Just went through this exact scenario with my 2023 return. Here's what happened: • Feb 12 - Filed electronically • Feb 28 - Transcript updated to show 2023 but "no return filed" • Mar 8 - Transcript updated with codes 150, 806, 971 • Mar 15 - WMR finally updated to "approved" • Mar 18 - Refund deposited The transcript was definitely more accurate and updated first. WMR was basically useless until the very end of the process.

The transcript is generally more accurate, though perhaps not in the way you might expect. When it shows the tax year but says "no return filed," it typically means your return has been received but hasn't completed initial processing. This is usually resolved within 2-3 weeks for most filers, though it can occasionally take longer if there are verification issues or high processing volumes.

Have you tried checking your tax transcript instead of WMR? Here's what I'd do: 1. Create an account on IRS.gov if you don't have one 2. Request your 2023 Account Transcript (not Return Transcript) 3. Look for Transaction Codes - specifically 150 (return filed), 570 (processing hold), or 971 (notice issued) 4. Check for code 846 which means refund issued The transcript will update before WMR does in most cases. If you see code 570, don't panic - it often just means they're processing the 1099-B matching.

Mail processing is unpredictable. Consider amended return. File electronically next time. Use specific brokers with electronic reporting. Worth the switch. Might save weeks next year.

I actually got ALL my money back from TPG last year! The secret? I recorded the entire tax preparation session (legal in my state with one-party consent) where the preparer glossed over the fees. When I called TPG customer service, I mentioned I had documentation that I wasn't properly informed of the fees according to their own disclosure requirements. Suddenly they were VERY accommodating! Got a full refund of the $1650 they had initially taken. Sometimes you have to be your own advocate - these companies count on people not knowing their rights.

One additional piece of information that might help: TPG is required by their agreement with the IRS to provide a complete itemization of all fees upon request. If they refuse or delay providing this, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The CFPB takes these matters seriously, especially when tax refunds are involved. Also, for next year, consider avoiding the refund transfer option altogether. If you file electronically and choose direct deposit, you'll typically receive your refund within 21 days directly from the IRS with no middleman taking a cut. Many tax preparation companies offer a "pay later" option where they take their fee from your refund, but this always involves TPG or a similar service.

I verified my identity on February 24th and received my refund on April 12th - exactly 47 days later. Here's what happened: After verification, my transcript showed no updates for 3 weeks. Then on March 18th, I got code 570 (hold). On March 29th, code 571 (hold released) appeared. On April 7th, I got code 846 (refund issued) with a date of April 12th. The money arrived exactly on that date. Check your transcript weekly - it's the best indicator of progress.

Got my refund exactly 38 days after verification! Was it worth the wait? Absolutely. Would I want to go through it again? Not a chance. The key was checking my transcript every Friday morning (seems to be when they update most accounts). My cycle code was 20231705, which meant Friday updates. Once I saw code 846, the money was in my account 5 days later. Hang in there!

I went through this exact nightmare last year and got my money back by following these steps: 1. First, I verified my refund status using the IRS Where's My Refund tool to confirm it had been issued 2. I called the IRS (took forever but worth it) and explained the situation - they confirmed the check had been cashed and started a payment trace 3. I filed a formal complaint with my state's Department of Revenue AND the IRS using Form 14157 4. I sent a certified letter to the preparer stating I would pursue legal action if the funds weren't returned within 10 days 5. I filed a police report for theft/fraud The combination of these steps worked! Within 3 weeks, the preparer contacted me and returned my money. Don't give up - the system actually works if you're persistent and document everything.

Be very careful how you proceed. I had a client who found himself in a similar situation, but he made the mistake of posting accusations about the tax preparer on social media before verifying all the facts. The preparer sued him for defamation and it turned into a legal nightmare. First, absolutely verify your refund status directly with the IRS. Then document all your attempts to contact the preparer. If you confirm the refund was issued and the preparer has it, send a formal demand letter via certified mail before taking any other steps. This creates a paper trail that will be crucial if you need to escalate to legal action or file complaints with regulatory agencies. While you should absolutely report fraud, making sure you have solid evidence first will protect you from potential counteractions.