Filed 2/4/24 - WMR Changed to 'Still Processing' After 4 Days - Good Sign?

Well, I think I might have some potentially good news to share, though I'm not entirely sure. I filed this past Sunday (2/4/24), with what I would consider a fairly straightforward return - just a basic 1040 married filing status with standard deductions (nothing too complicated, I hope). The system accepted it almost immediately, which was somewhat reassuring, and the Where's My Refund tool changed to "processing" right away. However, this morning - just 4 days later - the WMR status updated to "still processing". In my experience (and I've been doing this for quite some time now), I've typically received my refund in the bank within days after seeing this "still processing" message appear. I should probably mention that for the last two tax seasons, my transcripts have remained completely blank, with WMR showing "still processing", yet my refund somehow managed to hit my bank account anyway. Does anyone know if this pattern is likely to continue this year? Is the quick change to "still processing" generally a positive sign? Should I perhaps be checking my transcripts daily despite previous years' experiences? I'm just trying to understand if the IRS process has changed at all for 2024 filing season.

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24 comments

GamerGirl99

I've seen this happen quite a few times, especially with straightforward returns like yours. The "still processing" message can actually be a good sign in many cases... it often means your return has moved past initial verification and into the final processing stage. From what I've observed, when transcripts remain blank but WMR shows "still processing," it sometimes indicates your return is taking a streamlined path through the system. I wouldn't worry too much at this point, especially given your history of quick deposits in previous years with the same pattern.

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- 11d

Eduardo Silva

Have you considered checking your account transcript instead of your return transcript? As a first-time filer this year, I discovered that the account transcript sometimes updates with a TC 150 processing code and future refund date (cycle code) before anything appears on the return transcript. The TC 150 code indicates the return has been processed successfully and a refund date has been established. Many experienced filers on this subreddit recommend checking account transcripts daily during peak processing periods.

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- 10d

Ravi Patel

According to the official IRS.gov processing guidelines, the "still processing" status generally indicates your return has passed the initial acceptance stage but requires additional review. However, based on the IRS2Go app forums and r/IRS discussions, many taxpayers with simple returns (like yours) are seeing quicker processing this year compared to the previous two filing seasons. The official IRS processing timeline still states 21 days for e-filed returns, but the IRS Operations Dashboard shows they're currently processing returns faster than anticipated for this point in the filing season. Have you checked if your return falls under PATH Act restrictions?

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- 8d

Astrid Bergström

If you're concerned about the status, I found a solution that worked perfectly for me. After waiting exactly 17 days with the same "still processing" message, I used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to get through to an IRS agent in about 22 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours. The agent confirmed my return was approved but stuck in the final verification queue due to high volume. My refund was deposited exactly 3 days later. Sometimes you just need to speak directly with someone who can see what's actually happening with your return rather than relying on the vague online status.

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- 7d

PixelPrincess

Def think ur on the right track w/ this. IMO the WMR status changes are kinda meaningless tbh. I've tracked my refunds for the past 5 yrs and found zero correlation between status changes and actual DD dates. My process now: 1. Check bank acct daily instead of WMR 2. Look for pending deposits labeled "IRS TREAS" 3. Ignore transcripts completely since they're unreliable 4. Set up text alerts w/ my bank Last yr my WMR never updated from "still processing" but $ hit my acct exactly 9 days after filing. The system's backend processing and frontend status updates aren't in sync AT ALL.

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- 7d

Omar Farouk

I had almost the exact same situation last year! Filed a simple married return on Feb 2nd, saw "still processing" by Feb 6th, and my refund was direct deposited on Feb 10th without any transcript updates. The year before that was similar timing too. Based on my experience and what I've seen from others, that quick change to "still processing" is typically a very good sign for straightforward returns. I remember being so relieved when I checked my bank account and saw the deposit even though WMR hadn't updated. Sounds like you're right on track for a similar timeline this year!

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- 5d