Congrats on the good news! FYI for everyone - those IRS emails are legit but they sometimes go to spam folders. Def check there if u haven't gotten one but WMR shows approved. The trace # in Netspend is just their way of showing an incoming ACH transfer - other banks might call it pending deposit or ACH memo. BTW the IRS started sending those emails more regularly in 2023 tax season, so it's not brand new but they've gotten better at consistent timing. The email usually comes 2-3 days b4 the deposit hits ur account.

Think of the IRS refund process like an airplane flight: your return is "boarded" (accepted), then "taxiing" (processing), then "in the air" (approved), and finally "landed" (deposited). That email is basically your "we're beginning our descent" announcement. One word of caution though - I've seen cases where people get the email but then have a last-minute hold placed on their refund. It's like when the plane circles the airport due to traffic. Rare, but it happens, especially with certain international tax situations where the IRS does an extra verification step. Just keep an eye on your transcript if you can access it, as that will show any last-minute changes.

After seeing this post on February 28th, I immediately checked my transcript despite being a weekly 05 cycle code. To my surprise, it had updated with a DDD of March 8th! I filed on February 15th and had been religiously checking every Friday morning as that's when 05 cycles typically update. The IRS is definitely processing returns differently this tax season. For anyone waiting, here's what worked for me: 1. Check transcripts daily regardless of cycle code 2. Look for code 846 with a specific date (that's your actual deposit date) 3. If you see code 570/971 combination, don't panic - mine had those for 3 days before updating to DDD 4. The WMR tool updated a full 24 hours AFTER my transcript showed the DDD Hope this helps someone else who's anxiously waiting!

This situation is actually pretty different from previous years. In 2022 and 2023, cycle codes were much more reliable indicators of update patterns. What we're seeing now is more like the 2019 processing season when the IRS was transitioning between systems. The key difference I'm noticing is that returns with certain combinations of credits seem to be getting prioritized differently. For example, returns with only W2 income and standard deduction appear to be processing faster than those with self-employment income, regardless of cycle code. I'd suggest checking both WMR and transcripts daily, but don't count on either being 100% accurate until you actually see the money in your account.

I manage tax preparation for multiple clients with EITC/CTC claims. Here's what's happening this season: • PATH Act holds lifted February 15th • Processing begins in batches based on filing date • Returns with W-2 income only: 21-28 days average • Returns with self-employment: 30-45 days average • Returns with additional schedules: 45+ days • Current DDD pattern: February filers receiving dates now • Check transcript for cycle code - determines weekly/daily updates • Code 570/971 sequence typically resolves within 2 weeks Your gig worker status might extend processing slightly.

I'm still waiting too and I'm so nervous!!! Filed February 10th with both credits and my transcript FINALLY updated yesterday with an 846 code!!! I almost cried when I saw it! Try calling the tax advocate service instead of regular IRS number if you're past 21 days. They were much nicer and actually explained what was happening with my return. Sending good vibes your way!

I'm sort of wondering if you've checked whether your state tax payment method might be different from your federal one? Sometimes they default to different methods, especially if you've moved or changed banks recently. It might be worth checking if perhaps they're sending a paper check instead of direct deposit?

I got my federal refund on March 5th. State refund arrived March 29th. That's 24 days difference. Georgia here. Last year was similar timing. Budget accordingly. State systems just move slower.

If you need to talk to the IRS directly about refund options or timing, don't waste days trying to get through their phone system. Use Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to connect with an actual IRS agent quickly. I needed to know exactly when my refund would arrive for a car purchase, and after trying for three days to reach someone, I used Claimyr and got through in about 30 minutes. The agent was able to tell me exactly when to expect my refund and confirmed I could use a portion for my vehicle purchase without affecting my payment plan for previous tax debt.

Just to put this in perspective - isn't waiting for your tax refund still better than taking out a high-interest loan? Like, compared to what car dealerships offer for financing, even waiting 3-4 weeks for your refund could save you thousands in interest. When I was looking at cars last year, the dealership wanted to charge me 18% interest because I had limited credit history in the US. I waited for my tax refund instead and saved over $3,000 in interest over the life of the loan.