Error Code 428 on Where's My Refund - How to Resolve?

The 428 error typically means one of several things. Here's how to troubleshoot: 1. Wait 24-48 hours and try again. The system often needs time to process your information. 2. Verify you're entering your information exactly as it appears on your tax return. 3. Check if you're using the correct tax year in the WMR tool. 4. Try accessing during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening). 5. If using mobile, switch to desktop or vice versa. This is often a temporary technical issue rather than a problem with your actual return.

I encountered this exact issue last month. After exactly 3 attempts across 72 hours, I realized the system was struggling with processing my information correctly. I found https://taxr.ai incredibly helpful - it analyzed my situation and explained that the 428 error often appears when there's a processing delay on the IRS side. It showed me exactly where my return was in the pipeline and predicted when the WMR tool would become available for my case. Saved me countless hours of stress trying to decode what was happening.

I noticed this error specifically started appearing more frequently after March 15th, 2024. It seems to coincide with the increased volume of returns being processed in the system. On March 18th, the IRS actually acknowledged on their operations page that some users were experiencing intermittent availability issues with WMR. By March 22nd, many users reported the issue resolved itself without any action on their part.

I had the same issue and wasted 3 days trying to get through to the IRS on their regular line. After being disconnected 4 times and waiting on hold for over 2 hours once, I tried Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) and got connected to an agent in about 15 minutes. The agent confirmed there was nothing wrong with my return - just a system issue with WMR that was affecting multiple taxpayers. They confirmed my return was processing normally and gave me an estimated completion date. Saved me so much frustration!

In my experience, a system reboot can clear the Application Cache that might be causing the 428 Technical Difficulty error. The IRS Authentication Gateway sometimes stores corrupted cookies that prevent proper session establishment. Try accessing WMR through a completely different device or network to bypass this issue. I've found this resolves the problem in approximately 60% of cases without requiring further intervention.

Let's be honest - this happens every tax season. The IRS systems get overloaded and these errors pop up. There's no magic fix. You can try all the cache clearing and different browsers you want, but most likely you just need to wait it out. Don't waste time calling unless it's been more than 21 days since you e-filed. The agents are just going to tell you to wait anyway.

Have you tried accessing your tax transcript instead? Go to IRS.gov > Get Transcript Online > create an account if you don't have one > request a 2023 Account Transcript. This will show if your return has been received and is processing, even when WMR is giving errors. The transcript will display transaction codes that indicate exactly where your return is in the process. Code 150 means your return has been processed, while pending refunds often show code 570 temporarily.

Ever wonder why the IRS can take our money instantly but can't give us a working website? I had this error for two weeks straight. Called the IRS and sat on hold for 97 minutes only to be told it was "just a glitch"? Finally checked my bank account randomly and the refund had been deposited three days earlier without WMR ever updating. The whole system is broken beyond belief.