I don't think this advice about "just wait" is helpful. The PATH Act is frustrating enough without vague timelines. • The IRS is REQUIRED to hold refunds with certain credits until Feb 15 • They often take additional time after that date for "processing" • Many returns with PATH messages have NO issues but still get delayed • Some returns DO have issues but you won't know without checking transcripts • The WMR tool is notoriously unhelpful during this period If you filed 1/30, you should have at least seen transcript updates by now.

According to the official IRS refund timeline at IRS.gov/refunds, most tax returns are processed within 21 days. The PATH Act creates an exception for returns with certain credits, but they should still be actively processing your return. The IRS's "Where's My Refund" tool isn't always accurate during the PATH delay period - that's just how their system works. I've had returns with the PATH message that processed without any issues after the holding period ended.

I was in your exact situation last year! I followed these steps to break free from TurboTax: 1. First, I went to the official IRS Free File page (not through Google, which often leads to ads) 2. I checked which options were available for my income level 3. I chose FreeTaxUSA after researching reviews 4. I gathered all my tax documents before starting 5. I created an account and followed their step-by-step process 6. I filed my federal return completely free 7. I paid only $14.99 for my state return 8. I received my refund directly from the Treasury, not through SBTPG The interface wasn't as polished as TurboTax, but it worked perfectly and saved me $185! I was a bit worried about switching after using TurboTax for 7 years, but it was actually easier than I expected.

Has anyone here tried the IRS Direct File pilot program that launched on January 29, 2024? I'm curious if they're planning to expand it beyond the initial 12 states for the 2025 filing season. Also wondering about Cash App Taxes - I've heard it's completely free for both federal and state, but I'm hesitant to trust a financial app with my tax information. Anyone have experience with their security practices?

Have you noticed if this pattern applies to all types of returns, or is it more common with certain tax situations? For example, does it seem to affect W-2 only filers differently than those with self-employment income? What about returns with dependents versus those without? I'm wondering if we can narrow down exactly what combination of factors makes early filing more likely to trigger verification. This could be incredibly helpful for everyone planning their filing strategy for next year.

I've tracked my filing dates and refund timelines for exactly 7 years now. January filings averaged 42 days to receive refund. February filings averaged 19 days. Last 3 years I've filed between February 7-12 and received refunds within 21 days consistently. The data supports your theory. 63% of early filers in my tax group reported verification letters vs only 17% of February filers. Thank you for sharing this insight!

Be careful with this situation. My transcript looked exactly like yours last year. Blank with only the 'as of' date changing. Turned out there was an identity verification issue. The IRS never contacted me. Six months went by. Finally called them directly. Had to verify my identity. Refund came three weeks later. Could have been resolved months earlier. Don't just wait indefinitely. Check for letters in mail. Consider proactive identity verification through ID.me. Better safe than sorry.

Have you tried checking the Where's My Refund tool instead of just the transcript? I filed exactly 27 days ago with 2 dependents, and my transcript was completely blank until yesterday. The WMR tool updated 3 days before my transcript did, showing the progress bar moving to the second stage. My refund was deposited exactly 29 days after filing, even though my transcript only updated completely the day before the deposit came through.

Oh my goodness, I remember being in your EXACT situation during my husband's deployment! It's so stressful handling everything while they're away! I found that transcript availability follows this general pattern: - Simple returns: 7-14 days after acceptance - Returns with credits: 14-21 days - Military returns with special situations: 14-30 days The waiting is absolutely agonizing when you're trying to manage everything alone during deployment. Hang in there! The transcript will update, I promise. Just make sure you're checking the right tax year in the dropdown menu - that tripped me up at first!

Have you checked if you're looking at the right tax year? The dropdown defaults to 2023 right now. You need to specifically select 2024. Also, are you checking for the Return Transcript or Account Transcript? Account Transcripts update first and show processing status codes.