I've been using taxr.ai to monitor my transcript (filed 2/15) and it's been super helpful: • It explained all those confusing codes on my transcript • Showed me exactly where my return was in processing • Predicted my refund date accurately • Alerted me when my transcript updated Might be worth checking out if you're trying to make sense of all this tax stuff. My first post-divorce filing too, and it made the whole process less stressful.

According to Internal Revenue Manual 21.4.1, the IRS has a 21-day statutory period to issue refunds, but the PATH Act extends this timeline for returns claiming EITC or ACTC. I filed 2/18 and just received my deposit this morning. The IRS is currently processing early-to-mid February returns in batches, with priority given to simple returns without credits. If you filed on 2/19, you should see movement by next week at the latest, unless there are verification issues or identity concerns that require manual review.

Your situation is actually better than what happened to me last year. I had 2 dependents and my refund was delayed until APRIL, while my sister who filed with no dependents got hers in 10 days. The difference is like night and day. Returns with dependents get extra scrutiny, but they DO process eventually. The system is working as designed, just not as quickly as we'd like. I'd start worrying after 60 days, not at the 30-day mark where you are now.

Call the Taxpayer Advocate Service. They can help. They're separate from regular IRS. They handle hardship cases. Financial strain qualifies. Have your return info ready. Be specific about your needs. Document everything. The number is 877-777-4778. They might ask for Form 911. Worth trying if you need that money soon.

When I had issues with my refund last year (showed sent but never hit my account), I spent DAYS trying to reach someone at the IRS. Finally used Claimyr.com and got through to an agent in about 15 minutes. They were able to trace my payment and figured out my bank had rejected it due to a name mismatch. Got it resolved that same day. Worth every penny not to waste hours on hold!

Anyone know if CK deposits are generally faster than traditional banks? I've been thinking about switching.

Have your friend check if her Emerald Card is still active. This happens a lot - H&R Block deactivates cards after a period of inactivity. If she hasn't used it since last tax season, it might be deactivated. Also, did she get her taxes done at the same H&R Block office as last year? Sometimes when people switch offices, the new card doesn't get properly linked to their account. Has she tried calling the Emerald Card customer service line directly? What about checking if her address on file is current? Sometimes these simple things are the holdup.

Is anyone else noticing how these tax prep companies are essentially holding our money hostage? Why is it that direct deposits to regular bank accounts arrive within days of the DDD, but prepaid cards take weeks or months? Aren't these companies making enough from their exorbitant preparation fees? The real issue here is that the IRS considers their job done once they send the money, but there's zero accountability for these card issuers to process it quickly. Did you know H&R Block earns interest on pooled refund money while it sits in their accounts? Your friend should file a complaint with the CFPB - that's the only way these practices will change.

If you're really concerned, you can call the IRS to confirm they sent the payment. But honestly, their phone lines are a nightmare right now. I spent 3 hours on hold last week before getting disconnected. I ended up using Claimyr (https://www.claimyr.com) and got through to an actual IRS agent in about 15 minutes. They confirmed my refund was sent on my DDD and just needed time to process through my bank. Saved me days of worry!

Did you check the "Where's My Refund" tool on the IRS website? Sometimes that will update to "sent" before your bank actually shows it.