Filed paper April 15th. Just got my refund yesterday - $3,421 direct deposited. Took exactly 13 weeks and 2 days. No updates on WMR the entire time. Transcript updated once at week 10 showing received, then again at week 12 showing approved. Money showed up 8 days after approval. Never called them - just waited it out.

Filed my paper return on April 5th and finally saw movement on my transcript last week after 14 weeks of waiting! The IRS system is definitely overwhelmed with paper returns this year. What helped me was setting up an online IRS account early on to monitor my transcript rather than relying on the Where's My Refund tool, which never updated until the very end. For anyone still waiting, I'd recommend checking your transcript every 2-3 weeks for transaction codes - mine showed a 971 code at week 11 indicating they had received it, even though WMR showed nothing. The waiting is brutal but most April paper filers seem to be getting movement around the 12-16 week mark based on what I'm seeing here and other forums.

Whatever you do, DON'T ignore this notice! I made that mistake thinking it was an error that would fix itself, and ended up with wage garnishment. Even if you're disputing the amount, make sure to respond to the CP22A within the timeframe listed on the notice.

This situation is really concerning, especially since you never filed any carryback forms. I went through something similar last year when the IRS claimed I owed money for amendments I never made. A few things to prepare for your Monday call: 1. Have your 2019 tax return copy ready, along with proof of your original $19,500 payment 2. Get that account transcript @Lena mentioned - it's crucial for understanding the timeline 3. Ask the IRS rep to provide the exact date and method of how this carryback claim was supposedly filed 4. Request they mail you a complete copy of whatever carryback form they have on file The fact that they "lost" your original return and now this mysterious claim appeared is a major red flag. Document everything during your call - date, time, representative ID, and exactly what they tell you. If they can't provide concrete proof of when and how you filed this carryback claim, you have grounds to dispute it. Don't let them pressure you into paying immediately. You have rights as a taxpayer, and if this is their error (which it sounds like it is), they need to fix it.

Oh my goodness, please be careful when your check arrives! Last year my neighbor had their refund check stolen right out of their mailbox! 😱 I'd recommend checking your mail daily and setting up informed delivery if possible. The IRS takes FOREVER to reissue stolen checks - my poor neighbor waited almost 3 months for a replacement. The whole process was so stressful for them. I always use direct deposit to avoid this exact situation.

I'm still waiting for mine too! Also dated 03/03/2025 and getting nervous since it's been over a week now. Reading through these comments is really helpful though - sounds like we're still within the normal timeframe. I'm in California and wondering if location makes a difference in delivery times. Has anyone else from the West Coast received theirs yet? I might try that informed delivery signup that was mentioned earlier.

Check your transcript if you can access it online. It'll give you more info than WMR

I feel your pain - I'm in almost the exact same situation! Filed in late January and been stuck on "Return Received" with Topic 152 for over 2 months now. The daily checking becomes an obsession when you're waiting on money you need. One thing I learned is that Topic 152 basically means "we're processing but it's taking longer than usual" - not very helpful but at least it's not an error. The identity verification you already did was probably the right step. Have you tried calling the refund hotline at 800-829-1954? I know @Tyrone Johnson mentioned calling - I've had mixed luck but sometimes if you call right when they open (7am) you might get through. The automated system can sometimes give you a more specific timeline than the WMR tool. Hang in there - from what I've seen in other threads, most people with similar delays from January eventually get their refunds, it just takes way longer than it should. The IRS processing times have been brutal this year.

Don't forget that sportsbooks are only required to report to the IRS when your winnings exceed certain thresholds (usually $600+ depending on odds), but YOU are still required to report ALL gambling winnings regardless of whether you received a W-2G form! Most of my bets fall under the reporting threshold, but I still have to declare them. Just because you didn't get a form doesn't mean you're off the hook.

This is such a common source of confusion for new sports bettors! I went through the exact same panic last year when I realized I might owe way more in taxes than my actual profits. The key thing to understand is that when you place a winning bet, your "taxable winnings" should be calculated as the payout minus your original stake for that specific bet. So in your $1000 bet that paid $1200 example, you'd report $200 in gambling income, not $1200. However, keep in mind that you can't net your wins against losses from other bets unless you itemize deductions. Each winning bet is reported separately as income, and losses can only offset this if you choose to itemize rather than take the standard deduction. The biggest mistake people make is thinking the sportsbook's payout amount is what they owe taxes on. Always subtract your stake from winning bets when calculating taxable income. Keep detailed records of every bet - date, amount wagered, payout, and net result - because you'll need this documentation.