I tracked this issue over the last week (because what else would a tax nerd do for fun in April? 😅). The pattern is interesting - WMR goes down around 11pm-2am EST almost every night for what seems like database updates. But this extended outage started Tuesday around 8pm and lasted until Wednesday afternoon. My business partner and I both got our refund status updates right after it came back online. It's like the IRS realized they were behind schedule and did a massive batch processing run!

This appears to be a systemic outage affecting the WMR application's frontend interface. The error code 428 (Precondition Required) indicates the server requires conditional validation before processing the request. This is distinct from standard maintenance windows, which typically display a planned outage message. The IRS API gateway is likely experiencing high traffic volume combined with possible backend database synchronization issues. Your return processing should continue unaffected despite the WMR tool's unavailability.

Let me clarify what's likely happening based on that 822 code: • The IRS initially applied your overpayment somewhere it shouldn't have gone • They've now recognized this error and are correcting it • This is actually good news - they're fixing a mistake • You'll likely see a refund issued (code 846) within 2-3 weeks • No action is required on your part unless it doesn't resolve This is fairly common and usually resolves itself automatically. The system is just correcting an internal error.

I've seen this happen when the IRS initially applies a refund to the wrong year or account. According to https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript, you should check your transcripts for all recent tax years to see if there's a corresponding debit. Time is important here - the correction process usually takes 2-3 weeks, but if you don't see resolution within 30 days, you should definitely contact them before the issue gets more complicated.

Have you tried checking the Treasury Offset Program directly? Call 800-304-3107 and follow the prompts. You'll need the SSN of the person whose refund was reduced. This will tell you EXACTLY what the money went to pay for, even before the transcript updates. I've helped three friends with similar issues this tax season alone! The IRS and Treasury don't always talk to each other as quickly as we'd hope... kind of like my in-laws at Thanksgiving dinner 😂

The community consensus here is correct - this is almost certainly an offset. What many people don't realize is that the Treasury Offset Program operates somewhat independently from the IRS. The IRS approves your full refund, then TOP intercepts and reduces it before it hits your bank. Common reasons for exactly half being taken: joint filer with only one spouse having a debt, or certain types of garnishments that are limited to 50% of available funds. Check if your spouse has any forgotten student loans, child support, state tax debts, or federal debts. A notice explaining the offset is usually mailed, but often arrives after the reduced deposit.

I had the exact same issue on March 12th, 2024. Called the verification hotline on March 13th but they couldn't help. Made an appointment at my local office for March 20th. Brought my ID, social security card, and tax return copy. Was verified in 15 minutes. Transcript updated on March 25th. Refund deposited on April 1st. Don't waste time waiting for the online option - just make the appointment now. The offices are booking 2-3 weeks out right now.

The IRS verification system is like a temperamental old car - sometimes it starts right up, sometimes it needs a few days to warm up. If you've tried logging in through both the ID verify portal AND the regular account access, I'd give it 48 hours before making other plans. But having a backup plan is smart - like keeping jumper cables in your trunk. Call the dedicated ID verify line at 800-830-5084 first, and only if that fails, then make the in-person appointment. The phone route is generally faster than waiting for an in-person slot, which can take weeks in some locations.

The 21-day processing time is standard. It's in the IRS guidelines. They don't expedite returns. Even if you call. Your 8-year gap triggered additional verification. That's automatic. Nothing personal. Software change was smart. Always compare options. The $500 difference proves it was worth shopping around.

Why is the IRS treating returns like they're fine wines that need to age for 21 days? My return is pretty straightforward - shouldn't they process simple returns faster than complicated ones?