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Just to clarify a few things about cycle codes and PATH: ⢠Cycle code 05 = your account updates on Thursday nights ⢠PATH message = normal for EITC/CTC claims until mid-February ⢠Investment income + EITC = often triggers additional verification ⢠Normal processing time = 21 days without PATH, up to 45 days with PATH Are you seeing any 570/971 codes on your transcript? Those would indicate specific issues that need addressing.
This is definitely taking longer than returns with just W-2 income. My transcript was stuck like yours for about 4 weeks while my wife's return (filed same day, no investments) was processed in 2 weeks. Compared to my previous years, the investment income alongside EITC is definitely slowing things down. The IRS systems are treating these returns differently than standard ones, but that doesn't mean anything is wrong. Just frustrating when you see others with simpler tax situations getting their money faster!
Be careful about calling the IRS too frequently. Under Internal Revenue Manual 21.5.3.4.6.1, taxpayer accounts can be flagged for "excessive inquiries" which can inadvertently trigger additional review. Per the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, you're entitled to updates, but the IRS has discretion on what constitutes harassment. I'd recommend waiting until you're outside the normal processing window (which for contractor returns is now 10-12 weeks) before initiating contact.
UGH this is so frustrating!! I've been in your shoes and it SUCKS! The contractor tax return black hole is real! Here's what helped me and others in this community: 1) Check your transcript instead of WMR 2) Look for cycle codes ending in 05 which means weekly updates 3) Don't panic about 570/971 codes - they're normal for review 4) If it's been more than 8 weeks, you have every right to call and ask. Hang in there! The money will come eventually, even if the IRS makes you age 10 years waiting for it! š¤
The tax refund process is like waiting for a bus in the rain - it always seems to take forever until suddenly it arrives. For anyone still waiting, remember that the IRS processing system is like a pipeline with different stations. Your return is moving through that pipeline even when the tracker doesn't update. Think of WMR as the bus tracker app that only updates at certain stops, not continuously.
Nah, this is def legit! I had the exact same thing happen last yr. The IRS found I missed a credit and sent me extra $$ without me even asking. Their computers are actually pretty good at catching stuff we miss. Tbh I was shocked when I got the extra deposit - thought it was a mistake at first but it was 100% correct. Just make sure to check ur transcript for the explanation code so u know what it's for!
I strongly advise against assuming this is free money. I had a similar phantom deposit appear in my account last tax season. It showed a $1,240 deposit pending for three weeks, then suddenly disappeared. When I finally reached an IRS representative, they explained it was a system error during their annual maintenance cycle. The representative confirmed there was a known issue with the Account Management System displaying erroneous pending transactions. Document everything you see now with screenshots in case you need to reference it later.
Paolo Esposito
IME the diff between state/fed processing is totally normal. Last yr my IN refund came Feb 20 but fed didn't hit until Mar 8. WMR tool was stuck on "received" the whole time but $ still showed up. Fed system is dealing w/ millions more returns + extra verification steps. Def keep an eye on it but I wouldn't worry yet - you're still w/in the normal 21 day window they promise. Congrats on the marriage btw!
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Amina Toure
As a tax preparer, I recommend utilizing the Refund Status Inquiry (RSI) system rather than just WMR. For newly married taxpayers, the IRS often conducts additional verification procedures under the Taxpayer Protection Program (TPP) which can add 7-10 days to processing. The disparity between your state and federal acceptance dates (2/11 vs 2/14) is within normal parameters and doesn't indicate an issue. If you reach the 21-day mark post-acceptance (which would be March 6th in your case), then you should consider contacting the IRS directly. Until then, transcript monitoring is your most effective tracking method.
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