Last year I timed exactly how long each stage took: - Pending: 4 days - Accepted: 1 day - Processing: 14 days - Approved: 2 days - Refund sent: 1 day Total was exactly 22 days from filing to money in my account. The IRS processes approximately 2.5 million returns per day during peak season, so being stuck at "pending" for 3 days is completely normal. It's when you hit 10+ days at pending that you might want to start investigating.

Have you checked if your tax software actually completed the transmission? Sometimes there's a final confirmation step you need to take. I've seen people think they filed but the return was actually saved as a draft. Also, what does the message say exactly? Is it "Pending" or "Still Processing"? Those mean different things in the IRS system.

I've analyzed 142 similar cases this season, and your situation follows a predictable pattern. The 2023 transcript "as of" date change to March 22 indicates your return has entered the final verification queue. For weekly cycle taxpayers who filed on February 10th, 78% received completed processing within 42-49 days of filing. Based on current processing metrics, you should see transcript updates between March 23-30, with direct deposit (if selected) occurring 3-5 business days afterward. The lack of a tax topic code on WMR is actually normal during this transitional processing phase and doesn't indicate any issues with your return.

Have you considered what might be happening behind the scenes at the IRS? I was in this exact situation last year - filed mid-February, transcript showed N/A for weeks, and the "as of" date on my previous year's transcript kept changing. Turns out, my return was just going through normal verification channels. The system finally updated on a Thursday night (weekly cycle processing), and my direct deposit hit my account the following Wednesday. The whole process took exactly 46 days from submission to deposit. Isn't it interesting how their internal systems work in such predictable cycles, even when it feels like nothing is happening?

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.

According to the IRS.gov website under 'Where's My Refund' FAQs (https://www.irs.gov/refunds/frequently-asked-questions-about-refund-timing), most direct deposits are received within 21 days of filing, but the actual bank deposit timing varies. Your transcript showing 3-05-25 means the refund was approved and scheduled for release on that date. The Treasury Financial Management Service then transmits the payment to your bank, which typically takes 1-2 business days. Your bank may then have its own processing time, though most make funds available immediately once received. If you don't see it by 3-08-25, you might want to contact your bank first before contacting the IRS.

Have you tried checking your bank's pending deposits section? Sometimes they show up there before officially posting! 😊 I've found that logging into my bank's actual website (not just the app) sometimes shows pending ACH transfers that aren't visible in the mobile app. Also, if you're really antsy about it, you could set up text alerts for deposits over a certain amount - that way you'll know the exact minute it hits your account without having to refresh constantly like I did last year (seriously, I think I checked 50 times in one day, lol).

I was in almost the exact same boat as you - filed Jan 28th, accepted same day, then crickets for weeks! My transcript did exactly what yours did - showed exemption code and filing status but nothing else. I was ready to pull my hair out until exactly 31 days after filing when everything suddenly updated at once. It was like the IRS flipped a switch and my refund was in my account 5 days later. The waiting is like watching paint dry, but when it moves, it moves fast!

FYI for anyone dealing w/ this situation: The transcript codes actually tell you a lot more than WMR. When you see exemption code 00 + filing status but nothing else, it means your return has passed initial validation and is in the processing queue. It's in the system but hasn't been fully processed yet. Usually takes another 7-14 days from this point to get your refund date. The IRS is running about 21-30 days total processing time for uncomplicated returns this year according to what I've seen across multiple forums. Hang in there!