OMG been thru this w/ my mom's taxes too. The reg IRS # is useless IMO. Try the TAS (Taxpayer Advocate) at 877-777-4778. They helped w/ my mom's return that was stuck for 2+ mos. Turns out there was an ID verify issue but the letter got lost in the mail?! TAS got it fixed in ~3 wks. Also check if there's a local TAS office near you - sometimes in-person is better. Good luck!

Here's a step-by-step approach I'd recommend: 1. First, check her transcript online if possible (irs.gov → View Your Account → Tax Records) 2. Look for specific codes like 570, 971 that indicate processing issues 3. Call the main IRS number (800-829-1040) between 7:00-7:15am Eastern 4. Follow this path: 1 → 2 → 1 → 3 → 2 → enter SSN → 2 → 4 5. If unsuccessful after 2-3 attempts, try the Taxpayer Advocate at 877-777-4778 6. When speaking with a representative, ask specifically about "processing delays" and "verification holds" 7. Request they check if any notices were sent that may have been lost I was so relieved when this method finally got me answers about my father's delayed refund!

After being stuck on PATH for 37 days, I finally found clarity using https://taxr.ai to analyze my transcript. According to IRC §6402(m) and the PATH Act provisions, EITC/ACTC returns undergo mandatory additional verification. The taxr.ai analysis showed me exactly which verification stage my return was in based on my transcript codes and gave me a predicted refund date that was accurate to within 2 days. Such a relief to finally understand what was happening!

From what I've seen across multiple tax seasons, PATH Act returns typically follow this timeline: Filed before Feb 15 → Processing begins after Feb 15 → Most refunds issued between Feb 27-March 30, with the majority coming in the first two weeks of March. If you're still waiting now, you're in that final batch that requires slightly more verification. Hang in there!

Have you considered a 0% APR credit card as an alternative? Many offer 12-15 months interest-free, which would give you time to receive your actual refund without fees. The average processing time for e-filed returns with direct deposit is currently 21 days, though 78% of filers receive their refunds in 14 days or less according to recent IRS data. Would your school accept a credit card payment that you could then pay off when your refund arrives?

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the risks of refund delays if you go the RAL route. What happens if the IRS flags your return for review after you've taken out an advance? Are there additional fees if your actual refund is less than estimated? And what documentation do these loan companies typically require besides your W-2?

I was in the same boat last week and got tired of checking WMR every 2 hours lol. Ended up using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to get through to an IRS agent after trying the regular number for days. Agent confirmed my return was approved and gave me my DDD even before WMR updated. Totally worth it to stop the anxiety of waiting and checking constantly.

Just a heads up - I bank with First Horizon too and they sometimes hold deposits for 24 hours even after the IRS releases funds. So even when you get your deposit date, it might be a day later than what WMR shows.

I'd be concerned. This isn't normal. STPG should show your account. Something might be wrong. Check if you used the correct SSN. Verify with your tax preparer. Ask if they submitted correctly. The system might have rejected your information. Don't just wait. Be proactive.

Back in 2023, I experienced this exact issue with STPG. Couldn't access my account until literally the day before my deposit hit. Called them three times, and each representative gave different information. What worked for me was verifying my refund status through the IRS Where's My Refund tool and transcript instead of relying on STPG's portal. If your WMR shows approved with a DD date, you're likely fine despite the STPG issues. Their system is notoriously unreliable during peak season, but the actual refund processing usually continues unaffected.