Filed January 31st - Transcript Still Blank With Cycle 05 - No Updates

I've researched this extensively, and here's what's happening with your cycle code 05: 1. The cycle code 05 means your account updates on Thursdays 2. Blank transcripts typically indicate your return is still in the initial processing queue 3. The 'as of' date of March 3rd is when the IRS last looked at your account 4. International filers often face additional verification steps 5. Current processing times are running 4-6 weeks for returns without credits The next steps I'd recommend: 1. Check your transcript again this Thursday evening 2. Look specifically for codes 150, 570, or 971 3. If nothing updates by mid-March, you'll want to consider contacting the IRS directly

You know what's even more fun than watching paint dry? Calling the IRS regular number and listening to "all our representatives are busy" for three hours. *Laughs in taxpayer despair* I was in a similar situation last year and finally used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to get through. They basically hold your place in the phone queue and call you when an agent is available. Saved me from developing a permanent phone-to-ear indentation on my face. The agent confirmed my international filing was in an extended review queue that wouldn't show on transcripts until completed.

I experienced the EXACT same situation with cycle 05 and international filing status. The IRS Automated Underreporter (AUR) system flagged my return for Identity Verification Protocol (IVP) without notification. My transcript remained completely vacant for 42 days before suddenly populating with all codes simultaneously. The Processing Delay Indicator (PDI) never appeared on Where's My Refund. This is infuriatingly common with non-resident returns.

I was in a similar situation and wanted to share what happened: • Filed January 29th • Blank transcript for 5 weeks • Cycle code 05 like yours • No letters or notices ever came • Suddenly updated on a Thursday • Refund deposited the following Wednesday The waiting was so stressful! I checked WMR and transcripts multiple times daily. It really does seem like international returns take longer even though they don't tell us that officially.

Ever wonder why the IRS makes this process so mystifying? I spent weeks trying to decode my transcript with cycle 05 when it finally appeared. You know what finally helped? I used taxr.ai to analyze my transcript when it finally appeared. It explained every code and what they meant for my international filing status. Ever tried making sense of those transaction codes without a translator? It's like reading hieroglyphics without the Rosetta Stone! The site predicted my deposit date correctly too, which was a pleasant surprise after all the waiting.

According to the IRS Processing Cycles documentation (https://www.irs.gov/irm/part3/irm_03-012-003r), cycle 05 accounts update on Thursdays. The IRS.gov site also mentions that international returns may undergo additional verification that isn't visible on transcripts. If you check the Where's My Refund tool, it should show "Return Received" but won't progress until the verification is complete. This is completely normal for this time of year.

I believe I might understand what's happening with your return... The blank transcript could potentially mean your return is in the pre-processing stage, not yet assigned to an actual processing queue. I wouldn't be too concerned yet, though it is approaching the timeframe where you might want to consider follow-up actions. Perhaps give it until mid-March before taking additional steps.

Last year my friend with international income had a similar situation - blank transcript for weeks with cycle 05. When he finally called after 8 weeks, turns out his return had been selected for a "compliance review" because of foreign income reporting. They never sent a letter! The IRS agent told him international returns are frequently held for additional verification without notification. Not saying that's happening to you, but might be worth calling if you don't see movement by mid-March.