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I understand the frustration with TPG, but there's actually a reason they're involved in the process. When you choose to have your tax prep fees taken out of your refund, TPG acts as the intermediary to make that happen. The IRS doesn't handle that fee processing directly. Have you checked if your tax preparer has any alternative ways to check your refund status? Sometimes they have access to different systems than what's available to us. Also, did you try accessing the site during non-peak hours? I've found 5-6am or late at night (after 11pm) often works better when their servers are overloaded.
I've been tracking TPG outages for the past three tax seasons using downdetector.com and their reddit community. This appears to be their third major outage this season, with previous ones on February 2-3 and February 28-March 1. According to several online resources, they're experiencing higher than normal volume this year due to increased e-filing rates. In my experience, their system usually updates overnight between 12am-4am EST. I've had success accessing the portal around 5:30am when most users aren't active. If you're using TurboTax, you can also check your order details page which sometimes shows refund status independent of the TPG system.
This is accurate. Per IRS Publication 1345 (Rev. 1-2023), third-party processors like TPG must update their systems within 24 hours of receiving IRS deposit information, but there's no regulation requiring their portals to be continuously available. I've found that the SBTPG phone system (their automated line) often works even when their website is down. You can reach it at their customer service number and use the automated options to check refund status using your SSN and expected refund amount.
10d
Wait - does the ACH transfer protocol actually allow banks to release funds early? I thought there were strict settlement windows for interbank transfers. My financial institution always tells me they're legally required to hold deposits until the effective date. Is this a Regulation CC compliance issue where some institutions interpret the availability requirements differently?
I've had a somewhat similar experience, though with a different credit union. My DDD was scheduled for March 20th, but the funds appeared in my account on March 19th around 2pm. This appears to be, from what I understand, fairly typical for credit unions, which often process incoming ACH transfers more quickly than traditional banks. It's possible, though not guaranteed, that this early release pattern will continue for future tax refunds as well.
Based on my experience last filing season, there's another factor to consider: the IRS has different types of ID verification letters. In 2023, I received a 5071C letter which required verification, but there are also 4883C, 5747C, and 6331C letters that all involve identity verification but have slightly different procedures. Looking back at my records from February-March 2023, the 5071C letter took exactly 11 days to arrive, which was faster than I expected. If you're facing a 43-day wait, something is definitely wrong.
Instead of waiting for the letter, you might want to try scheduling an appointment at your local Taxpayer Assistance Center. I did this when my verification letter never showed up. You'll need to call 844-545-5640 to schedule the appointment, but once you're there, they can verify your identity in person. Bring multiple forms of ID (passport, driver's license, social security card) and copies of your tax returns for the current and previous year. This resolved my issue in one visit without having to wait for mail delivery.
I think we should be careful about making major purchases until the money is actually in our accounts. I've seen cases where the status changed or there was an unexpected delay. Usually it's fine, but it's better to wait until you can actually see the funds before spending them. I'm planning to put most of mine toward paying down some debt, but I'm waiting until I see the actual deposit before making any payments.
Do you think it makes a difference if you have direct deposit set up with the IRS versus getting it through SBTPG? I've heard direct from IRS is faster.
7d
Thank you for this sensible advice. It's so easy to get caught up in the excitement.
7d
Mine said funded yesterday. Got it today! At 2am. Woke up to the notification. Paying off my credit card. Then saving the rest. First time getting a decent refund.
Same thing happened to me! Went to bed anxious, woke up to a deposit notification. Best feeling ever after waiting for weeks to get my refund processed.
7d
Just to clarify for others reading - SBTPG processes payments in batches throughout the day, but when your bank actually posts the deposit depends on their specific processing schedule. Some banks only post once per day, others multiple times.
7d
What you're experiencing is likely a result of the somewhat unusual timing in the ACH network processing schedule. TPG probably received what's called a "pre-notification" of incoming funds, which is essentially a heads-up that money is in transit. In most cases, though not all, these pre-notifications are indeed followed by actual deposits within 24-48 hours. I would suggest, perhaps, checking your bank account around mid-day tomorrow, as many financial institutions process incoming ACH transfers in batches throughout the business day.
Dealing with TPG is like trying to get a straight answer from a magic 8-ball sometimes. Last year they told me my refund was coming "tomorrow" for THREE DAYS IN A ROW. The money was basically stuck in financial purgatory between TPG and my bank. Each blamed the other. If I were you, I wouldn't count on that money until it's actually in your account. TPG is just the middleman taking a cut of your refund for the convenience of letting you pay your tax prep fees later. They're not exactly rushing to get your money to you - it's like expecting the toll booth operator to help you get to your destination faster.
One thing to consider is whether you claimed any refundable credits besides the Child Tax Credit. The Earned Income Credit or American Opportunity Credit can also trigger additional review. I always tell my friends it's like the IRS plays "tax return bingo" - if you hit too many special categories (dependent under 17, education credits, self-employment income), you win the prize of waiting longer! π But seriously, as long as WMR doesn't show an error, you're probably fine.
Just wanted to share a success story that might help. I was in the same situation last year according to the IRS2Go app. Filed three family returns on the same day through TurboTax. Two processed quickly, but mine with a child under 17 sat with N/A transcript for almost 4 weeks. Then suddenly one Tuesday morning everything updated at once, and my refund was deposited two days later. The IRS Where's My Refund tool never showed any issues - it just took longer because of the additional verification steps.
Let me clarify what I know about IRS transcript updates: β’ Main update cycle: Wednesday night/Thursday morning β’ Secondary updates: Some accounts update daily β’ Business Master File: Updates Mondays β’ Individual Master File: Updates Thursdays β’ Transcript availability: Usually 24hrs after processing If you're planning Q2 estimated payments, remember the system might be especially busy right now with filing season. The April 15th deadline creates significant processing strain.
Have you considered that the update schedule might vary based on your specific tax situation? For high-income filers with complex returns, the IRS sometimes processes information through specialized units that follow different schedules. Wouldn't it be more reliable to base your quarterly planning on consistent principles rather than trying to time the transcript updates? That said, the general consensus is Thursday mornings for most transcript updates, with occasional mid-cycle updates for accounts with specific triggers or manual processing requirements.
I had this exact situation back in February. The 971 code appeared on my transcript, and I was worried it would delay our house closing. I waited for the notice, which arrived about 5 days later. It turned out they just needed verification of my wife's identity since we were newly married and filing jointly for the first time. I called the number on the notice, verified the information, and our refund was released exactly 9 days later. Sometimes these notices are just procedural, especially with newly married couples filing jointly for the first time.
Have you tried checking the IRS2Go app? Sometimes it shows different information than the website. According to the r/IRS community wiki, the 971 code could mean several different things depending on what other codes appear with it. Do you have any other codes like 570 (refund hold) or 420 (examination/audit) on your transcript?
I used Green Dot for my February 3rd filing this year and had no issues - refund was deposited on February 21st. Last year when I filed on January 28th, it took until March 15th with the same bank. I think timing matters more than the bank sometimes. What specific concerns do you have about Green Dot? Have you checked if they've changed any policies for the 2024 tax season?
Using Green Dot for tax refunds is like using a plastic fork for a steak dinner - it might work, but it's not designed for the job. I tried them last year and it was a headache. My refund got stuck in their processing system like a car in quicksand. Every time I called, I got different answers. Finally switched to a regular bank this year and my refund arrived like clockwork, no drama.
Freya Nielsen
I was in the exact same situation on March 15th last year with my Credit Karma advance. The TPG status stayed on "unfunded" for almost 5 days after my WMR showed approved. Everyone else I knew had already updated to funded. I totally understand how stressful it is - I remember checking constantly! The community wisdom seems to be that Credit Karma advances specifically have longer processing times with TPG than other banks. Hang in there, it's probably just working through their system!
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Omar Mahmoud
There's actually some additional information about this specific issue on the TPG help center. They're experiencing a synchronization delay with Credit Karma advances due to an API update that happened last week. Have you tried calling their automated status line instead of checking online? Sometimes the phone system has more updated information than the website. What date did your WMR change to approved? And does your transcript show code 846 with a direct deposit date?
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