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According to Internal Revenue Manual 21.4.1, returns claiming refundable credits like the Earned Income Credit and Child Tax Credit are subject to additional verification procedures under the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act. While the IRS cannot issue refunds before February 15th for these returns, there is no statutory maximum processing time. The current processing delay you're experiencing is within normal parameters for the 2024 filing season, particularly for returns filed in early February with these specific credits. The absence of transcript data simply indicates your return is still in the pre-refund processing phase.
I was in the exact same situation - filed Feb 1st with EIC/CTC, got my state refund quickly, but federal showed nothing for weeks. I finally got my transcript to update on day 47, and my refund was deposited 8 days later. The key indicator was when my transcript suddenly appeared - that's when I knew things were moving. Just hang tight - you're likely in that final waiting period before everything updates at once!
When I had a similar situation, I needed definitive answers directly from the IRS. Per Internal Revenue Manual 21.4.6, they should issue you a notice before offset, but waiting on hold for hours is ridiculous. I used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to get through to an agent in about 15 minutes instead of the 2+ hours I was experiencing before. The agent confirmed exactly when my refund would be offset and helped me set up an installment agreement for the remaining balance. If you need certainty about timing or want to discuss payment options, getting through to a live person is essential.
One technical detail worth noting: the Treasury Offset Program (TOP) matches your TIN against the Treasury's delinquent debtor database approximately 7-10 days after your return is accepted but before refund issuance. The transcript cycle codes will show sequence TC 898 (refund identified), followed by TC 898 with an offset indicator if they're applying it to your balance due. You should also watch for TC 971 AC 252 (indicates offset notification sent) and TC 826 (transfer between tax periods). These will appear on your 2023 Account Transcript once processing completes.
Did they tell you what triggered the review? Was it a specific deduction? Did they mention any documentation you need to provide? Will you get another call?
According to Internal Revenue Manual section 4.1.3, random selection for review is part of the IRS's Taxpayer Compliance Measurement Program. It's not necessarily indicative of any issues with your return. Most of these reviews complete within the stated timeframe as long as no discrepancies are found. If you don't receive your refund within 3 weeks, you may request a Taxpayer Advocate intervention under IRC section 7811 if the delay creates financial hardship.
Has anyone tried calling the actual IRS agents instead of just the automated line? I was having this same problem and couldn't figure out what was going on. Tried for days to get through on the regular number but kept getting disconnected. Finally used Claimyr (https://www.claimyr.com) and actually got connected to a real person in about 15 minutes? They explained that my account had a temporary security flag because I logged in from a new device, which was causing the WMR error but not affecting the phone system. Might be worth checking if something similar is happening with yours?
I had this EXACT issue on April 2nd! The website kept giving me that error about incorrect information, but the phone system worked fine. I was really worried because I needed my refund for some unexpected expenses. On April 5th, I suddenly got access again on the website AND my refund status had updated to approved! Got my direct deposit on April 8th. It seems like sometimes the system locks you out right before updating your status. Hope this means good news is coming your way too!
Mia Rodriguez
Filed 2/10, CTC only, got DD on 3/19. WMR showed 1 bar until 3/17, then jumped to approved. Transcript updated 3/15 w/ 846 code. SBTPG received $ same day. Hoping you get yours soon! FYI my cycle code was 20231105.
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Amelia Martinez
ā¢Did you have any 570/971 codes before getting the 846? I'm seeing those on my transcript and not sure if that means there's a problem.
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Ethan Clark
ā¢I had almost the exact same timeline! Filed 2/11, transcript updated 3/15, deposit hit my bank 3/20. The waiting is so stressful when you're counting on that money, but it seems like they're moving through our batch now.
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Mila Walker
IRS is processing approximately 1,183,000 returns per day during peak season. Returns with CTC only (no EITC) are averaging 24.3 days from acceptance to deposit in 2024, which is 3.2 days faster than 2023. If you filed on February 8th, statistical likelihood puts your deposit date between March 3rd and March 7th, assuming no review flags were triggered.
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