I went through this last year and the year before. What helped me was setting up direct deposit verification alerts with my bank. This way I didn't have to obsessively check WMR - my bank would text me the moment the deposit hit. I've seen returns come through as quick as 10 days and as long as 8 weeks. The variance is surprising! I never expected tax returns to be so complicated until I started following this subreddit. The waiting game is the worst part.

Have you verified whether your return included any credits subject to additional review under the PATH Act? Also, did you receive any CP05 notices or see any TC 570/971 combination codes on your transcript? The specific delay factors can often be identified through transcript analysis if you have access to your account.

In my experience, transcripts update in exactly 2 distinct timeframes: 1) Simple returns with no credits: 7-14 days after acceptance, 2) Returns with credits or deductions: 21-35 days. Mine updated in precisely 9 days this year with a basic return. Last year with EITC it took exactly 27 days. The IRS batch processes on specific days, so you'll often see updates on Thursday or Friday mornings.

I waited 32 days for my transcript to update this year, compared to only 8 days last year with nearly identical returns. When I called, the agent said they're dealing with a massive backlog compared to previous years. Apparently returns filed in late January are taking longer than those filed in early February in some cases - something about processing centers balancing workloads differently this year.

NGL I've been stuck in IRS limbo for weeks now and finally got fed up w/ the constant busy signals. Used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to get thru to an actual human at the IRS yesterday. Took like 20 mins instead of the 3+ hrs I wasted last week trying to call myself. Agent confirmed my return was just in normal processing queue but flagged for a quick review bc of a math error they fixed. Tbh kinda worried still but at least I know what's happening now instead of just staring at that stupid bar not moving.

Did the agent mention anything about manual review? I was in a similar situation last year and thought everything was fine, but my return actually got pulled for manual review which added 8 weeks to processing! Have you checked if you have any letters in the mail from the IRS? Sometimes they send verification requests that don't show up in the online portal right away. What about your state refund - has that processed yet? Sometimes state delays can indicate federal issues too.

Isn't it strange how the IRS expects us to file perfectly on time, but then they can take months to process our returns with no transparency? I've been watching my transcript for weeks and it just switched from N/A to showing my return yesterday. Could they make this process any more stressful? Has anyone noticed that returns with dependents seem to take longer than those without?

Be careful about assuming everything is normal. On March 12th last year, my transcript showed N/A for weeks. I ignored it thinking it was normal processing. On April 18th, I finally called and discovered my return had been flagged for identity verification but the notice had never reached me. Lost almost 6 weeks of processing time because I assumed the N/A status was normal. If you don't see movement by 30 days after filing, I strongly recommend calling to confirm everything is actually processing correctly.

I think you should probably wait for the letter, just to be safe. The verification process might be different depending on what they're specifically questioning about your return. Some letters require you to verify online, others by phone, and some might require an in-person appointment. If you call the wrong department, they might not be able to help you anyway. I wouldn't want you to waste time calling around when the letter will have the exact instructions you need.

Be careful with this verification process. On March 14th, I called what I thought was the verification number, but it turned out to be a scam that had been posted online. The real IRS verification line is 800-830-5084, but they will NEVER ask for payment information or gift cards. If anyone asks for that, hang up immediately. The legitimate process should only involve confirming information from your previous tax returns and answering personal questions only you would know.