Think of a government shutdown like a snowstorm hitting government services - some roads stay open (essential services) while others close temporarily. Compared to the 2019 shutdown, SNAP benefits now have better contingency plans. Back then, many recipients got February benefits in January with no clear guidance. For taxes, it's similar to how banks operate during holidays - certain automated processes continue while customer service is limited. If you're expecting a refund, electronic filing and direct deposit is like taking the express lane during a traffic jam - still your best option even during a shutdown.

Can someone clarify something about SNAP during shutdowns? If benefits get issued early like last time, do we still get the next month's benefits on schedule or is there a gap? And doesn't the IRS technically operate on user fees rather than appropriated funds anyway? Why would they even shut down?

Tried this exact thing w/ my 16yo last year. Big mistake. IRS sent a letter about 2 months later asking about the missing W-2. Apparently they get copies of ALL W-2s issued with her SSN and their system automatically flags the discrepancy. Had to file an amended return, pay the difference plus interest. Tbh the $45 we tried to save ended up costing us more in the long run. Not worth the hassle.

Here's a specific example. My daughter. Age 17. Two jobs last year. Made $4,800 total. Under filing threshold. We included both W-2s. IRS has automated matching system. They know about both jobs. They will send notice if one is missing. Could trigger audit. Not worth the risk. Better to file correctly. Teach good habits now. She can use the refund for college savings. Tax compliance is important life skill.

According to IRS Publication 5344, e-filed returns go through a multi-stage verification process before appearing in the transcript database. The IRS states that "taxpayers should allow up to 7 days after acceptance for return information to populate in internal systems." This is completely normal, especially during peak filing season. The delay between acceptance and transcript visibility is built into their workflow.

Most of us have been through this waiting game. The community consensus is that you shouldn't worry about transcript availability for at least a week after acceptance. If you're really concerned about your refund timing, you might want to sign up for direct deposit if you haven't already - it's typically 5-7 days faster than paper checks. Also, checking the transcripts daily won't make them process any faster, though we all do it anyway!

If you compare this to other tax situations, HOH with both EITC and CTC is definitely in the "slower processing" category. I've prepared returns for clients in similar situations, and I'm seeing about 30-45 days for processing compared to 14-21 days for simpler returns. This is actually faster than during the COVID years when these same returns were taking 60+ days. The best approach is to create an account on IRS.gov and check your transcript - it will show movement long before TurboTax updates their status.

It's like TurboTax and the IRS are two different planets with occasional radio contact. Your return could be happily processing in IRS land while TurboTax is still showing it as pending in TurboTax world. I was shocked when I learned how disconnected these systems actually are - it's like sending a letter and assuming it's lost because the post office doesn't text you updates. Always check directly with the IRS through their Where's My Refund tool or by getting your transcript. The tax credits you mentioned basically put your return in the "extra scrutiny" pile, which is like getting in the slow lane at airport security.

I processed a return on February 8th with only the $500 ODC (no EITC or ACTC) for a client. The 846 Refund Issued code appeared on their transcript exactly 16 days later, and the deposit hit their account on February 27th. The PATH Act verification period had zero impact on their processing time. The IRS's Modernized e-File (MeF) system handles ODC-only returns through the standard workflow.

According to Internal Revenue Code §6402(m) and the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015, the mandatory holding period applies specifically to returns claiming EITC under §32 or ACTC under §24(d). The Other Dependent Credit falls under §24(h)(4) and is not subject to these heightened verification procedures. Your return should follow standard processing guidelines as outlined in IRM 21.4.1.3 (Processing Time Frames).