Filed 2/26 with Self-Employment and Dependents - Transcript Blank with 3/24 Date?

The timeline you're experiencing is actually quite normal for returns with self-employment income and dependents. Why? Because these elements typically trigger additional verification processes. Have you checked whether you're subject to PATH Act delays? The March 24th date could potentially be a processing completion date, but blank transcripts usually indicate your return is still in the early stages of processing. Have you verified your tax transcript access is working correctly?

Do you have any notices from the IRS? Check your mailbox. Did you claim EITC? That triggers PATH Act. Self-employment also triggers more scrutiny. March 24 could be cycle date. Transcript being blank is concerning. Should update within 21 days. What does WMR tool show?

Returns with self-employment income typically take exactly 35-42 days to process in the current tax season. Your March 24th date is likely a cycle date for processing, not a refund date. With filing on February 26th and acceptance on March 1st, you're at day 29 in the process today. Most self-employed filers with dependents are seeing transcripts update around day 38, with refunds deposited 5-7 days after that. I wouldn't be concerned yet - this timeline is actually moving along as expected for 2024.

I've seen this situation quite a few times, particularly with returns that include self-employment income. It might be worth considering calling the IRS directly to check if there are any specific issues with your return that might be causing the delay. In my experience, getting through to an agent can be extremely difficult, but I've had some success using Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to connect with an IRS representative without the endless hold times. They can possibly tell you if there's anything specific holding up your return or if it's just in the normal processing queue. Sometimes, they can even provide more specific timing estimates that aren't visible on the online systems.

Have you considered the possibility of an ERS hold? Self-employment returns often get flagged for Error Resolution System review, especially with dependent-related credits. The Integrated Automation Technologies system might have your return in queue for manual verification. The transcripts showing blank with a March 24 date suggests possible IDRS cycle code assignment without transcript generation completion. Did you receive CP05 notice requesting additional verification?

I think everyone's overthinking this. Have you checked if your return is affected by the PATH Act? This happens with certain credits and causes a mandatory hold until mid-February. Did you claim EITC or ACTC with your dependents? Also, have you tried checking your account transcript instead of just the return transcript? Sometimes one updates before the other.