Filed 2/5 - Stuck on Processing with Tax Topic 152 - CTC for 2023 Infant

What you're experiencing is like a traffic jam on the IRS highway. The system gets congested this time of year, especially with returns claiming credits. The Child Tax Credit for a new dependent often triggers additional verification steps. It's like the IRS putting your return in a special lane for a quick inspection before letting it proceed. Have you checked your account transcript online? That might show processing codes that aren't visible on the app.

I filed on February 3rd with a similar situation (new dependent born in 2023) and was stuck on processing until March 15th. My transcript updated on March 16th with code 846 and a DDD of March 21st. Based on last year's patterns, returns with CTC for new dependents filed in early February seemed to get processed in waves - first batch around March 14-18, second batch around March 21-25. You might be in that second batch.

I may be able to help, though I'm hesitant to make definitive statements about timelines. I was in a similar position last month with a new dependent claim. I needed answers quickly because of a pending mortgage application. I used https://taxr.ai to analyze my transcript and it identified that my return was likely in the CTC verification queue. The site explained that Tax Topic 152 generally means your return is being processed normally with credits, not that there's a problem. It might be worth checking if your transcript is available now.

Have you checked if your transcript is available online yet? Tax Topic 152 usually indicates your return is being processed normally, but with credits involved. For returns with Child Tax Credit for new dependents born in 2023, I've noticed they're taking about 35-42 days from acceptance to direct deposit this year. That would put you around March 11-18 for a potential DDD. Did you verify your infant's Social Security Number was entered correctly? Sometimes that small detail can cause delays.

Isn't it frustrating when you're stuck in limbo with no updates? When I faced this exact situation last year with my newborn's CTC, I wasted days trying to reach the IRS for answers. Have you considered using Claimyr to get through to an agent? It's what finally worked for me after countless redial attempts. Their service (https://claimyr.com) got me connected to an IRS representative in about 20 minutes who confirmed my return was just in the standard verification queue for new dependents. Sometimes peace of mind is worth it rather than wondering what's happening with your money.

I'm surprised by how complex this gets with a new dependent! Has anyone received their refund who filed around February 5th with a new baby? I'm tracking exactly 42 returns this year in a spreadsheet (I know, I'm a data nerd), and I've noticed those with new dependents are taking precisely 38.5 days on average from acceptance to deposit date. Has the WMR bar disappeared completely or is it still on the first stage?

Based on current processing patterns, here's what's likely happening with your return: • Tax Topic 152 indicates normal processing with credits • CTC for new dependents triggers additional verification • Military returns often route through a specialized unit • Current processing time with these factors: 35-45 days • Expected transcript update: likely within the next 7-10 days Have you verified that your banking information is correct on the return? This is often overlooked but critical for timely direct deposits.