I had this same concern last year. Instead of using the refund transfer option, I've found it's actually cheaper to just pay TurboTax directly with a credit card during filing. I saved about $40 by doing this! The refund transfer convenience fee is pretty steep when you think about it. Last year I waited 3 weeks for my refund only to discover they'd taken out more in fees than I expected. Now I just pay upfront and get the full refund deposited directly from the IRS.

Ever wonder why tax prep companies push the "fees from refund" option so hard? Because many people never notice the extra $40 processing fee they tack on! What's worse than paying too much for tax prep? Paying extra fees just to pay your fees! I made this mistake in 2022 and noticed my refund was $40 less than expected. Checked the fine print and sure enough, there was a "convenience fee" for the refund transfer. Who's it convenient for? Them, not us.

According to the Treasury Offset Program website (fiscal.treasury.gov/top), they're required to offset federal payments to collect delinquent debts including child support. If you want to check if you have an offset and how much it might be, you can call the TOP interactive voice response system at 1-800-304-3107. I've seen so many people confused when their refund is less than expected because they didn't realize they had an offset. Anyone expecting a tax refund with potential child support arrears should check this site first!

Has anyone received their refund and then had the child support taken out afterward? I'm asking because I've heard exactly 2,341 different explanations about how this process works, and I'm trying to figure out if there's any scenario where the money would hit my STGB account first and then be removed, or if it's always intercepted before reaching the bank?

Are you checking your Account Transcript or Return Transcript? Sometimes the Account Transcript will update first with TC 150 codes while the Return Transcript still shows N/A. Have you verified you're looking at the correct tax year when accessing the transcript portal?

I was in this exact situation and finally got my paper check yesterday! Here's what happened: Step 1: Filed 2/15, accepted 2/16 Step 2: Transcript showed N/A for 3 weeks Step 3: Transcript updated on 3/7 with 846 code Step 4: Check arrived 3/14 The paper check takes exactly 7-10 days after your transcript shows code 846. Be patient - it's coming! The system is working as designed, just slower for paper checks.

Be careful with how long you let a 570 code sit without action. Last year, my brother ignored his 570 code thinking it would resolve itself. Six months later, he was still waiting. Turns out they needed identity verification, but the letter got lost in the mail. Compare this to my situation: I had a 570 code in 2022, called after 3 weeks, found out they needed documentation, sent it in, and had my refund 10 days later. The difference between taking action and waiting can be MONTHS of delay.

I had the 570 code for almost a month. Called the IRS three times and got nowhere. On the fourth call, I specifically asked about any letters they might have sent me. Turns out they had mailed a verification request on March 12th that I never received! They resent it, I responded immediately with the requested documents, and my refund was processed within 9 days. Sometimes you have to ask very specific questions to get useful information.

On March 22nd, I had this exact same issue - transcript showed deposit date but nothing in my account at 5pm. What worked for me was checking with my bank rather than the IRS. Some banks (especially credit unions) have specific processing windows for government deposits. Mine actually had the money but hadn't posted it to my account yet. When I called, they confirmed they'd received it and would post it by end of day. Worth checking your bank's policy on ACH government deposits!

Just wanted to share a success story - had the EXACT same situation last week. Transcript showed 846 code with deposit date of 4/11, but nothing in my account all day. I was panicking by 5pm, but it finally hit my account at 8:37pm! The IRS batch processing system sends these out in waves throughout the day, and then each financial institution processes them according to their own schedule. Your money is almost certainly on the way - just caught in the financial system pipeline.

I encountered similar conflicting information from IRS representatives regarding my refund status. After multiple unproductive calls, I utilized taxr.ai to analyze my transcript data. The application identified a TC 570 code with subsequent TC 571 release, indicating my return had undergone standard review procedures but was proceeding normally. The platform's processing timeline estimates proved accurate within 2 business days. For individuals experiencing transcript code confusion, this analytical tool provides more definitive interpretation than general IRS guidance.

Just want to say this is exactly why I always recommend calling the IRS directly rather than waiting. So many people just sit around checking WMR daily when a 20-minute phone call can clear things up. Glad you took initiative and got answers! The IRS is overwhelmed but most agents really do want to help if you can get through to them.

For anyone wondering about the PATH Act timeline, here's what typically happens: 1. File your return (January-April) 2. Return accepted by IRS systems 3. Initial processing begins but pauses if PATH credits claimed 4. After February 15th, processing resumes for PATH returns 5. Verification of income and credits occurs 6. Transcript updates with cycle code 7. WMR updates to approved 8. Direct deposit or check mailed The test batch, if it exists, simply means your return completes steps 3-5 earlier, but step 4 still applies to when funds are released.

I actually did receive my refund yesterday and I filed with EITC on January 24th! My transcript updated last Friday with an 846 code dated for 2/28. I never saw any indication I was in a test batch - my WMR showed processing for weeks, then suddenly changed to approved last weekend. The money showed up exactly on the date shown in my transcript.

Another option worth considering: I set up direct deposit alerts with my bank so I get notified immediately when any deposit over $100 hits my account. This way, I knew exactly 37 minutes after my tax refund was deposited. If you're concerned, I'd recommend checking if your bank offers this service. Most do, and it's usually free. That way, you'll know right away when the money arrives without having to constantly check your balance.

I'm confused about something related to this: • If this is normal, why doesn't the IRS explain this anywhere on their website? • Has anyone actually confirmed with an IRS agent that this is intentional and not a glitch? • What happens if your refund is rejected - do they automatically mail a check or do you have to request it?

I want to warn everyone about something that happened to me with SBTPG that was terrifying: • Had a trace number and DDD but no deposit for 3 weeks • Called SBTPG multiple times with no resolution • Finally discovered they had CLOSED my case due to "inactivity" • They claimed they sent emails requesting verification (I never received any) • Had to submit multiple forms to reopen the case • Took another 14 days to finally get my refund • They never admitted any error on their part The technical issue was that their system flagged my account for "unusual activity" but their notification system failed to alert me. Make sure your cousin stays on top of this daily!

I had this exact issue on February 8th, 2023. My DDD was 02/08/2023, SBTPG had taken their fees, and I had a trace number, but no deposit hit my account. After calling Wells Fargo on February 10th, 2023, they confirmed no pending deposits had been rejected. I then called SBTPG on February 13th, 2023, and after escalating to a supervisor, they discovered the ACH transfer had failed due to a system error on their end. They reprocessed it that same day, and I received my funds on February 15th, 2023. The key was getting to a supervisor at SBTPG who could actually see the failed transfer details and manually reprocess it.

Thanks everyone. I'm going to try checking again with the exact refund amount (I might have rounded it before) and if that doesn't work, I'll probably try calling. This is so frustrating!

One more thing to check - did you claim any credits like Earned Income Credit or Child Tax Credit? Those automatically get extra scrutiny and can delay processing. Also, if this is your first time filing, sometimes that can cause delays too since the IRS has no history with you.