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OMG this happens EVERY YEAR and it drives me CRAZY! The IRS systems are completely swamped right now! Instead of checking your tax software constantly, try going directly to the IRS website and using the "Where's My Refund" tool. Sometimes it will show your return is being processed even before your software shows acceptance! I've seen returns get accepted after 5-6 days during busy season and still get processed normally. The initial acceptance delay rarely affects your overall refund timeline!
I tried using the WMR tool but it requires specific data points like exact refund amount and filing status. The system won't recognize the return until it's been accepted into the IRS Master File database. Based on IRS Technical Specification documentation, there's a two-step validation process: first at the submission processing center, then at the main processing pipeline. Delays can occur at either stage.
I filed on March 23rd and mine was accepted within 12 hours, but my sister filed on the 25th (same day as you) and hers is still pending too. The difference? I filed early in the morning and she filed late evening. I wonder if there's a daily processing queue and weekend submissions get pushed to Monday's batch? Last year when I filed on a Saturday it also took until Wednesday to get accepted.
Have you considered whether you might qualify for First Time Penalty Abatement? Given your history of compliance, you might be eligible! Important things to consider: ⢠You must file the return first before requesting abatement ⢠The IRS looks for a clean compliance record for the 3 prior years ⢠You need to have paid or arranged payment for any tax due ⢠Request must be made within a reasonable timeframe Time is critical here - each day increases potential interest charges!
Last year I was in almost the exact same boat - missed filing 2022 taxes while dealing with family health issues. I compared costs between tax prep options and found TurboTax wanted $119 for the prior year return plus $59 for state, while FreeTaxUSA charged $19.95 for federal and $14.95 for state. The interface wasn't quite as polished, but it imported my W-2s and 1099s just fine. I had to manually enter some investment data that TurboTax would have imported automatically, but saved almost $150 total. The actual filing process took 2.3 hours compared to my usual 1.5 hours with TurboTax.
I've been through this exact situation. Here's what you need to know: ⢠Filing with a new dependent after divorce ALWAYS triggers additional verification ⢠The IRS cross-checks with your ex-spouse's return to ensure no duplicate claims ⢠The normal 21-day timeline doesn't apply to your situation ⢠You're likely in the "Path Act" verification process ⢠This can take 45-60 days, sometimes longer What to do: ⢠Check your transcript for code 570 (hold) or 971 (notice issued) ⢠If you see code 420, that's an audit indicator ⢠Have your divorce decree and custody documents ready ⢠Don't panic - most of these resolve automatically This is frustrating but completely normal for your situation.
What's the diff between "accepted" and "approved"? TT said mine was accepted too but WMR still says processing.
This is incredibly helpful! I filed on January 23rd with a similar situation and was getting worried. Appreciate the detailed breakdown of what to expect.
OMG I was in EXACTLY your situation last year! First time filing with my daughter after divorce finalized in December. I was checking WMR like 10 times a day and driving myself CRAZY! But it all worked out fine - took about 7 weeks total to get my refund. The system is just extra careful with new dependent situations. I had all my documentation ready (custody agreement, school records, medical bills) but they never even asked for it. Hang in there!
For anyone dealing with PATH Act holds, here's what you should know: ⢠The PATH Act was implemented to prevent fraud and verify income claims ⢠Early releases do happen but aren't guaranteed ⢠Refund timing depends on multiple factors: - Filing date - Processing cycle code - Bank processing times - Verification requirements ⢠The official PATH release date remains February 15th regardless of when you filed I'm concerned that many people are budgeting based on potential early releases when they should be planning for the official date at minimum.
I've been tracking PATH release dates since 2019, and I've noticed early releases typically start appearing around February 8th-10th, with the bulk coming through February 22nd-24th. Last year specifically, the first reports of deposits came on February 7th, with most people receiving theirs by February 24th. The IRS never officially acknowledges these early releases.
Zara Rashid
FYI - the cycle code mystery isn't as complicated as it seems. TC 150 has ur 8-digit cycle code. Format is YYYYWWDD. Last digit = update frequency (5 = weekly, anything else = daily). Most ppl are on weekly cycles (ends in 5). Weekly = updates Thurs night/Fri AM. Daily = can update any day. Pro tip: transcript updates b4 WMR every time. TPDB (tax processing database) refreshes ~3am EST for weekly cycles.
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Luca Romano
Another approach is to check your WMAR (Where's My Amended Return) status page even if you didn't file an amended return. The system sometimes displays your cycle information there in the processing details. You can also request your Wage and Income transcript alongside your Account transcript - sometimes comparing the dates between them can give you additional insight into your processing cycle.
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Nia Jackson
ā¢Does this WMAR approach still work for 2024 filings? I've heard the IRS made some changes to their systems this year that might affect how information displays across different tools. Has anyone confirmed this recently?
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