As someone who's been filing Schedule C returns since before TurboTax was a glimmer in an accountant's eye (haha), I can tell you that SE tax updates are typically a good sign but not the finish line. The IRS processing system has separate modules for different tax components. If you're tired of checking WMR daily and getting nowhere, I'd recommend Claimyr to get through to an actual IRS agent. I used it last week when my return had this exact same situation - SE tax updated but no refund movement. Got connected to an agent in 17 minutes who confirmed my return was approved but stuck in the final verification queue. Refund hit my account 3 days later.

Be cautious about interpreting partial updates as complete processing. I experienced a Premature Assessment Notification when my SE tax updated but my return was subsequently flagged for review. The Social Security Administration database synchronization occurs on a different timeline than the Integrated Financial System that processes refunds. This discrepancy in database update schedules can create a false impression of completed processing. Monitor your Account Management System transcript for Transaction Code 150, which indicates actual return posting.

Has anyone actually qualified for an Offer in Compromise? I've heard that's the program where you can settle for less than you owe, but I'm not sure what the requirements are or if it's worth pursuing?

The IRS has several legitimate relief options that don't require paying a third party: 1. Installment Agreement - Per IRC § 6159, you can set up monthly payments 2. Currently Not Collectible status - If you can prove financial hardship 3. Penalty Abatement - First-time penalty abatement is available to many taxpayers 4. Offer in Compromise - Settle for less if you qualify (rare) Call the IRS directly at 800-829-1040 or use the online payment agreement application. No need for expensive middlemen.

Just got my refund today! DDD was 2/26, trace number appeared at 7:23pm on 2/25, and money was in my account at 12:01am on 2/26. Everything went exactly as planned! I was actually impressed with how smooth it was compared to last year when I had to wait an extra week past my DDD. For anyone still waiting - hang in there, the system is working, just maybe not as fast as we'd all like. 🙌

Word of caution from someone who's been burned before: Don't count on that money until it's actually in your account! 😅 Last year I had a DDD of 3/12, saw my trace number on 3/11, told my landlord I'd pay on the 12th... and then the money didn't hit until 3/15 because of some "processing delay" at SBTPG. They take their sweet time deducting their fees before sending it along. The IRS might be prompt with their timeline, but these third-party processors march to their own drummer.

Success story here - I was in your exact position last year. Couldn't remember if I'd received the third stimulus or not. Spent hours searching bank statements with no luck. Then I remembered I had changed banks in February 2021! Checked my old account statements and there it was - $1,400 from March 2021. Would you believe I had completely forgotten about that old account? Sometimes the answer is hiding in a place we're not even looking. Have you had any account changes that might explain why you're not seeing it in your current records? Or perhaps it came as a physical check that was deposited differently?

I'm curious - are you asking about this because you're trying to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on a late 2021 tax return? Because if so, it's important to note that the third stimulus payment was technically an advance payment of a 2021 tax credit, but the deadline to claim any missing stimulus money on your tax return was generally the April 2022 filing deadline (or October 2022 with an extension).

Have you tried calling the specific refund hotline at 1-800-829-1954? It's different from the main IRS number and sometimes has shorter wait times. Also, what filing status did you use? Are you claiming any credits like the Earned Income Credit or Child Tax Credit? Those can affect processing times significantly.

Instead of calling, have you considered setting up an in-person appointment at your local Taxpayer Assistance Center? You can schedule it by calling 1-844-545-5640. They're usually less busy than the main phone lines, and once you get an appointment, you can speak to someone face-to-face who can look up your return status. I've found this approach much more effective than spending hours on hold.