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Are you using Credit Karma Tax (now Cash App Taxes) or a different service? The advance policies work differently depending on which company you're filing through. Step 1: Check your service's specific terms. Step 2: Look for "Refund Advance" in your account. Step 3: Verify if your state qualifies - not all do.
Just want to share that I was in the same boat with a military transfer last year. According to Michigan Treasury Regulation 206.30(1), active duty military can qualify for certain tax benefits on their MI returns. I received my federal advance through TurboTax, but my Michigan refund came directly from the state about 12 days after filing. The state portion processed surprisingly fast once I figured out the military-specific sections!
According to Internal Revenue Code ยง6402(m) and the PATH Act provisions under ยง201 of Public Law 114-113, the IRS is required to hold refunds for returns claiming certain credits until at least February 15th. However, your situation is different since you filed after this date. The appearance of the PATH message indicates your return has entered the verification stage where they confirm eligibility for the Child Tax Credit. I empathize with your frustration - the system isn't very transparent about where exactly your return stands in the process. Many international filers experience additional verification steps, but these are typically completed within the standard 21-day window.
Let me walk you through what's happening with the PATH message: 1. When you first file: System shows "Return Received" 2. After basic processing: System shows PATH message for any return with certain credits 3. During verification: Still shows PATH message (no updates) 4. When approved: Changes to "Refund Approved" 5. When sent: Changes to "Refund Sent" The PATH message doesn't mean you're just waiting for some arbitrary date to pass - it means your return is actively being processed but is in a special queue for returns with credits. Have you tried checking your tax transcript instead of WMR? Sometimes that shows processing codes that give more insight into where your return actually is in the system.
Colorado resident here who's been through this rodeo many times. Here's what I've learned: - Colorado DOR generally starts accepting returns same day as IRS (Jan 22 this year) - They don't always announce this clearly on their website - Direct deposit refunds typically come 3-4 weeks after acceptance for simple returns - If you claimed certain credits (like Enterprise Zone) expect delays - Paper returns take 8-12 weeks minimum - The "Where's My Refund" tool on the CO DOR site updates very infrequently I filed on January 24th this year and my status just changed to "approved" yesterday.
I called Colorado DOR on January 23rd, 2024 specifically about this. The agent confirmed they began accepting returns on January 22nd, 2024. She also mentioned they're experiencing higher volume this year and estimated 4-5 weeks for electronic returns with direct deposit. Last year I filed on February 5th and received my refund on March 1st, so exactly 24 days. The year before was February 8th filing and March 10th refund. They're fairly consistent if your return doesn't have any issues or special circumstances. The most frustrating part is their refund status tool barely works!
This is normal behavior. Different IRS systems. Different update schedules. Acceptance happens first. WMR updates later. Try checking tax transcripts instead. More reliable. Usually updates faster. Don't worry unless it's been 7+ days. Peak filing season causes delays.
This happened to me earlier this tax season and I completely freaked out! I filed on February 2nd and my software (FreeTaxUSA) immediately showed 'accepted' but WMR showed nothing for almost a week. I was convinced my return had disappeared into some IRS black hole. Called the IRS every day but couldn't get through. Finally on day 6, WMR suddenly updated with the first bar. Got my refund about 2 weeks after that. The anxiety was awful though - I kept imagining I'd have to refile or that there was some huge problem.
Thank you for sharing this! It's really reassuring to hear others had the same experience. Would you say it's pretty much guaranteed that WMR will eventually update if the tax software shows accepted? I'm on day 4 of waiting and getting nervous...
What was your processing time from when WMR finally showed the first bar until deposit? Did you have any additional verification steps or identity confirmation requirements during that period?
Freya Ross
The community wisdom on this one is pretty clear - you're in the normal processing queue and everything sounds on track! We see these "wrong info" messages every tax season, especially in the first 72 hours after filing. Think of it as the IRS's computer system having its morning coffee before getting to work ๐. The fact you got approved for the advance is actually a good sign since they've verified your basic eligibility. Most folks here will tell you the same thing: give it 2-3 days before worrying. Your refund timeline for EIC/CTC is typically 21 days from acceptance (not submission), so mark your calendar from when you get that acceptance confirmation.
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Savanna Franklin
โขReally appreciate the timeline breakdown. Makes the waiting game less stressful when you know what to expect.
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Juan Moreno
โขWould this be different if you file by mail instead of electronically? I'm still waiting on my paper return from last year!
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Amy Fleming
I filed on January 29th this year with almost the identical situation - EIC, child credit, and got a tax advance. Had the same "info wrong" message on January 30th. By February 1st, everything was showing correctly in the system. My advance hit on February 2nd as scheduled, and my full refund was deposited on February 19th. The timing worked out perfectly because I needed the advance for a security deposit on February 5th, and then used the full refund to pay off some bills. Just wanted to share a successful timeline to give you some peace of mind!
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