Filed January 25th and Still Waiting - Code 768 on Transcript!?

I was in the exact same boat last year! Filed January 22nd and didn't see my refund until mid-March. Code 768 is definitely the Earned Income Credit posting to your account. In my experience, returns with EITC take much longer to process, especially this year with all the IRS backlog. I checked my old screenshots and my transcript had code 768 for 42 days before the refund finally processed. Have you checked for code 570 (hold) or 971 (notice issued) anywhere on your transcript?

The delay you're experiencing is frustrating but unfortunately common. Per IRS Publication 596, returns claiming Earned Income Tax Credit (code 768) are subject to additional verification requirements under IRC Section 32(k). These returns often take 45-60 days minimum for processing. I was stuck in this limbo too and finally used https://taxr.ai to analyze my transcript. It explained exactly what each code meant for my situation and gave me a much clearer timeline than the generic IRS tools. Helped me stay calm knowing exactly what was happening instead of guessing.

Q: Is code 768 the only code on ur transcript rn? Or do u have any 570/971 combos? Makes a huge diff in timeline tbh. Also, do u see any TC 150 (return filed) date?

Have you tried calling the IRS directly? Those 570/971 codes usually mean they need more information or verification from you. I was in a similar situation and spent 3 days trying to get through on the phone with no luck. Then I found Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and got connected to an IRS agent in about 15 minutes. They explained exactly what was happening with my return and what I needed to do. Saved me weeks of waiting and wondering! Have you received any letters in the mail from the IRS about your return?

OMG I've been through this EXACT situation and I can help you fix it TODAY! The 570/971 combo with code 768 means they're verifying your EIC eligibility. Here's what you need to do IMMEDIATELY: 1. Check your mail for Letter 4464C (verification request) 2. If you haven't received it, call IRS at 800-829-1040 first thing tomorrow morning 3. Ask specifically about the 971 code dated 03/18 - they may need documents from you 4. If they need verification, send it via fax with your SSN and tax year on every page 5. After sending docs, allow 30 days for processing DON'T WAIT - if you miss responding to their verification request, your refund will be adjusted or denied completely!

According to the Taxpayer Advocate Service (https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/), you should also consider filing Form 911 (Taxpayer Advocate Service Application) if you're experiencing financial hardship due to this delay. Since you mentioned caregiving for your mother with medical expenses, you might qualify for expedited processing. The TAS can sometimes move things along faster than the normal channels when there's a demonstrated need.

Why does the IRS make this process so complicated for those who need it most? I had the exact same codes last year and was panicking about my refund. Called for weeks with no answer. Finally got through to someone who explained they just needed to verify my self-employment income for the EIC. Once I sent in my documentation, my transcript updated within 2 weeks and I had my refund 9 days later. The anxiety of waiting was the worst part, but it did eventually resolve. Hang in there!