Just to add some practical info on donation values - I volunteer at a nonprofit thrift store and here are some ballpark clothing values we use that the IRS generally accepts: - Men's shirts: $5-10 - Women's tops: $4-12 - Jeans/pants: $5-12 - Coats/jackets: $10-40 - Shoes: $3-9 These are general ranges and condition matters a lot! A worn-out shirt is worth less than a like-new one with tags still on.

Don't forget that it's not just about the amount of donations - it's whether you have enough TOTAL itemized deductions to exceed the standard deduction. My wife and I donate about $1,200 a year but we still take the standard deduction because our mortgage interest and state taxes aren't enough to push us over the threshold.

Here's what's happening and what you should do: 1. First, check your tax transcript at irs.gov/transcripts - this shows actual processing status with codes 2. If you see code 570, that's a temporary hold which usually resolves on its own 3. If you see code 971, that means a notice is being mailed to you 4. For TurboTax filers specifically, there's a known delay pattern this year where returns show as accepted but sit in queue for 21-35 days 5. If you're past 21 days with no transcript codes indicating issues, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 6. Before calling, have your filing status, SSN, expected refund amount, and a copy of your return ready Most importantly, seeing your estimated refund amount is actually a good sign - it means your return passed basic validation. About 80% of these cases resolve with full refund issuance, just with a longer timeline than expected.

I'm going through something similar right now! Filed through TurboTax on February 28th, got the "accepted" status immediately, but still waiting for my deposit. What's really frustrating is that this is money I need for quarterly estimated payments for my freelance work. I've been checking WMR daily and it just keeps saying "being processed." One thing I noticed is that my transcript finally updated yesterday showing a processing date, which gave me some hope. The waiting is definitely the worst part - especially when you're used to getting refunds faster in previous years. Hang in there!

I had the same codes last year and it turned out to be an identity verification issue. The IRS wanted to make sure I was really me before releasing my refund. Got a CP05A notice asking me to verify my identity online through ID.me. Once I completed that, my refund was released within 2 weeks. Don't panic - these codes are super common and usually resolve quickly once you respond to whatever they're asking for.

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago! Code 570 basically puts a hold on your refund while they review something, and 971 means they're mailing you a notice explaining what they need. In my case, it was because I claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit and they wanted to verify my income. The notice (CP75) came about 10 days after the codes appeared on my transcript. Once I faxed them the requested documents (pay stubs and W-2), it took about 45 days to get my refund. The waiting sucks but it's usually not as scary as it seems at first. Keep checking your transcript weekly - you'll see the codes disappear when they've finished their review.

This timing discrepancy has been driving me crazy! I filed three weeks ago and have been refreshing the SBTPG portal obsessively. Based on what everyone's sharing here, it sounds like I should actually be checking my bank account more frequently than the SBTPG site. Has anyone found a reliable pattern for when deposits typically hit accounts versus when SBTPG updates? Like, is it usually overnight deposits that create the biggest lag, or does it happen at all times of day? I'm trying to figure out if there's an optimal time to check my bank account instead of wearing out the SBTPG portal refresh button!

This is incredibly helpful information! I'm currently in this exact situation - SBTPG showing $0 but I suspect my refund might be processing. Based on what everyone's sharing, it sounds like I should focus more on checking my actual bank account rather than obsessively refreshing the SBTPG portal. The batch update schedule at 6AM, 2PM, and 10PM Eastern that Amina mentioned is particularly useful to know. I'm going to check my IRS transcript for the 846 code like Oliver suggested, and then monitor my bank account during those overnight hours when Luca says deposits typically hit. It's reassuring to know this lag is normal and not a sign that something went wrong with my refund. Thank you all for sharing your experiences - this community knowledge is way more helpful than anything I could find in official documentation!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress, especially with medical bills adding pressure! 😔 From everything I've seen in similar situations, your timeline actually looks pretty normal for amended returns. The 846 code with a 11/5 date plus WMAR showing "adjusted" is exactly what you want to see - it means your refund was approved and should have been mailed around that date. Since today is around 11/10, you're still within that 5-7 business day USPS delivery window that's typical for these Treasury checks. I know it's absolutely nerve-wracking when you need the money urgently, but amended returns almost always come as paper checks regardless of your banking info. If you haven't already, I'd recommend setting up USPS Informed Delivery - it'll at least give you a preview each morning of what's coming in your mail instead of constantly checking the mailbox. Also watch for a very plain white Treasury envelope that honestly looks like it could be junk mail! Try to hang in there until around 11/15 before getting too worried. Your refund is definitely approved and on its way - just moving at typical government speed! 🤞

I completely understand your anxiety - that combination of needing money for medical bills plus the uncertainty of when it'll actually arrive is so incredibly stressful! 😰 From everything shared here and my own experience with amended returns, you're actually tracking really well within normal timeframes. Your 846 code dated 11/5 combined with WMAR finally showing "adjusted" is exactly what you want to see - it confirms your refund was fully processed and approved, and the check was most likely mailed right around that 11/5 date. Since today is around 11/10, you're still solidly within that 5-7 business day USPS delivery window that's standard for Treasury checks. I know every day feels like forever when you're waiting on money you desperately need, but amended returns are always sent as paper checks regardless of your direct deposit info. If you haven't already, definitely set up USPS Informed Delivery - it'll give you a preview each morning of what's coming in your mail, which really helps with that constant mailbox-checking anxiety. Also keep an eye out for a very plain white Treasury envelope that honestly looks like it could be junk mail - so many people almost miss them! Try to hang in there until around 11/15 before escalating to a trace request. Your money is definitely approved and on its way - just moving at typical government speed! Sending good vibes that it shows up in the next day or two! 🤞