The blank transcript indicates your return hasn't entered the primary IRS processing queue yet. This is different from normal processing delays. I'd recommend bypassing the general line (800-829-1040) and instead call the Taxpayer Advocate Service at 877-777-4778. They can initiate a formal inquiry if your return has exceeded normal processing timeframes, which at 8+ weeks, yours definitely has. Request a "Taxpayer Assistance Order" if you're experiencing financial hardship due to the delay. This triggers an expedited review of your case.

I waited 3 months for my refund last year after filing in February. Called every week. Each time they told me "just keep waiting." Finally got a letter saying they needed to verify my identity. But by then, I'd missed the payment deadline on my car loan that I was counting on the refund for. The late fees and credit score hit were brutal. Don't just wait like I did - be proactive! And definitely don't make financial plans assuming the refund will arrive on time. The IRS works on their schedule, not yours.

Have you considered the possibility that your refund might be subject to additional verification even after fee payment? Sometimes the processing indicators don't tell the complete story, do they? I've found that understanding the transcript codes gives you much better insight than the Serve payment status. Have you checked your tax transcript? Tools like taxr.ai can analyze your transcript and give you a much clearer picture of where your refund actually stands in the process. It helped me understand why my refund was delayed last year despite my fees being paid - turned out there was a verification hold that wasn't visible anywhere else.

I'm seeing some confusion in the responses here. Serve is definitely processing refunds faster this year than last. I had my fees deducted last Wednesday and got my refund Friday morning - less than 48 hours! 😎 The key is understanding that the fee payment is basically confirmation that your refund is approved and on the way. The remaining time is just banking transfer delays, not IRS processing. As long as your return didn't have any red flags (like claiming unusual credits or major income changes), you should see it very soon. Hang in there!

Have you double-checked that your address is current with the IRS? When they reissue as a paper check, it goes to the address on your return. If you've moved since filing, you might need to submit a change of address form. Also, did your preparer use the wrong routing number too, or just the account number?

OMG this happened to me last year and it was a NIGHTMARE! 😡 The bank rejected my deposit on the scheduled date, and then I had to wait nearly 6 WEEKS for a paper check! The IRS systems are so outdated that once the direct deposit is scheduled, there's literally NOTHING they can do to stop or correct it - even if you catch the error before the deposit date. I called multiple times and every agent told me the same thing - just wait for the rejection and automatic reprocessing. So frustrating when you need that money!!

Here's what you need to know about transcript updates: • Normal processing: 7-21 days for e-filed returns to appear on transcripts • April filings: Often take longer due to volume (14-28 days is common) • First-time filers: May experience additional verification (adds 1-2 weeks) • Confirmation number: Critical proof your return was received • System updates: Transcripts typically update overnight on weekdays • No updates on weekends: The IRS batch processing system doesn't update transcripts on weekends Bottom line: At 14 days during peak season, you're still within normal parameters. I'd wait until the 21-day mark before taking any action.

This is actually much more common for first-time filers in the US system compared to those who've filed for years. The IRS often puts additional verification steps in place for new taxpayers that they don't publicize. I've seen similar situations with international students who file for the first time - their transcripts often take 3-4 weeks to update compared to 1-2 weeks for established filers. I'm concerned this could impact your refund timeline if you're expecting one, as these verification steps sometimes add another 30 days to processing.

Paper filed March 1st. Got transcript update May 30th. Refund June 7th. No updates on WMR the entire time. Transcript showed first. Check that instead. They're working through them slowly.

Have you tried calling the Taxpayer Advocate Service? They're technically separate from the IRS and can sometimes help when you're facing financial hardship. Might be worth a shot if you're really struggling financially. Just be prepared to document your hardship (potential eviction, utility shutoff, etc.). Sometimes they can expedite things when regular channels are moving too slowly. Worth a try, right? 😏