Check your transcripts instead! WMR isn't reliable at all

This is totally normal! The PATH Act delay is exactly what's happening here. Since you claimed EITC and ACTC, the IRS is required by law to hold your entire refund until mid-February, even the parts not related to those credits. The status change from "accepted" to "still processing" is just their system updating to reflect that your return is in the PATH Act holding period. You'll probably see it stay this way until around February 15th when they start releasing these refunds. Nothing to worry about - just have to wait it out unfortunately! 🙄

Has anyone noticed the tracker works better if you check it only once per day? When I was checking multiple times a day it never updated, but when I forced myself to only look in the mornings, I started seeing movement. Maybe just coincidence but worth a try if you're stuck!

I filed around the same time as you (March 1st) and I'm in the exact same situation - still showing "received" on WMR and getting more anxious each day. It's reassuring to know I'm not the only one! One thing that's helped my peace of mind is remembering that the IRS processes millions of returns and they don't all move through the system at the same speed, even simple ones. I've been trying to only check WMR once a day in the morning like someone mentioned below, and I'm focusing on the fact that we're still well within that 21-day window. Hang in there - from what I'm reading in this thread, it sounds like many people's refunds are showing up without much warning once they finally process. Fingers crossed we both see movement soon!

Have you checked your tax transcript? Sometimes that shows more info than the WMR tool. You can access it online through your IRS account. I had a similar situation last year and my transcript showed a review code that the WMR tool didn't display.

I've been in your exact situation before, Zachary. The 21-day mark can feel like a deadline, but it's really more of an estimate. I had a similar delay two years ago with a straightforward return like yours. Since you mentioned your return wasn't complicated, the delay might be something minor like verification of your W-2 information against what your employer reported, or even just processing backlogs from the February filing rush that Caleb mentioned. A few things that helped me during my wait: First, resist the urge to check the WMR tool multiple times a day - it really does only update once every 24 hours and checking constantly just adds to the stress. Second, if you haven't already, definitely set up that IRS online account that Mia suggested and check your tax transcript as Jade recommended. The transcript codes can give you more specific information about what's happening. Given that you need the money for car repairs, I understand the urgency. If you hit the 28-day mark with no movement, definitely call the IRS hotline. Sometimes a simple phone call can resolve minor verification issues immediately. Hang in there - in my experience, these delays almost always resolve themselves, just not always within the timeframe we'd prefer!

I'm in the same boat! Filed Feb 8th, got the acceptance right away, but still waiting. Called IRS after 4 weeks and they said I'm under a "random review" whatever that means. They told me it could take up to 120 days!!! Has anyone ever been through a random review?

I'm in a similar situation - filed 4 weeks ago through H&R Block and still showing "processing" with a decent refund expected ($1,800). Like others mentioned, I also claimed EIC for the first time this year which seems to be the common thread for delays. What's been helpful for me is setting a realistic expectation. After reading through all these experiences, it sounds like EIC claims routinely take 6-8 weeks, not the standard 21 days. I've stopped checking the "Where's My Refund" tool daily since it just increases my anxiety. One thing that gave me some peace of mind was calling my tax preparer. They confirmed that delays for EIC claims are totally normal this year and that as long as you're not getting error messages or letters from the IRS, your refund is just in the extended review queue. Hang in there - sounds like most people eventually get their refunds, it just takes longer than we'd like!

Did you file by mail or electronically? Paper returns are taking 6+ months right now

I'm in a similar situation - filed on 4/18 through TurboTax and still waiting! The "still being processed" message is so frustrating when you see others who filed later already getting their money. I've been checking my transcript weekly like some others mentioned here, and while it's still showing N/A for 2024, at least I know the return was accepted. The 12-week timeline they gave you is actually pretty standard for manual reviews. I know it's stressful when you're counting on that money, but from everything I've read here and elsewhere, as long as you're not getting error messages or letters, you should be okay. Just have to play the waiting game unfortunately. Hang in there!