I had this happen in 2022 and again last year. Both times my transcript showed nothing for about 10 weeks, then suddenly updated all at once. When I finally got my refund, it included interest because it took so long! Check if you have any credits like EITC or CTC - those trigger automatic longer reviews. I remember being concerned just like you are now.

Ngl, had the same issue but it resolved itself. Filed Jan 24th, WMR said processing forever, transcript showed zilch until mid-April. Then boom - everything updated at once and got my DD 3 days later. No explanation, no letter, nothing. IRS gonna IRS I guess. Hang in there!

I analyzed this issue after experiencing it multiple times. Here's what I found: • The WMR system has a rolling 24-hour window for login attempts (not calendar day) • IP-based tracking means multiple devices on same network count together • System load affects error frequency (highest Mondays and mid-month) • Browser fingerprinting may track attempts even after clearing cookies • Mobile carriers with NAT can cause false lockouts from other users

I've seen this happen every tax season since 2018. The WMR system has never been reliable during peak periods. Back in 2021, I got completely locked out for 48 hours despite only checking once. The real issue is that the IRS hasn't upgraded their authentication systems in years. They're running ancient COBOL code on mainframes from the 1980s, and it shows. Best approach is to check once every 2-3 days, preferably early morning before system load increases.

I spent THREE DAYS trying to get through to the IRS to ask this exact question last month. Kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours. Finally used Claimyr.com to get through and an agent confirmed that the current stimulus payment is protected from offset for child support. Saved me so much time and frustration! Here's their link: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c

Make sure your friend checks the IRS Get My Payment tool for the most up-to-date status on her stimulus. Even though it won't be offset for child support, there could be other processing delays.

I was in a similar situation and wasn't sure where my refund would show up. I think I might have found a helpful tool though - I used https://taxr.ai to analyze my transcript and it showed me exactly where my refund was going. It pointed out the specific code that indicated my paper check selection had been changed to direct deposit. Maybe worth trying if you're able to access your transcript? I was honestly relieved to have some clarity finally.

This DD switch happened to me last year and it was actually better than waiting for a check! My sister's paper check took almost 4 weeks longer than my direct deposit, even though we filed on the same day. The way taxr.ai breaks down those transcript codes is way more detailed than what the IRS site tells you - saved me hours of trying to decode all those numbers and dates myself. Definitely worth checking out compared to the headache of calling or waiting without knowing.

There's an important distinction many people miss about offsets. Did you know the IRS isn't actually the agency that decides to take your money? They're just the messenger. The Treasury Offset Program is the actual mechanism, and they work with multiple federal and state agencies. Have you considered that offsets can come from debts you've forgotten about? What about debts that might have passed the statute of limitations for normal collection but not for tax offsets?

Haha, offsets are like that friend who remembers you owe them $20 from six years ago! 😂 But seriously, the community wisdom here is pretty consistent: offsets are definitely up this year compared to the past few. The pandemic protections have expired, and collection activities have resumed full force. The best approach is always to be proactive - check for potential offsets before you file, adjust your withholding if needed, and never count on your full refund until it's actually in your account. Most people don't realize you can call 800-304-3107, enter your SSN, and find out if you have potential offsets before you even file.