Filed Jan 30 - Now Showing Exemption Code 00 and HOH Status but WMR Still Processing

I think what you're seeing is actually a positive sign of movement in your return processing. The IRS systems don't always update simultaneously, so it's fairly common to see transcript updates before WMR changes. The exemption code 00 typically means your exemptions are being processed correctly, and the system has verified your Head of Household status. This usually means your return has passed the initial verification stage and is moving through the processing pipeline. I wouldn't be too concerned at this point, though I understand it can be anxiety-inducing when you're waiting for funds you need.

Have you claimed any tax credits this year that you didn't claim last year? Child Tax Credit? Earned Income Credit? Education credits? Sometimes those can trigger additional verification processes, which might explain why this year is different from your experience last year. Did you change anything significant about how you filed?

I had a similar situation last month and was getting nowhere with the "still processing" message. After weeks of trying to call the IRS (seriously, like 20+ attempts), I finally used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to get through to an agent. • They connected me in about 25 minutes when I'd been failing for days • The agent confirmed my return was in manual review but nothing was wrong • They gave me an estimated completion date • Refund showed up exactly when they said it would Sometimes you just need to talk to an actual human to get real answers instead of those vague online status messages.

I had something similar happen last year and waited patiently for EIGHT WEEKS only to find out they needed additional verification from me! The letter had been sent but never arrived at my address. By the time I figured it out and called, I had already lost two months of waiting time. Make sure you don't assume everything is moving forward normally - sometimes there are issues they never notify you about properly. Has anyone else received mail from the IRS about their return?

When my transcript started showing similar updates but WMR was still stuck, I used https://taxr.ai to analyze my transcript. Compared to my previous years' processing, it identified that I was on a normal processing path despite the delay. The tool explained that exemption code 00 appearing with HOH status meant my return was in the secondary review queue, which is standard for returns with certain deductions. Much more helpful than the generic IRS explanations that leave you wondering what's actually happening with your specific return.

Have you tried checking your account transcript instead of just the return transcript? Sometimes that shows different info... like whether there's a refund posted or if there are any pending actions on your account. Just a thought?

I was in almost the exact same boat as you - filed Jan 28th, accepted same day, then crickets for weeks! My transcript did exactly what yours did - showed exemption code and filing status but nothing else. I was ready to pull my hair out until exactly 31 days after filing when everything suddenly updated at once. It was like the IRS flipped a switch and my refund was in my account 5 days later. The waiting is like watching paint dry, but when it moves, it moves fast!

FYI for anyone dealing w/ this situation: The transcript codes actually tell you a lot more than WMR. When you see exemption code 00 + filing status but nothing else, it means your return has passed initial validation and is in the processing queue. It's in the system but hasn't been fully processed yet. Usually takes another 7-14 days from this point to get your refund date. The IRS is running about 21-30 days total processing time for uncomplicated returns this year according to what I've seen across multiple forums. Hang in there!