FYI - SBTG usually processes within 24hrs of IRS deposit. Their system runs batch processing overnight. If IRS confirms deposit to SBTG today, you'll prob see funds tmrw or next biz day. Depends on your bank too. Some post pending deposits, others wait til fully cleared.

This SBTG situation is way better than what happened with Republic Bank refund transfers a few years back. Those would take 5-7 days sometimes! I was pulling my hair out waiting. With SBTG, I've consistently gotten my refund 2-3 days after the IRS releases it. Just keep an eye on your WMR status - once it says sent, give it 2-3 business days and you should be good.

Filed Feb 3rd and got my deposit on Feb 24th. Here's what happened with my WMR experience: • First week: Only showed "Return Received" • Second week: No change, still one bar • Third week: Jumped straight to "Refund Sent" on Feb 22nd • Money showed up Feb 24th Never saw the middle approval bar at all. My sister had the same experience. The system seems to skip steps sometimes.

Think of the IRS processing system like a busy restaurant kitchen during dinner rush. Some orders (simple returns) get prepared quickly and come right out. Others (with credits or deductions) need special preparation and take longer. And sometimes the kitchen gets backed up regardless of when you placed your order. The February 2nd filing date puts you in the early-middle of the rush - not first in line, but not late either. The amended paperwork is like adding a special request after your order was already in the kitchen - it might cause them to pull your order back for adjustment.

Does anyone know if offsets are applied to amended returns as well? I'm curious because I'm filing an amendment that would increase my refund, but I have old child support arrears. Would they take the additional refund amount too? Also, is there a minimum amount they'll offset? Like if I only owe $50 in arrears, will they still go through the whole offset process or is there some threshold?

Be careful. My offset looked like child support. Wasn't. Was actually old state tax debt. Called TOP number. Got details. Had to contact state revenue department. Took six weeks to resolve. Paperwork got lost twice. Keep records of everything. Take names. Get reference numbers. Don't assume agencies communicate with each other. They don't.

What we're seeing is the IRS's batch processing system at work. Think of it like a train schedule - returns get loaded into specific trains that run on set days. Your 1/29 filing date put you in the early February processing cycle, which typically completes mid-to-late February. The Maryland deposit hitting same-day as transcript update is like catching an express connection - sometimes the timing just works out perfectly when state and federal systems are in sync.

While direct deposit is certainly the fastest method, those who selected paper checks should expect an additional 7-10 business days beyond their DDD. Unlike electronic refunds which follow a strict timeline, paper checks can experience postal delays. For comparison, I received my electronic federal refund on the exact DDD last year, but my paper state refund took 12 days beyond the stated processing date.

Want to know the real scam? These tax prep companies literally lobby Congress to keep taxes complicated so we HAVE to use their services! Did you know that in many other countries, the government just sends you a pre-filled form with all your info already on it? You just verify it's correct and you're done! But here we are, debating whether to pay $89 for something that should be free. That said, with investments you made the right call - the premium features are actually useful for complex situations. Just frustrating that we're forced into this position in the first place, isn't it?

I've used both free and paid versions for years. TurboTax is absolutely gouging you, but they also know exactly what they're doing. With 50+ investment transactions, you made the right call. The free version would have either missed deductions or had you pulling your hair out. I was shocked to learn how much the tax code favors investors who know the rules, and the premium version actually helps you find those advantages. It's a broken system, but you're playing it smart.