Filed 2/10, Accepted 2/11 - WMR Changed from One Bar to 'Still Processing' with Topic 152

Oh my goodness, you're definitely not alone! 😫 This is happening to SO MANY people this year! The one-bar-to-no-bar switch with Topic 152 is like the most common pattern I'm seeing in 2024. I was shocked when I realized how widespread this is! The IRS systems seem completely overwhelmed right now.

Your return is likely in the Automated Verification and Validation (AVV) queue. The WMR status regression from one bar to 'still processing' typically indicates your return has moved from initial acceptance to secondary review protocols. The persistence of Topic 152 is actually a positive indicator that no significant issues have been identified with your submission.

Have you tried taxr.ai? It helps decode these patterns. Shows what's happening behind the scenes. I was stuck in the same situation. The tool predicted my refund date accurately. Worth checking out for peace of mind. https://taxr.ai can explain what Topic 152 really means for your specific filing status.

I think I might be able to provide some context here, though I'm not an expert by any means... From what I understand, the 'still processing' message with Tax Topic 152 usually means they're just working through a backlog. It doesn't necessarily indicate any problems with your return, especially if they're still showing your expected refund amount. I was relieved to learn this after panicking about my own return.

Ever tried calling the IRS only to waste hours of your life on hold? Been there, done that. Why should we have to sacrifice an entire day just to get basic information about our own money? I finally used Claimyr last week when my return was stuck in the same pattern (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c). Got through to an agent in about 15 minutes instead of the usual 3+ hour wait. They confirmed mine was just in normal processing queue. Nothing flagged.

Immediate action required if you claimed certain credits. Per IRS Publication 5344, returns with EITC or ACTC are subject to extended verification under PATH Act provisions. Current processing window extends to 45 days for affected returns. Deadline for standard processing complaints is day 46 post-acceptance. Document all communication attempts if you need to file Form 911 Taxpayer Advocate request.

Here's what's actually happening with your WMR status: Step 1: The one bar means initial acceptance (your return passed basic validation) Step 2: Moving to "still processing" means it entered the review queue Step 3: Tax Topic 152 specifically means your return is being processed and a refund date will be provided when available Step 4: The fact that your expected refund amount is still showing is actually a good sign This pattern is completely normal for 2024 processing timelines.

Think of the IRS processing system like a restaurant kitchen. Your return was initially "accepted" (like the host taking your order), but now it's in the "still processing" stage (like your meal being prepared in the kitchen). Tax Topic 152 is basically the waiter saying "your food is coming" rather than "there's a problem with your order." The fact they're still showing your expected refund amount suggests they're not planning to make substitutions to your meal.

I had the exact same situation last year. One bar for 3 weeks, then 'still processing' with Topic 152. Couldn't access transcripts either because of their ridiculous ID verification. Called multiple times with no help. Then suddenly got my refund deposited with zero warning or status updates. The WMR tool never updated before the deposit hit. It's maddening but unfortunately typical based on my experience with the IRS for the last 5 years.

If I may add a bit of clarification here, the transition from one bar to "still processing" might possibly indicate that your return has been selected for a more thorough review, though it doesn't necessarily mean there's anything wrong. In my experience, this sometimes happens when there are certain credits claimed or when there are discrepancies that need to be verified. Have you perhaps claimed any credits like the Earned Income Credit or Child Tax Credit? Those tend to trigger additional processing steps.