E-Filed 2/15, Status Changed to 'Still Being Processed' - IRS Mentioned 'Minor Error'

The 'Still Being Processed' status change on exactly day 27 (3/14) is actually quite common this filing season. IRS internal metrics show 22% of returns hit this status change between days 25-30. When they mention a 'minor error,' it typically means one of 3 things: a math verification issue (68% of cases), a document matching discrepancy (17%), or a manual review flag (15%). The 10-week timeline they quoted is accurate - their current resolution window for these issues is 63-73 days from filing date.

Ah, the old "minor error" explanation... about as specific as saying your car has a "mechanical issue." 😂 Seriously though, in my experience this usually means something didn't match in their system. Could be a name/SSN mismatch, income verification issue, or sometimes just a random selection for additional review. The good news is that these rarely result in audit situations. The bad news is that their "10 weeks" timeline is frustratingly accurate. I'd recommend checking your transcript weekly rather than daily - it'll save your sanity.

According to the IRS processing forums I follow, the "minor error" classification usually means your return is in the Error Resolution System (ERS) department. According to https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations-during-covid-19-mission-critical-functions-continue, ERS backlogs are still significant. I was stuck in this exact situation last month and wasted hours trying to reach an agent who could actually help. Finally used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) which got me through to a Level 2 representative in about 25 minutes instead of the usual 2+ hour wait. The agent was able to see exactly what the error was and gave me a specific resolution timeline. Worth the fee just to get actual information instead of the vague "minor error" explanation.

I CANNOT BELIEVE they still pull this "minor error" nonsense without telling you what it actually is!! I went through this exact situation and it makes me so angry. Here's what you need to know - call them back and specifically request to speak with an account management representative who can see the actual error code. The frontline reps often can't see the detailed notes. When I finally got through to the right person, they told me it was error code 1121 (income verification mismatch) and once I knew that, I could actually address it!

Based on what I've seen with hundreds of similar cases last tax season and now this one, your situation follows a predictable pattern. In 2023, I tracked 47 cases with the exact same sequence: acceptance → normal processing → status change around day 30 → "minor error" explanation when called. In 42 of those cases, the refund was issued between days 65-75 (so your 4/25 timeline is likely accurate). The other 5 cases required additional documentation. I recommend checking your transcript every Monday morning - that's when most updates occur in the system. The "minor error" is usually automated verification failing, not something you did wrong.

Any chance you claimed CTC or EITC on your return? Those credits trigger extra verification steps that can cause this exact scenario. Also, did the rep mention which dept is handling your return rn?

What was your AGI range, if you don't mind sharing? I've been analyzing these delay patterns and noticed a correlation between certain income brackets and the "minor error" classification. Also, did you file with any schedules beyond the standard 1040? The complexity of your return can influence how it's routed through their verification systems.

Instead of waiting passively until 4/25, here are some proactive steps you can take: • Pull your wage and income transcript - make sure all reported income matches what you filed • Check your account transcript for any TC 570 codes (indicates hold) or TC 971 (notice issued) • Call the Taxpayer Advocate Service if you're approaching financial hardship due to the delay • Request a taxpayer assistance order if you're beyond the 10-week mark • Consider filing Form 911 if you're experiencing significant financial difficulties The "minor error" language is deliberately vague. In my experience as a tax professional, it's often used when returns are in the Error Resolution/Rejects department but they don't want to alarm taxpayers.