Filed 2/12, Accepted 2/13 - Still Stuck on One Bar with N/A Transcript

I understand your frustration with the delay. According to IRS Publication 5344, normal processing time for e-filed returns is 21 days, but the IRS has been experiencing significant backlogs this tax season. The "one bar" status with an N/A transcript is actually quite common right now and doesn't necessarily indicate a problem with your return. Under IRC Section 6402(a), the IRS is required to process returns in a timely manner, but there's no specific legal deadline for individual returns. Since this is your first time filing jointly, the IRS may be conducting additional verification steps, which is standard procedure for filing status changes.

Been there, done that, got the delayed refund t-shirt! 😂 Last year I filed on Feb 10th and was stuck on one bar until April 2nd. Transcript showed N/A the whole time, then suddenly updated overnight with all processing steps completed at once. My refund arrived 3 days later. The IRS systems are like that old printer in the office - sometimes they jam for no reason, then suddenly spit everything out at once when you least expect it!

Speaking from experience, when you're stuck in this limbo for 8+ weeks, calling the IRS is actually your best move. But getting through is nearly impossible right now. I wasted 5 days trying to reach them before discovering Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). They got me connected to an actual IRS agent in about 30 minutes. The agent confirmed my return was just caught in a verification hold and released it that day. My transcript updated the next morning and refund came 6 days later. Definitely worth it when you're stuck this long.

The IRS processing system is like a black box lottery right now. You put your return in and have no idea when it will come out the other side. It's like throwing a coin into a wishing well and hoping someone actually collects it. The Saturday updates are real, but not everyone gets included each week - it depends on which processing center has your return and where it sits in their queue. Looking at the posts here over the last month, about 60% of people who filed mid-February are still waiting, so you're definitely not alone.

omg I'm in the exact same boat! Filed 2/14, accepted same day, and still stuck w/ one bar and N/A transcript. Was freaking out until I found taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) which explained why this happens. Apparently the WMR tool and transcript system are on diff update schedules?? The site analyzed my info and showed me that my return was probably in the verification queue, not actually lost. Helped me chill tbh, was driving myself crazy checking 10x a day!

Has anyone checked if there's a difference between those who claimed certain tax credits vs. those who didn't? I've been researching extensively and noticed the PATH Act can delay certain returns with EITC or ACTC. Is it possible your return includes one of these credits?

From what I've observed analyzing the processing patterns this year: • Returns filed in early-mid February are experiencing longer delays than usual • Transcript updates often occur between 12am-3am EST on Wednesdays and Saturdays • Returns with status changes typically follow this sequence: - Transcript updates from N/A to available - Processing codes appear (usually 570/971 first) - WMR updates approximately 24-48 hours after transcript I'd recommend checking your transcript early Sunday morning as Saturday night updates are typically the largest batch of the week.

Did you receive any CP05 notices in the mail? I was stuck exactly 56 days with no movement when I finally received a verification letter requesting additional information. Many people don't realize the IRS often sends these notices without updating online systems.