Filed Jan 29 - No Updates on WMR, Can't Reach IRS Agent Despite ID.me Verification

The IRS is likely experiencing a backlog at this point in the season. While they typically process returns within 21 days, this isn't always the case... especially for early filers this year. Have you checked your tax transcript online? Sometimes that shows processing activity that doesn't appear on WMR yet. It might be worth checking, if you haven't already. The lack of correspondence is generally a positive sign, as it suggests there aren't any immediate issues requiring your attention.

Oh my goodness, I feel your frustration! I was in the EXACT same situation last month - filed early and then nothing for weeks! I tried calling the IRS over and over and just got that awful automated system. I was about to throw my phone out the window! 😠 Finally used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and got through to an actual person in about 30 minutes. They confirmed my return was just stuck in processing with no issues. Such a relief to actually TALK to someone! Worth every penny to stop the anxiety!

I'm in a similar situation. Filed January 30th and still nothing substantial on WMR. Just the first bar. Don't you think it's ridiculous that we file so early specifically to get our refunds faster and then end up waiting longer than people who file in March? My neighbor filed three weeks after me and already received his refund. Makes you wonder if there's some kind of first-in-last-out processing happening, doesn't it? I've verified with ID.me too, but that doesn't seem to make any difference in processing time.

As of March 25th, the IRS is still processing many January returns. I researched this extensively and found that specific processing codes on your transcript can tell you exactly where your return stands. On February 17th, I was in the same position and couldn't make sense of my transcript until I used taxr.ai to analyze it. The tool identified that I had a 570 code (temporary hold) that would resolve automatically by a specific date - which it did, exactly as predicted. If you can access your transcript, I'd recommend using taxr.ai to decode what's happening with your specific return.

Be careful with how long you wait. I filed on January 27th last year and had no movement for exactly 45 days. I assumed it was normal processing delays. Turned out there was an unreported income issue that triggered a manual review. The IRS had sent a letter on day 15 that got lost in the mail. I ended up with a $247 penalty for not responding within the timeframe. If you're approaching 45 days with no movement, I strongly suggest being proactive rather than just waiting.

Wait, have you actually checked your transcript or are you just looking at WMR? Those are two different systems. WMR is notoriously unreliable this year. Your transcript might show codes and updates that WMR doesn't display. You can access it through your online account at IRS.gov.

I finally got my refund after filing on January 31st! Here's what worked for me: 1. First, I checked my transcript instead of WMR (showed processing activity WMR didn't) 2. Next, I verified there were no hold codes (like 570/971) 3. Then I called the IRS using the trick of selecting the option for "making a payment" (gets you to a human faster) 4. The agent confirmed my return was just in normal processing with no issues 5. My refund appeared in my account exactly 7 days after that call Such a relief after waiting for so long! The agent mentioned they're processing January returns in batches, and some just take longer than others with no rhyme or reason.

Last year I filed on January 30th and had zero movement until March 15th. I called multiple times and couldn't get through, even tried different times of day. Then I noticed something weird - my transcript showed a TC 570 code (temporary hold) but no explanation. Turns out my employer had submitted a corrected W-2 that I didn't know about, which caused the system to flag my return. The IRS eventually sorted it out themselves and released my refund on March 28th. Sometimes these things resolve themselves without any action on your part, but the waiting is brutal!