Alternative approach: file now without EIC. Claim just the dependent exemption. Get most of your refund quickly. File amended return later for EIC portion. Less waiting for majority of refund. Database sync issues resolved by then. Worth considering if you need funds soon.

I successfully navigated this same issue last year with my December baby! Isn't it ridiculous that government systems don't talk to each other better? I initially tried calling the IRS regular number but couldn't get through for days. Finally went with paper filing and included a photocopy of my baby's social security card and birth certificate. Wrote "NEWBORN SSN VERIFICATION ISSUE" in red at the top of my 1040. Got my full refund with EIC about 7 weeks later. Would it be faster if their systems worked properly? Of course! But at least there's a proven solution.

Mine was accepted February 6th. WMR stuck for 5 weeks. Got my refund yesterday. No explanation. No errors on return. System just takes time. Hang in there. You're probably fine. Just IRS being slow.

Not to be *that person* 😂 but have you tried checking your tax transcript instead of WMR? The transcript usually updates before WMR does and gives you actual cycle codes. I was in the dark for weeks until I figured this out. You can access it through the IRS website under "Get Transcript" - just need to create an account if you don't have one already.

The deposit prediction methodology outlined here is generally accurate for standard Form 1040 filers without Earned Income Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit claims. However, Path Act provisions still mandate holding those credit-containing returns until at least February 15th, with subsequent processing time. Additionally, the Refund Disbursement Schedule (RDS) can be impacted by IRS Submission Processing Center backlogs, which vary by regional jurisdiction. While historical patterns provide a useful baseline, individual processing timelines may deviate based on specific return attributes and verification protocols.

Is anyone else counting on this refund for essential expenses? I've been tracking these patterns too and they're pretty consistent, but why doesn't the IRS just publish the actual schedule instead of making us play detective every year? Wouldn't transparency be easier for everyone? I've found that returns with identical elements to previous years follow almost identical processing timelines. My returns have been processed on the same cycle week three years running, despite filing on different dates each year.

I've been tracking the 0605 cycle code specifically this tax season. Here's what I'm seeing: • 0605 returns filed before February 15th: Most have received refunds • 0605 returns filed Feb 16-28: Currently updating this week • 0605 returns filed March 1-15: Just starting to show transcript updates • 0605 returns filed after March 15: Still in early processing The good news is that 0605 batch is processing, just more slowly than other cycles. If you're not seeing updates, check these common delay factors: • Claimed refundable credits (CTC, EITC) • Identity verification needed • Missing information • Math errors Hang in there - the batch is moving, just slower than we'd all like!

Just a word of caution from someone who's been through this before... I had cycle code 0605 last year and made the mistake of counting on a specific date for my refund. Called the IRS after waiting 6 weeks and found out my return had been pulled for "random review" despite having no errors. The cycle code doesn't guarantee anything if they decide to review your return. Did you claim any credits that might trigger extra verification? Have you checked your transcript for any 570/971 combination codes?

The IRS processing system is like a highway with multiple lanes. Returns with 6+ dependents are automatically routed to the verification lane, which moves much slower than the express lane. Think of it like going through additional toll booths - each dependent is another checkpoint they need to verify. H&R Block returns aren't processed any differently than other preparation methods, but the combination of MFJ + multiple dependents + refundable credits creates what the IRS internally calls a "compliance review profile." Current processing data shows these returns are taking 35-42 days on average this season.

Good news to share! I filed on 2/13 through H&R Block, MFJ with 5 dependents, and my refund just hit my account this morning! 🎉 The whole process took exactly 39 days from acceptance to deposit. My WMR never updated beyond the first bar, and my transcript only updated 3 days ago with an 846 code. So there is hope! The system is moving, just slower than molasses in January (though I guess we're in March now, so... molasses in slightly warmer weather? 😂). Hang in there!