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!

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!

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.

I'm experiencing the exact same nightmare! Filed January 28th and it's been complete radio silence since then. What's really frustrating is that I've been filing taxes for 15 years and this has NEVER happened before. Usually I get my refund within 2-3 weeks max. I called last week and the rep told me my return was "under review" but couldn't give me any timeline or explanation of what they're reviewing. My return is straightforward - W-2, standard deduction, no major changes from last year. It's like they're treating every return as suspicious now. The worst part is not knowing if I should be worried or if this is just the new normal. Are they expecting us to just sit around indefinitely while they figure out their internal processes? At least send a letter explaining what's happening!

Tried getting one back in February. They said my hardship wasnt hard enough lmaooo 💀

I've been through this exact situation! Got a tax advocate last year when I was facing utility shutoff. The key is having solid documentation - I had to provide my shutoff notice, bank statements showing insufficient funds, and medical bills. It took about 5 weeks to get assigned an advocate, but once I did, they resolved my case in 2 weeks. The hardship criteria are strict though - "financial hardship" alone isn't enough. You need proof that waiting longer will cause significant harm. If you have eviction notices, medical emergency bills, or utility shutoffs, definitely apply. Otherwise, you might want to try other options first.

You're absolutely in the right position here - reporting income you actually received is never going to get you in trouble with the IRS, even if the payer hasn't filed their forms yet. I've seen this scenario dozens of times in my work, and the IRS consistently prioritizes catching unreported income over minor discrepancies where taxpayers over-reported. Keep your payment records (bank deposits, invoices, emails, etc.) in case you ever get a CP2000 notice asking about the discrepancy, but honestly that's unlikely since you already paid tax on the income. The company that hasn't filed their 1099-NEC is the one who could face penalties, not you. Don't amend - that just opens up your return to more scrutiny for no benefit. You did everything correctly by reporting the income when you filed.

I had this exact same situation happen to me two years ago! Filed my return with a 1099-NEC for about $3,200 in freelance income, but the company never submitted their paperwork to the IRS. I was panicking thinking I'd get audited or something, but absolutely nothing happened. The key thing everyone here is saying is true - you're protecting yourself by reporting the income. The IRS gets suspicious when people UNDER-report income, not when they over-report it. I kept all my records (invoices, payment confirmations, bank deposits) just in case, but I never even got a letter about it. The company eventually filed their 1099s about 10 months late and still nothing came of it. You did the right thing by including it on your return, so don't stress about it!