Is anyone else noticing that MFS returns are taking forever this year? I filed February 28th and still nothing. Why would they process joint returns faster? Don't they realize people filing separately often need their refunds more urgently? Has anyone actually received their MFS refund yet?

The Married Filing Separately processing queue operates on a different timeline than MFJ returns. The IRS Automated Underreporter System allocates additional verification resources to MFS returns with dependents due to the higher incidence of EITC qualification discrepancies. I was surprised to learn that MFS returns with dependents go through up to 3 additional verification steps compared to standard returns!

I'm in a somewhat similar situation with the review notices. May I ask if your WMR tool shows one bar, or does it have a specific message? Also, did your transcript update at all after the PATH hold was lifted? I'm trying to understand if there's a pattern to how quickly refunds come after these holds are removed.

I just went through this exact scenario! Filed Jan 22, PATH Act hold, then review letters but no verification needed. My 570/971 codes were about a week apart like yours. Once my transcript updated with an 846 code (refund issued), I got my direct deposit exactly 5 days later. The key for me was watching for that 846 code to appear - that's when the real countdown begins. Hang in there - you're in the final stretch!

Honestly, the whole "verification" thing is just the IRS's way of delaying refunds. 🙄 I've been filing taxes for 15 years and suddenly last year I needed to "verify" my identity? Please. It's a stall tactic. They held my refund for 3 months with this nonsense. The transcript codes are basically hieroglyphics designed to confuse regular people. If your return is taking longer than 21 days, just assume you're getting the runaround and prepare to wait.

I believe the verification process serves a legitimate purpose. Identity theft related to tax filings increased by 40% in recent years. The IRS is attempting to protect taxpayers, though their communication could be clearer. Most verification requests are resolved within 2-3 weeks once completed properly.

Have you considered that the IRS processing happens in stages that aren't always visible to us? Instead of checking WMR constantly, I'd suggest a more strategic approach. What if you set calendar reminders based on your cycle code? For cycle 05, check your transcript every Friday morning, and WMR on Saturdays. This way, you're checking when updates are most likely to happen. And here's another thought - have you tried the IRS2Go app instead of the website? Sometimes it updates slightly faster than the web version of WMR. Wouldn't it be nice to have one less thing to worry about during tax season? Also, Cash App's "5 days early" feature - isn't that just them fronting you the money once the IRS confirms your refund amount? It doesn't actually speed up IRS processing at all.

I used Cash App for the first time last year after years of overpaying with TurboTax, and I was also nervous about tracking everything! Here's what happened for me: I filed on February 10th, saw nothing for about 8 days, then suddenly my transcript updated (I'm cycle 05 too). Three days after that, WMR updated to "Refund Approved" and I got my money in my bank account on February 25th. The funny thing about the Cash App "5 days early" promise - for me it was only 2 days early. They basically front you the money once the IRS confirms they're sending it to Cash App's bank partner. So instead of waiting for the bank processing time, you get it slightly earlier. One tip that helped me - I created an online account at IRS.gov to view my transcript. It updated way before WMR did and gave me much more detailed information about what was happening with my return.

According to Internal Revenue Manual section 21.4.1, the standard processing timeframe for e-filed returns remains 21 days, though expedited processing can occur during non-peak periods. The Transaction Code 846 with associated Direct Deposit Date (DDD) is the definitive indicator of refund issuance, regardless of Where's My Refund tool status. Financial institutions may indeed release funds prior to the official DDD based on their funds availability policies, which could explain the perceived "early" deposits some taxpayers are experiencing.

I might be able to provide some possibly relevant information from my own experience. My return was accepted on 2/12, and I received my deposit yesterday, which was approximately 4-5 days earlier than I had initially anticipated based on previous years. It seems that, at least in some cases, the IRS might be processing certain batches of returns somewhat more efficiently this year. Your results may vary, of course, depending on your specific tax situation and banking institution.