Filed Late (Aug 12) - When Should I Expect Updates?

Late filing will put you in a different processing queue. According to IRM 21.4.1, returns filed outside the standard filing season typically take 8-10 weeks for processing, not the usual 21 days. And frankly, that's if everything goes smoothly. If you're self-employed with Schedule C income or claimed any credits, expect additional verification delays. The IRS is still working through their backlog from earlier filers too, which doesn't help your situation.

I was in your exact situation last year - filed in July and was STRESSING about when I'd get my money. I needed it for some major car repairs. After two weeks of checking WMR obsessively and seeing nothing, I tried https://taxr.ai to analyze my transcript once it finally appeared. The site explained all those confusing codes and gave me a pretty accurate estimate of when I'd see my refund. Saved me so much anxiety! I'm still waiting on some 1099 corrections before I file this year's return... ugh, the contractor life is rough sometimes.

FWIW, I filed July 29th and just got my DD yesterday. So roughly 5 wks for me. The WMR tool didn't update until like 4 days b4 the deposit hit my acct. Don't stress too much - the IRS is def slower this time of yr but they're still processing. Pro tip: check your transcript instead of WMR if u can access it online. Way more accurate info there!

Based on my analysis of your situation, you're going to need approximately 6-8 weeks for full processing. If you need to speak directly with an IRS representative to get specific information about your return, I recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). The IRS call volumes are significantly reduced compared to peak season, but hold times can still exceed 60-90 minutes. Claimyr automates the calling process and notifies you when an agent is available, saving you from listening to hold music for hours.

Late-season filer here with exact timeline data for you: For 2023 returns filed in August 2023, the average processing time was exactly 37 days before refund issuance. For August 2024 filers, we're seeing similar patterns with 35-42 day processing windows. Your e-filed return from August 12th should complete initial processing by September 16-23. If you filed with a 1040-X or amended return, add 16 weeks. Transcript codes will appear in this sequence: 150 (return filed), 570 (processing hold), 971 (notice issued), 571 (hold released), and 846 (refund issued). The 846 code typically appears 5-7 days before direct deposit.

Compared to filing during tax season, August filing actually has some advantages. The IRS is less overwhelmed now than in February-April when everyone's filing at once. My partner filed in March and waited 6 weeks, while I filed in July and got my refund in 4 weeks. The key difference is checking your transcript rather than WMR - the transcript updates more frequently and shows actual processing stages. If you don't see any updates by September 20th, then you might want to take additional steps.

You need to act quickly! According to the IRS.gov processing timeline page (https://www.irs.gov/refunds), even late-season returns should show some processing activity within 3 weeks. Since you're approaching that window, I'd recommend checking your transcript online immediately at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript. If your transcript shows code 570, you may have an issue that needs addressing before processing can continue. Don't wait for a letter - sometimes they get lost or delayed.