my H&R Block processed refunds between 9am-12pm Eastern on the same day the IRS releases the funds. This year was particularly efficient - my return was accepted February 12th, and my refund hit my Varo account exactly 15 days later at 10:17am. The processing timeline was nearly identical to last year's experience.