According to the IRS operations dashboard (https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations), they're currently processing returns received in late January, but there's significant variation based on several factors. Here's what you should do: 1. Check your return for accuracy - verify all SSNs, income amounts, and that you've included all W-2s/1099s 2. Verify your e-file status at https://sa.www4.irs.gov/secureaccess - if it shows "accepted" you're in the system 3. Request your account transcript (not return transcript) as it updates first 4. If you reach 45 days with no updates, you can request a taxpayer advocate at 877-777-4778 Most importantly, don't panic - early filers are seeing 30-45 day processing times this year despite the IRS's 21-day guidance. Your return is likely just in the standard processing queue.

Be careful about assuming everything is fine. I had a similar situation last year and it turned out there was an identity verification hold that I was never notified about. After waiting 8 weeks, I finally called and discovered I needed to complete ID verification before my return would process. The IRS doesn't always send the verification letter promptly. Check for any notices in your online account and consider calling after 30 days of no movement.

Wow, I had no idea the refund process was this complicated! 😱 One thing nobody's mentioned yet - check if your husband's name is EXACTLY as it appears on his tax documents. My bank rejected my refund last year because my account had my middle initial but my tax return didn't. Such a small detail caused so much stress! Also, if you're worried, you can call Bank of America ahead of time to alert them about the incoming deposit. Some banks have security measures that might flag large unexpected deposits, especially to personal accounts. Better to be proactive than deal with the headache of a rejected deposit!

I actually went through this exact scenario on March 2nd this year! 😂 My credit union rejected my deposit because my husband's name was first on our joint return but the account was only in my name. What happened was TurboTax's bank (SBTPG) emailed me about 4 days later saying the deposit was rejected. I had to log into their portal, verify my identity, and provide new banking info. They reprocessed it within 8 days. The whole process took about 2 weeks from rejection to getting my money. Not the end of the world, but definitely annoying when you're counting on that refund! Pro tip: check your email obsessively including spam folders.

Most people don't know this, but the PATH Act applies even if you don't see the message. The IRS holds refunds with certain credits until mid-February, regardless of when you file. Your transcripts being blank might just mean they haven't started processing yet. I wouldn't worry unless it's been more than 45 days since filing.

I believe what you're experiencing is probably just a normal processing delay, possibly combined with a display issue in the system. In my experience, about 15% of early filers might see blank transcripts for up to 4-5 weeks, especially if there are any potentially refundable credits involved. Your return is likely just working its way through the queue, and the absence of the PATH message could simply be a user interface inconsistency rather than an indication of any problem with your actual return.

There's a systematic approach to understanding if verification will be required: Step 1: Look at how she filed (electronic vs paper) Step 2: Consider if she claimed refundable credits (EIC, CTC, etc.) Step 3: Check if her SSN has been used on a tax return before Step 4: Determine if her banking information matches her name/SSN The IRS doesn't verify everyone - they focus resources on returns with higher fraud indicators. A first-time filer claiming dependents might raise one flag, but that alone isn't enough to trigger verification for most filers. The system is frustrating but follows predictable patterns if you know what to look for.

My daughter was a first-time filer this year. Claimed two dependents. No verification needed. Return processed in 16 days. Refund deposited directly. No issues at all. System worked smoothly. Never had to call. Just made sure all information was accurate. Used quality tax software. Double-checked everything before submitting.

I had a similar visa tax issue under Section 871(h) exemption for portfolio interest. Called for 3 weeks with no luck. Per IRM 21.8.1, international taxpayers should receive specialized assistance, but the reality is different. Finally reached someone who helped resolve my withholding problem and got my $1,200 refund processed correctly.

Warning about trying to reach the IRS: • Never share personal info with anyone claiming to be IRS on a call YOU didn't initiate • Real IRS agents won't threaten immediate arrest • They never demand specific payment methods like gift cards • Keep detailed notes of all calls including agent ID numbers • Record dates/times of all contact attempts for potential TAS case I've seen too many scams targeting people desperate to resolve tax issues.