My cycle code has been 02 for three years straight and I always get my refund within 10-14 days. My sister's is consistently 05 and she waits 3-4 weeks minimum. We file almost identical returns (both W-2 only, standard deduction) but through different preparers. Compared to most people I know with 05 codes, the 02 processing does seem faster overall. It's like being assigned to a different team at the IRS.

Has anyone tried just calling and asking to be put in the 02 cycle? 😂 I'm imagining an IRS agent with a big rubber stamp marking returns for the fast lane. But seriously, maybe try checking your transcripts weekly to see if there's any pattern to how they're processing your return this year compared to previous years? That might give you some clues about whether the change will speed things up.

Based on what you've described, your return is likely in what's called the "pre-processing queue." I've tracked this pattern for several years: 1. On January 27, 2024, you filed and received acceptance 2. Today is February 29, 2024, so it's been 33 days 3. For returns filed between January 23-31, 2024, the current average processing time is 35-42 days Your transcript will likely update all at once rather than gradually. The empty transcript is actually normal at this stage. If you don't see any updates by March 9th (around the 42-day mark), then I would recommend calling the IRS directly. The key thing to watch for is the "846" code on your transcript when it appears - that's your refund date.

OMG YES! I'm in EXACTLY the same situation and it's making me crazy!!! Filed Jan 24th, accepted same day, and NOTHING since then! My transcript is completely empty for 2023 even though I can access it. WMR just has the stupid first bar and says "still processing" when I check it. I've been counting on this money for bills and my landlord is NOT understanding about the delay. This is so frustrating! Last year I had my refund within 10 days of filing, so I don't understand why it's taking forever this time. 😡 Really hope we both see movement soon. This waiting game is ridiculous.

I filed HOH with two kids on February 5th (just two days after you) and got my refund yesterday! The funny thing is, my WMR never updated beyond the first bar. I checked my bank account randomly and there it was! Last year was a complete nightmare - took almost 8 weeks. This year was smooth sailing. Don't lose hope - yours is probably right around the corner!

I'd say most HOH filers with dependents who filed early February are probably seeing refunds around now, give or take a week. The IRS is generally processing returns in the order received, but there are always some exceptions. If you haven't received anything by mid-March, that's when I'd start looking into it more seriously. Until then, it's likely just normal processing time.

Let me clear this up for you. Yes, it still goes through SBTPG. The free edition only means you don't pay for tax preparation - it has nothing to do with how the advance works. When you take an advance, you're essentially taking a loan that gets repaid when your actual refund arrives. SBTPG is the middleman that handles this transaction. They front you the money now, then intercept your refund later to recoup their costs. This happens regardless of which edition you used or where your final deposit is going. It's all about the advance, not the software version.

Here's what you need to do: • Create an account on SBTPG.com using the same info from your tax return • Track your refund there AND on the IRS Where's My Refund tool • Call SBTPG directly at their customer service if nothing shows up after your WMR says refund sent • Consider opting out of advances next year - they're convenient but add complexity • Remember that "free edition" just means free preparation, not free financial products The advance is essentially a loan against your expected refund, so yes, it MUST go through the third party regardless of which edition you used.

I need to caution you about something important. On March 12th, 2024, I was in an identical situation - WMR showing processing but transcript showing nothing. I assumed it was normal and waited. By April 2nd, I discovered my return had been flagged for identity verification, but I never received the letter (which was apparently mailed on March 15th). This delayed my refund by an additional 9 weeks. If you don't see transcript movement by March 25th (7 weeks after filing), I strongly recommend contacting the IRS to verify there are no holds on your account that require action from you. The system doesn't always notify you properly when there's an issue.

I'm currently going through the exact same thing and wanted to outline the steps I've taken so far: 1. Filed and accepted on February 3rd 2. WMR showed "processing" for 3 weeks 3. Checked transcript - showed "no return filed" 4. Called IRS main number on February 28th (couldn't get through) 5. Checked transcript again on March 7th - finally updated 6. Refund deposited on March 12th The key thing I learned is that the transcript update is often the last step before your refund is approved. Have you checked your transcript again today? Sometimes they update overnight and you might see movement.