Your patience paid off! Tax season is like a marathon, not a sprint. I was in the exact same boat - filed 2/5, stuck on "still processing" until just last week. The IRS system is like an old computer that needs time to warm up - you can't rush it or force it to go faster. I've found that the people who check obsessively (like my husband who checked 5x daily) and those who check once a week (like me) get their refunds at exactly the same time. The system moves at its own pace regardless of our anxiety levels!

For anyone still waiting, the IRS has published some interesting statistics about the current tax season at https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/filing-season-statistics. As of March 29, 2024, they've processed 81.3 million returns but received 88.5 million - meaning about 7.2 million returns are still in the processing pipeline. Average refund amounts are down 3.8% compared to last year. The "Where's My Refund" tool receives approximately 493 million visits per tax season, showing how many people are constantly checking their status.

Your timeline is actually better than mine! Think of the IRS processing system like a highway during rush hour - everyone gets on at different times, but there are certain bottlenecks where traffic slows down. I filed on January 29th, transcript updated February 16th, and my DDD is February 23rd. It's like we were in the same processing batch. The fact that you got your DDD so quickly is a good sign - it's like getting the express lane through the IRS traffic jam.

I had almost the exact same timeline as you but with a slight twist. Filed January 31st, accepted same day, transcript blank until February 16th, then DDD of February 24th. But here's the interesting part - my state refund actually arrived before I even got the federal DDD. Isn't it strange how state processing can sometimes be faster than federal? Makes you wonder why the IRS can't streamline their process the same way some states have.

I went through this exact situation in February. Filed on 2/1, got the ID verify message on 2/20. I was also newly married and filing jointly for the first time. Here's the step-by-step solution that worked for me: 1. Don't wait for the letter if you're in a hurry. Call the dedicated ID Verification line: 800-830-5084 2. If you can't get through (very likely), try calling right when they open at 7am Eastern 3. When you reach an agent, explain you're calling about the ID verification message on WMR 4. They'll ask for your SSN, name, address, filing status, and verify information from your current and previous year's returns 5. If everything matches, they'll mark your verification as complete while you're on the phone 6. Your WMR status won't update immediately - mine took exactly 8 days to change from "being processed" to showing a direct deposit date 7. From verification to refund was exactly 14 days for me The marriage/filing status change definitely triggers additional verification. It's an anti-fraud measure, not a problem with your return.

Finally got my refund yesterday after the ID verification nightmare! Filed 2/5, got the verify message 2/22, verified 3/15, refund 4/1. The secret to success? I called at 7:01am exactly when they opened. 😂 Still waited 45 minutes, but at least got through. The agent was super helpful and verified me right on the call. For anyone still waiting - hang in there! The system is definitely backed up this year, but they're working through it. One weird thing - my "Where's My Refund" never updated after verification. It stayed on the verification message until the day before the money hit my account. Oh, and my issue was also marriage-related. First time filing jointly, and the agent specifically mentioned that triggers extra verification this year.

Does your WMR tool show the same DDD as your transcript? Sometimes there's a discrepancy between the two systems that could indicate processing delays.

I've had both the Serve card and direct deposit to my credit union. With my credit union, I consistently get the refund 2 days before the DDD. With Serve, it's been exactly on the DDD or occasionally 1 day early. It's similar to how some people with Chime or Cash App get their regular paychecks 2 days early, while traditional banks stick to the official payday. For what it's worth, my brother-in-law who also uses Jackson Hewitt with the Serve card got his refund yesterday when his DDD was set for tomorrow.

According to the IRS2Go app and IRS.gov/refunds FAQ section, PATH Act returns are currently experiencing longer processing times than in previous years. I found the IRS Refund Timetable on irs.gov/individuals/refund-timing very helpful - it specifically mentions that returns claiming EITC/ACTC may take until early March to begin processing even if filed in January. The IRS Tax Season Refund Frequently Asked Questions page also explains that transcripts won't show data until processing begins, which explains the "return not processed" message. Have you tried checking the Tax Season Refund Frequently Asked Questions page for more specific information?

Listen, I've been through this 3 years in a row now. PATH Act returns are ALWAYS delayed. Don't waste time checking daily. Set a calendar reminder for 8 weeks after your filing date and check then. That's when most PATH returns start moving. Calling won't help - the agents can't speed anything up. If you need money now, better look at other options because the IRS isn't rushing for anyone. Just how it is with these credits.