Anyone with EITC/CTC Still Showing 'Return Not Processed' on Transcript?
I'm checking in re: PATH Act credits (EITC, ACTC, etc.) processing status. My transcript is still showing N/A for 2023 return transcript with the "return not processed" message. I e-filed on 2/1 and WMR shows one bar with "return received." I'm trying to understand if this is normal for PATH Act returns at this point in the season, or if I need to take additional action. I've verified all my investment income was properly reported, but I'm wondering if there's something I'm missing about the processing timeline. Anyone else in the same situation?
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Lia Quinn
Yep, same boat here. Filed 1/29, got accepted same day, but still stuck w/ the "return not processed" msg on transcript. WMR still on 1st bar. This PATH Act delay is ridiculous tbh. Been waiting 7+ wks now. Called IRS twice but got nowhere - just the "allow 21 days" script. Doesn't help that I claimed EITC + ACTC. Anyone know when these actually start moving?
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Haley Stokes
•The PATH Act delay isn't actually 21 days for everyone. What's happening is a tiered review process: Step 1: Initial acceptance (what you've already passed) Step 2: Income verification against W-2/1099 data Step 3: Credit eligibility review (where most PATH Act returns get held) Step 4: Final processing and approval Most PATH Act returns with both credits start moving between weeks 6-8, but some can take longer if selected for additional verification.
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Asher Levin
•I was wondering about this... my transcript just updated yesterday after being stuck for almost 7 weeks. I think I'm finally seeing movement. This explanation helps me understand why it took so long - I wasn't sure if something was wrong or if this was normal processing.
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Serene Snow
•Is this delay specific to electronic filing? Or does it apply to paper returns as well? I'm asking because I mailed mine in and I'm wondering if I should expect an even longer wait period due to the PATH Act restrictions?
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Issac Nightingale
According to IRS Publication 5344 (Refundable Credit Processing Guidelines), the PATH Act mandates that no refund containing EITC or ACTC can be issued before mid-February. However, what many taxpayers don't realize is that this is just the minimum hold period. Under IRC §6428B, the IRS is permitted extended verification periods for returns claiming these credits. Are you seeing cycle codes on your account transcript? That would indicate processing is occurring even if the return transcript shows as not processed. Have you checked your account transcript for TC 150 codes?
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Romeo Barrett
•I'm in the same situation and don't see any cycle codes on my account transcript. Does that mean they haven't even started processing yet? I really need this refund to cover some medical bills that are coming due next month.
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Marina Hendrix
•I experienced this exact scenario last tax season. The account transcript typically updates before the return transcript. Look specifically for TC 766 (credit posted) and TC 768 (EIC credit) codes. Once these appear, even without a TC 150, processing has begun. In my case, I saw no movement for 52 days, then suddenly all codes appeared within 48 hours, followed by a direct deposit 6 days later.
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Justin Trejo
•I finally got movement exactly 49 days after filing with EITC. My transcript went from N/A to processed in one update, and I received my refund 8 days later. The waiting is definitely stressful when you're counting on that money.
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Alana Willis
I've analyzed numerous PATH Act returns this season, and there's a definite processing bottleneck occurring in the Verification & Validation (V&V) queue. The IRS transcript system won't display return data until it passes preliminary verification, which is why you're seeing the "return not processed" status. If you need immediate clarity on your specific situation, I'd recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to connect with an IRS agent. They've been particularly effective for PATH Act cases, as agents can see where exactly your return is in the processing pipeline, even when the transcript shows nothing. Several clients reported getting precise timeframes after connecting with an agent through their service.
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Tyler Murphy
I was in this exact situation last week. Here's what worked for me: • Checked my Account Transcript (not Return Transcript) • Found a TC 570 code that wasn't visible in WMR • Called IRS early morning (7:01am) and got through • Agent confirmed my return was selected for random review • Release code (TC 571) posted 3 days later • Refund scheduled 5 days after that The PATH Act delays are frustrating but checking the Account Transcript gave me more info than WMR ever did.
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Sara Unger
According to the IRS2Go app and IRS.gov/refunds FAQ section, PATH Act returns are currently experiencing longer processing times than in previous years. I found the IRS Refund Timetable on irs.gov/individuals/refund-timing very helpful - it specifically mentions that returns claiming EITC/ACTC may take until early March to begin processing even if filed in January. The IRS Tax Season Refund Frequently Asked Questions page also explains that transcripts won't show data until processing begins, which explains the "return not processed" message. Have you tried checking the Tax Season Refund Frequently Asked Questions page for more specific information?
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Butch Sledgehammer
Listen, I've been through this 3 years in a row now. PATH Act returns are ALWAYS delayed. Don't waste time checking daily. Set a calendar reminder for 8 weeks after your filing date and check then. That's when most PATH returns start moving. Calling won't help - the agents can't speed anything up. If you need money now, better look at other options because the IRS isn't rushing for anyone. Just how it is with these credits.
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