This happens every year! My credit union holds my refund for exactly 3 days after it appears pending. Last year I called them 5 times trying to get it released early when I could see it sitting there. They gave me the exact same explanation - that the Federal Reserve settlement date is binding and they can't release it until then. I'm worried this year about timing because I have a mortgage payment due exactly 1 day after my scheduled deposit date, and if there's any delay I might get hit with a $58.43 late fee.

Switch banks next year! 😂 Seriously though, some banks release IRS refunds immediately while others hold them until the official date. I use Capital One and they've always given me access to my refund as soon as it hits my account as pending. Maybe worth considering a different financial institution if this is a major inconvenience for you. At least the PATH delay is over and refunds are flowing now!

I'm not entirely convinced there's a specific issue with TurboTax or Credit Karma... It might be that they have more users, so we just hear about more delays from their customers. I've been watching these forums for several tax seasons, and it seems like the delays affect different preparation methods each year. Perhaps it's more about what's on your return than how you filed it.

Per IRS Publication 1345 (Authorized e-file Provider Requirements), all authorized e-file providers must meet the same transmission standards regardless of consumer software brand. The differentiation in processing times is more likely related to the Refund Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) as outlined in Internal Revenue Manual 25.25.3, which selects returns for additional review based on specific criteria unrelated to filing method. Your frustration is completely understandable given the delays.

Based on what I've gathered about the 2024 CTC delivery methods: • Not everyone will receive paper checks - it depends on individual circumstances • Paper checks are more likely if you're a first-time CTC claimant • Paper checks may be issued if there were issues with previous direct deposits • The IRS sometimes issues paper checks if you've had recent address changes • Some tax software preparation methods can trigger paper checks I'd recommend checking your tax transcript if possible to see if there are any specific codes indicating how your refund will be delivered.

I called the IRS exactly 3 days ago about this exact issue. I was told that for Tax Year 2023 (filing in 2024), approximately 17% of Child Tax Credit refunds are being issued as paper checks instead of direct deposit. The agent said this is part of their enhanced verification process that began on January 29, 2024. If you filed after February 15, 2024, you should expect 21 days for processing plus an additional 5-7 days for mail delivery if you're in the group receiving checks.

Sounds like identity verification. Not an audit. Common procedure this year. Bring everything they requested. Add passport if you have one. Social security card too. Appointment usually takes 30-45 minutes. Processing after verification can take weeks. If you need to speak with IRS before your appointment, try Claimyr. https://claimyr.com connects you with IRS agents quickly. Saved me hours of hold time. Got clarification on exactly what documents I needed.

I've been through this verification process twice in my career - once in 2018 and again in 2022. The first time I was worried like you are, but it turned out to be straightforward. Last time, I knew what to expect and brought a complete documentation package. The key difference between verification and audit is that verification is about confirming you are who you say you are, while an audit examines the accuracy of your return. In my experience, after verification was complete, my return was processed within about 6 weeks - not immediate, but not terribly long either. Make sure to get a contact name and direct number before you leave your appointment, as that proved invaluable for me when following up.

Just adding some additional info about offset codes that might help: • The 826 code specifically means the offset has been PROCESSED (not just identified) • The 971 code means a notice has been GENERATED (not necessarily mailed yet) • You should receive a CP504 notice explaining the offset • The remaining refund processing typically takes 7-21 days after offset • If you don't see an 846 code within 3 weeks, THEN it's time to call • Your Where's My Refund tool won't update properly during this process • The notice will detail exactly how much was taken and how much is left Honestly, the offset system is one of the most frustrating parts of dealing with the IRS. The lack of clear communication drives me crazy every time.

I work with tax transcripts regularly, and I can clarify that the normal sequence for an offset is: 826 code (offset applied) → 971 code (notice issued) → 5-14 day processing period → 846 code (remaining refund issued). The exact timing depends on which cycle your return is processed in. Returns are processed in 7-day cycles, and each taxpayer is assigned to a specific cycle. Based on current processing times, you should see your 846 code within exactly 14 days of the 826 code appearing, assuming there are no other issues with your return. I'd start getting concerned only if you don't see the 846 by day 21.

OMG finally something I can help with! Had an 810 freeze back in Jan and got it lifted in just 18 days due to financial hardship. Here's what worked for me: 1. Called TAS (Taxpayer Advocate) at 877-777-4778 2. Mentioned "economic burden" + "can't pay rent" specifically 3. Sent them my eviction warning notice (landlord was NOT happy w/ me being late) 4. Had to fill out Form 911 + Form 433-F showing my finances The secret sauce was following up EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. after I submitted docs. Annoying? Yes. Effective? 100%. My refund hit my acct on Feb 8th after the freeze was removed. Def prepare for long hold times tho. Took me 3 tries to even get thru to someone. Hang in there!

I think there's some confusion about what an 810 freeze actually is compared to other IRS actions. An 810 freeze is specifically an identity theft indicator, not the same as a general refund hold or audit situation. For context, it's similar to how a bank might freeze your credit card if they suspect fraudulent activity - it's a protective measure, not a punitive one. That said, the hardship process is unique for 810 codes. The correct number for 810 freeze codes specifically is the Identity Verification line at 800-830-5084, but for hardship cases, you'll need to also involve the Taxpayer Advocate Service at 877-777-4778. Have others found that the regular IRS customer service line (800-829-1040) was able to help with 810 freezes, or were you also directed to specialized departments?

I've seen this pattern dozens of times during my years working with tax issues. One alternative approach: check your transcript between 12am-3am EST on Wednesday mornings. That's when many batch processing updates occur in the IRS system. I've noticed returns with CTC often update during this window, particularly if they've already passed verification. This timing has been consistent for the past three tax seasons.

I tracked exactly 37 cases of post-verification delays this season in my tax office. The average wait time between 0605 code and refund was 13.4 days. The longest was 26 days, shortest was 8. Returns with dependent credits (like yours) averaged 16.2 days. Based on this data, you're still within normal parameters, frustrating as it is. If you reach day 21 post-verification with no movement, that's when I'd recommend calling.

I'm a little confused about the SBTPG part. So they basically hold your refund temporarily, take out the tax prep fees you owe, and then send the rest to your bank account? Is that right? I'm trying to understand if there's any way to perhaps avoid this middle step next year, as it seems to add some delay to the process.

For those who have been through this before: Does having the trace number guarantee the money will arrive on the DDD? Here's what I understand so far: Step 1: IRS approves refund (shown on transcript) Step 2: IRS sends money to SBTPG (the "funded" status) Step 3: SBTPG issues trace number Step 4: Money arrives at Chime Is there anything else that could delay it at this point?

Be careful with these! My brother ignored one thinking it was junk mail, and it was like planting a tax audit time bomb. The IRS computers eventually noticed the mismatch between what Santa Barbara reported and what he filed. Six months later he got a CP2000 notice saying he owed additional tax plus interest and penalties. It was only $12 in interest income, but ignoring it cost him over $100 in the end. Dealing with the IRS is like playing chess - you have to account for every piece on the board, no matter how small.

According to the IRS website (https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc403), this is definitely a 1099-INT from a Refund Transfer product. Santa Barbara Bank & Trust (SBBT) is listed on the IRS authorized e-file providers database as a transmitter for many tax preparation companies. If you check box 2 of your previous year's 1040, there should be a code indicating you requested a refund transfer product. The bank is required by law to issue a 1099-INT for any interest over $10, though they often send them for smaller amounts too.

Has anyone who filed in early February actually received their refund yet? I'm in the same boat and wondering if there's a pattern with early filers specifically. Last year I filed in March and had my refund in 8 days, but my friend who filed in February waited almost 2 months.

I was in exactly the same position as you last month - called multiple times, different answers each time, no letters, nothing on transcripts. I was about to lose my mind compared to previous years when everything was smooth. But then suddenly last Wednesday my transcript updated and the refund hit my account Friday! No explanation, no letter, just money appearing. Hang in there - it seems like they're working through a massive backlog just like when my cousin filed during the height of COVID and waited 4 months.