Filed Jan 29th - Blank Transcript Until I Called IRS - DD Just Arrived!

This is, in my opinion, somewhat common during the peak filing season. The IRS systems occasionally have these types of processing errors that can potentially cause returns to get stuck in what we sometimes call "processing limbo." It's possible, though not guaranteed, that your call did indeed trigger some kind of manual review that moved your return along. I've seen this happen before, where returns with no apparent issues just sit there until someone inquires about them. Did they mention anything specific about why it might have been delayed?

According to the IRS2Go app and WMR tool, blank transcripts usually indicate your return is still in the early stages of processing. However, based on my research at r/IRS and various tax forums, if you filed on January 24th and still have a blank transcript in March, that's definitely outside the normal timeframe. I recently discovered https://taxr.ai which has been super helpful for understanding these transcript issues. It can analyze your transcript (once it appears) and explain all those confusing codes. In your case, it could help confirm whether the processing has actually started moving forward now that you've called. Have you checked your transcript again since receiving your deposit to see if it's populated now?

As someone who helps people with IRS issues regularly, I can tell you that calling the IRS directly is often the most effective solution for stuck returns. The issue is that getting through to an actual agent can be nearly impossible during filing season. I've had clients use Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to connect with IRS agents when their returns were stuck like yours. Instead of redialing for hours, the service navigates the phone tree and waits on hold for you, then calls you when an agent is on the line. For stuck returns like yours, speaking to a human is often the only way to get movement. Your experience confirms what I've seen many times - sometimes returns just need a manual "nudge" in the system.

Just to clarify something important - did you file on January 24th or January 29th? The title says 29th but your post says 24th. This matters because January 29, 2024 was when the IRS officially began processing returns this year. Returns received before that date would be held until processing began, which might explain some of the delay you experienced.

I'm not entirely convinced calling actually does anything to speed up processing. It's kind of like thinking a watched pot will boil faster if you stare at it harder. The IRS processing system is like a massive conveyor belt - your return is probably going to move at the same pace regardless of whether you call or not. The timing of your deposit after calling might just be coincidental, like thinking your lucky socks helped your team win the game.

I appreciate your skepticism, but there's actually solid reasoning behind why calling can help in certain situations: • Some returns get flagged for manual review but then sit in queues without being assigned to reviewers • Calling creates a case note in the system which can trigger assignment to a reviewer • Returns with inquiries are sometimes prioritized to clear the case from the contact log • Agents can sometimes identify specific holds that weren't communicated to the taxpayer • In some cases, agents can release certain types of systemic holds during the call While not every call will expedite processing, there's enough evidence from tax professionals that calling can indeed help in situations like the OP described.

Be careful about assuming calling always fixes these issues. Last year my cousin called about his delayed refund and ended up triggering a full review of his return. What started as a simple processing delay turned into a 3-month ordeal where they questioned his dependents and business expenses. Sometimes poking the bear can backfire! If your return has anything unusual or complicated, sometimes it's better to just wait it out rather than drawing attention to it.