Direct Deposit Scheduled for 3/21 - Have Trace Number But Nothing Pending - What's Happening?

This seems to be happening quite a bit this year with the IRS. What was the specific cycle code on your transcript? And did you have any tax credits like EIC or CTC that might have triggered additional review? Also, are you seeing any pending transactions in your online banking, or did you only check by phone?

Ah yes, the annual "IRS says it's sent but my bank says they've never heard of me" dance. 💃 Been there! After waiting on hold for what felt like several lifetimes last year, I finally used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to reach an actual human at the IRS. Got connected in about 25 minutes when I had been trying for days on my own. The agent confirmed my deposit had actually been sent to the wrong account due to a transcription error. Would never have known without speaking to someone directly.

I've been researching this extensively, and here's what's actually happening: The IRS batch processing system operates on specific cycles, and there's often a disconnect between when they mark something as "sent" versus when the ACH network actually processes it. Haven't we all noticed how government systems seem to operate in their own time dimension? The trace number you received is confirmation the payment was initiated, but ACH transfers can take 24-72 hours to complete depending on your bank's processing schedule. Have you checked the exact codes on your transcript?

OMG I'm in the EXACT same situation and it's driving me CRAZY!!! 😡 I've been refreshing my bank app every 10 minutes for two days straight! I finally uploaded my transcript to taxr.ai and it actually explained that my 846 code with today's date means the money was SENT today, not necessarily received. The site analyzed all my transcript codes and showed me that this is completely normal timing. Honestly it was such a relief to understand what's actually happening instead of just panicking!

Have you verified whether your banking information on your tax return matches exactly what's on file with your bank? According to IRS Publication 1345, even minor discrepancies in routing or account numbers can cause delays or redirections. In cases where the account information doesn't match exactly, the IRS may issue a paper check instead, which could add 2-3 weeks to your timeline. Have you checked your transcript for a code change that might indicate this switch?

I had exactly the same issue on February 23rd with my scheduled direct deposit. After waiting exactly 48 hours with nothing showing, I called my bank again and they finally saw it pending. It posted to my account precisely 6 hours later at 3:42pm. The IRS had sent it exactly when they said they would, but there was a 2-day processing delay with the banking system. Thanks to everyone here who helped me understand the process - I would have been completely lost without this community!

Be careful about assuming it's just a timing issue. Last year, I had a similar situation where my direct deposit never arrived despite having a trace number. When I finally got through to the IRS, they discovered there was an offset I wasn't aware of - my refund had been applied to a past-due student loan. The system sometimes doesn't update the Where's My Refund tool correctly when this happens. You might want to check the Treasury Offset Program at 800-304-3107 to rule this out before assuming it's just a bank delay.

Just to clarify something important: a trace number doesn't actually mean your money has been sent - it's just an identifier for your refund in the IRS system. What matters more is the 846 code on your transcript with a date. If today is the date listed with your 846 code, the IRS is processing your refund today, but it typically takes 1-2 business days after that for most banks to post the funds. Some banks (especially credit unions) often hold ACH deposits for a full business day for verification.

Is this your first time filing with this bank account? I've noticed that first-time direct deposits to accounts seem to take longer than deposits to accounts you've used with the IRS before. Also, did you get your refund through a tax preparer who takes their fees out of your refund? Those sometimes go through a third-party bank first which adds extra time.