I obsessively prepared for this tax season after last year's disaster (took 68 days to get my refund due to a simple math error). This year with a simple return: - Filed: February 22, 2024 (electronic) - Accepted: February 22, 2024 (confirmation within 2 hours) - WMR updated to approved: March 8, 2024 (14 days) - Direct deposit received: March 13, 2024 (19 days total) My experience suggests simple returns are definitely moving, but the timing isn't consistent person-to-person. I'd give it until the 21-day mark before getting too concerned, but with your medical procedures coming up, I understand the anxiety!

Per IRM 21.4.1.3 (Refund Inquiry Response Procedures), the IRS is not obligated to provide specific information about the status of a refund until 21 days after e-filing or 6 weeks after paper filing. Based on my experience as a tax professional, I've observed the following pattern for 2023 returns (2024 filing season): 1. Simple returns (W-2 only, standard deduction): 14-21 days 2. Returns with dividend/interest income: 17-24 days 3. Returns with Schedule C/E but no credits: 21-30 days The "Return Accepted" status simply means the return has passed the initial validation checks. Your return is likely in batch processing and should move to approved status within the next 3-5 days based on current patterns.

Have you considered that this might be related to identity verification? The IRS has significantly increased verification measures for returns with refundable credits like EIC and CTC this year. You might want to proactively check if you need to verify your identity through the IRS Identity Verification Service. Many taxpayers don't realize they need to complete this step until weeks have passed. What if your return is just sitting there waiting for you to verify your identity? Also, have you received any letters from the IRS in the mail? Sometimes they send notices requesting additional information before they'll process your return further, especially with credits like EIC that have higher fraud rates.

Think of the IRS processing system like a massive traffic jam where cars with certain features (like your EIC and CTC) get directed to special lanes for extra inspection. Sometimes your car gets stuck between lanes and doesn't show up on the traffic cameras (WMR). You might want to try the IRS2Go mobile app instead of the website. For some strange reason, sometimes the app shows different information than the website. Also, check your return status very early in the morning (around 3-4am) when their systems are updating - that's when you're most likely to get accurate information before the daily traffic hits their servers.

The community wisdom on this is pretty consistent: filed returns with dependents that were accepted in January 2024 are taking exactly 21-35 days to process for most people. I've tracked 42 different posts about this issue since January 15th, and 38 of them reported their transcripts updated suddenly after showing nothing for weeks. Only 4 had actual issues requiring further action. The statistics strongly suggest you're in the normal processing group.

Last week my client was in identical situation. Filed January 19. One dependent. Blank transcript until February 13. Refund deposited February 16. No issues. No explanation for delay. Just normal processing time. Don't worry yet.

I've seen this many times over the years. Probably legitimate if your income falls in the EITC sweet spot. The system is designed to benefit working families with children. Your military status might also qualify you for additional benefits. Just be prepared for potential delays. The IRS often reviews returns with large refunds and minimal withholding.

Have you considered having a tax professional review your return before submitting? For something that seems unusual to you, wouldn't it be worth the peace of mind to have someone verify everything is correct? Many military bases offer free tax preparation services through VITA programs. They could confirm if this refund amount is accurate for your specific situation and explain exactly which credits are generating this refund.

Have you checked your tax transcript online? That's the most reliable way to know where your federal return stands. If you see code 570 (refund hold) followed by 571 (hold released), you're in good shape. If you have 846 with a date, that's your direct deposit date. What codes do you see on yours? Also, did you file early or right around the opening of tax season?

Success story here! Got my state refund on February 2nd and my federal PATH Act refund hit exactly on February 27th. Isn't it weird how they make us wait even when they've clearly already processed everything? But yes, getting your state refund is usually a good sign that your information matches up correctly. Just keep checking your transcript every Wednesday and Friday morning - that's when they typically update.