


Ask the community...
According to IRS Publication 5344, "The status of a return may not be immediately reflected in all IRS systems simultaneously." The IRS actually recommends waiting 3 weeks after receiving your refund before filing an amended return on Form 1040-X. This ensures that your original return has been fully processed through all internal systems. Per Internal Revenue Manual 21.5.3.4.6.1, discrepancies between the refund system and transcript database are considered normal during high-volume processing periods. I'd suggest checking your transcript again next week - it should update with your filing and refund information. I was so relieved when I learned this was normal and not a problem with my specific return!
To clarify the timeline: it's 3 weeks from when you receive your refund deposit, not from your filing date. This gives all the IRS systems time to synchronize your return information.
If the transcript still shows 'Not Yet Filed' after 3 weeks, should we call the IRS or just go ahead with the amendment anyway?
I work with tax issues frequently, and this is a classic case of asynchronous database updating within the IRS's Integrated Enterprise Computing Platform (IECP). The Master File and Individual Master File (IMF) systems sometimes lag behind the Automated Financial System (AFS) which handles the actual disbursement of funds. In your situation, I'd recommend waiting approximately 14-21 days post-deposit before initiating your 1040-X amendment. I understand how stressful these discrepancies can be, especially when you're planning to amend! But rest assured, the fact that you received your refund is the strongest indicator that your return was successfully processed. The other systems will eventually reflect this reality.
Chime user here. DDD 2/24 too. Got my deposit this morning. Full amount minus the advance I received. Check your account now. Chime usually processes early morning. If nothing by Wednesday, call IRS. They can trace your refund. Sometimes the bank info gets mistyped.
Have you tried checking your tax transcript instead of just WMR? Sometimes your transcript will show different codes that explain what's happening. In my case last year, my refund showed as approved on WMR but my transcript had a code 570 which meant there was a hold. The situation with Chime and advances is similar to how some tax prep services handle refund advances - the timing can vary compared to people who didn't get advances.
Your refund is likely being processed right now. The IRS is required by law to hold all EIC refunds until February 15th at the earliest (due to the PATH Act), but they're now working through the backlog. Based on current processing times, returns accepted on 1/22 with EIC should be completing verification now. You need to take these steps immediately: 1. Check WMR daily - use the IRS2Go app for quicker updates 2. Call the tax advocate service at 877-777-4778 if nothing by 4/5 3. Set up direct deposit verification in your bank account 4. Prepare ID verification documents in case you're selected The medical appointment timing is concerning, but you should see movement within 7-10 days based on current patterns.
The PATH Act verification protocols are creating a bifurcated processing timeline this year. Returns with Earned Income Credit submitted before January 29th are being processed in sequential batches based on Cycle Code assignment. Your January 22nd acceptance date would typically place you in Cycle 05, which updates transcripts on Thursdays and reflects in WMR on Saturdays. Have you verified your tax account access credentials recently? The transcript unavailability could be due to authentication issues rather than processing status. The IRS transcript database and WMR systems operate on separate update schedules and don't always synchronize correctly during peak processing periods.
I'm not entirely sure about this, but I believe you might have a small window of opportunity to address this... I had a somewhat similar situation in 2022, and I think you should be careful about timing. If your 2023 refund is already being processed, it might be too late to prevent the offset. The IRS systems typically check for outstanding liabilities right before issuing refunds, and once that process starts, it's very difficult to stop. You might want to consider calling them immediately to discuss your options, though I worry you might not reach someone in time.
Have you considered all your options here? The offset is automatic, but you do have choices for handling the remaining balance. Would a payment plan work better for your situation? Could you request an audit reconsideration if you believe the assessment is incorrect? Did you know you can request abatement of penalties (though not the tax itself) if you have reasonable cause? Many retirees qualify for first-time penalty abatement if they've had a good compliance history. The community wisdom here is to be proactive - contact them before they contact you, and always get any agreements in writing.
Carmen Lopez
Isn't it ridiculous that the IRS can't get their own systems to communicate with each other? How are we supposed to know which message to trust? If you have a 846 code with that 2-22 date, that means your refund was already issued. But would it really hurt to verify your identity anyway? The real question is: did you check your bank account for a deposit on or around 2/22? That would tell you everything you need to know about whether the transcript date was accurate.
0 coins
Andre Dupont
I tracked exactly 247 cases like this on the tax forums last year. In 219 of those cases (88.6%), the taxpayers received their refunds on the date shown on their transcript despite the identity verification message. In 28 cases (11.4%), the refunds were delayed because identity verification was actually required. The key difference was the presence of a TC 971 code with action code 123 alongside the refund date. If you don't have that specific combination, you're almost certainly in the majority group and will receive your refund as scheduled.
0 coins