What time of day did you call? I've been trying for weeks but always get the "due to high call volume" message and then it hangs up on me 😡

This is exactly what happened to me! Filed on February 28th and had absolutely nothing on my transcript for 7 weeks. I was starting to panic thinking my return was lost in the system. Finally called using the phone tree someone posted here (the 1-2-1-3-2 sequence) and got through after about 45 minutes on hold. The agent immediately said "Oh, I see you need identity verification" - like it was obvious to her but there was NO indication of this anywhere on my end. No letter, no codes on transcript, nothing. She verified me right there on the phone asking basic questions about my filing history and personal info. My transcript updated with processing codes within 2 hours and I got my DDD the next day! If you're past the 21-day mark with zero movement, definitely call and specifically ask about identity verification requirements. Don't let them just tell you to "keep waiting" - push for answers about what's actually holding up your return.

I had this happen and finally got through to an agent using claimyr.com (they get you a callback from IRS instead of waiting on hold forever). The agent told me my return was flagged because my W2 information hadn't been received from my employer yet. Once they got that, my return processed quickly. Talking to someone was the only thing that gave me peace of mind during the wait. Worth every penny when you're dealing with refund delays.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed early February as Head of Household and had the standard 21-day message for weeks. Just checked yesterday and now it says "still being processed" with completely blank transcripts. From what I'm reading here, it sounds like this is unfortunately pretty common this year, especially for HOH filers. The blank transcript seems to indicate they've pulled it for manual review rather than it being lost in the system, which is somewhat reassuring. I'm trying to stay patient but it's really stressful when you're counting on that money. Planning to wait another week or two before trying to call, since it sounds like the hold times are absolutely brutal. Thanks for posting this - at least now I know I'm not alone in dealing with this frustrating situation! Keep us updated if you hear anything or see movement on your transcripts. Fingers crossed we both get some answers soon! 🤞

Make sure ur looking at 2024 transcripts not 2023! I spent weeks freaking out b4 I realized I was looking at last years 🤡

Don't stress too much! The 971 code with the same date as your 570 is actually a good sign - it usually means they're just doing a routine review or verification. The 971 is like a notice code that explains why the 570 hold was placed. Most of the time these clear up within 1-2 weeks and then you'll see an 846 code when your refund gets released. Keep checking your transcript every few days and you should see movement soon!

I'm an accounting student and just wanted to add - make sure whatever educational expenses you're claiming actually qualify for tax benefits! Not all educational purchases are deductible or eligible for credits. For example, if these are for a degree in a field you're already working in, they might be deductible. But if it's for a degree to switch careers, the rules are different. The laptop might be partially deductible depending on how much you use it for education vs. personal use.

Don't panic! You're actually in a much better position than you think. The IRS has specific provisions for situations exactly like yours - it's called "reasonable reconstruction" of records when original documentation is lost through no fault of your own. Your detailed Excel spreadsheet is actually considered "contemporaneous documentation" since you maintained it at the time of purchase, which is exactly what the IRS looks for. Combined with your credit card statements showing the transactions, you have solid supporting evidence. Here's what I'd recommend doing: 1. Print out your credit card/bank statements showing all the educational purchases 2. Make sure your Excel spreadsheet includes dates, vendors, amounts, and educational purpose for each item 3. Search your email for any digital receipts or order confirmations 4. For the laptop and monitors, note down serial numbers if you still have the items The key is being able to show a consistent pattern that ties together your spreadsheet records with your payment records. As long as the expenses are legitimate educational costs and you can demonstrate reasonable documentation, you should be fine claiming them. The IRS understands that receipts sometimes get lost - that's why these alternative documentation rules exist. Just make sure all your claimed expenses actually qualify for educational tax benefits before filing!

If you're getting the Tax Topic 152 message, it generally means your return is in the normal processing queue and you're going to get a refund eventually. It's annoying but not actually indicating a problem.

I'm in the exact same boat! Filed 3/12 and have been seeing that same "processing delayed" message with Tax Topic 152 for about 8 weeks now. It's so frustrating not knowing what's actually happening. From reading everyone's responses here, it sounds like this is unfortunately the new normal and we just have to wait it out. Some people are getting their refunds after 10-13 weeks, so hopefully we're getting close. The lack of transparency from the IRS is really the worst part - just give us some idea of what stage we're actually in! I'm going to try accessing my transcript like others suggested, and if I hit the 3 month mark with no movement I'll probably try one of those calling services people mentioned. Hang in there!