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.

I went through this exact same verification process last year. Called multiple times, no letter ever came, finally got someone who scheduled an appointment. My refund showed up exactly 12 days after verification. The frustrating part is that I was counting on that money for some car repairs and the delay put me in a tough spot financially. I wish the IRS would at least be consistent about whether appointments can be scheduled without the letter - would save everyone a lot of time and stress!

Back in 2022, I had a similar verification issue. I tracked my transcript daily after verification and noticed a pattern: TC 971 (notice issued) appeared first, followed by TC 570 (refund hold) being released about 7-10 days after verification. Then a TC 846 (refund issued) showed up 3-4 days later. If you have access to your transcript, watching for these codes can give you a more accurate timeline than what the Where's My Refund tool shows. In my experience, the deposit arrived 2 days after the TC 846 date.

Have you verified the account and routing numbers on your actual tax return? I had a DDD of February 12th, 2024 and realized on February 15th that I had transposed two digits in my account number. The bank rejected the deposit on February 16th, and the IRS automatically converted it to a paper check that arrived on March 4th. You might want to prepare for a much longer wait if there was any error in your banking details.

I just went through this and got it resolved! My refund was scheduled for March 14th but didn't show up. I called my bank first to see if they were holding it - they weren't. Then I pulled my transcript again and confirmed the last 4 digits of the account matched mine. Finally called IRS on March 21st, and they found that my refund had been returned due to a name mismatch (my tax return name didn't exactly match my bank account name). They reissued it that day and I got it March 25th. Stay persistent!