I filed with TurboTax Free on February 3rd and got my refund on February 18th. Here's what I did step-by-step: 1. Filed electronically using TurboTax Free 2. Verified my return was accepted (not just submitted) 3. Checked WMR every 2-3 days 4. Saw the progress bar move to approved on day 12 5. Received direct deposit on day 15 I was surprised by how many verification steps the IRS seemed to add this year! My return was super simple too - just W-2 income, standard deduction, no credits.

I filed on January 29, 2024 using TurboTax Free and received my refund on February 12, 2024 - exactly 14 days later. My friend filed on February 15, 2024 with the paid version and is still waiting. I don't think the free vs. paid version makes any difference in processing time. The IRS doesn't even know which version you used since the data format is identical.

Are you using multi-factor authentication with your IRS account? The Secure Access framework they implemented last fiscal year has been causing authentication failures for many taxpayers, especially if your phone number or email has changed since initial registration. Have you tried the Get Transcript by Mail option as an interim solution?

I solved this exact problem last month! Here's what worked for me: • Created a brand new IRS account (abandoned my old one) • Used a different email address than before • Made sure my name EXACTLY matched my tax return (including middle initial) • Used a desktop computer (not mobile) • Tried during early morning hours (system less busy) The transcript system is super picky about matching everything perfectly. One tiny mismatch and it locks you out with no helpful explanation.

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!

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 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.