Filed Through TurboTax on Feb 24th with Refund Advance - Still Pending After Weeks
According to IRS Publication 1345 (Rev. 2-2023), e-filed returns should be processed within 21 days unless selected for review. I filed through TurboTax on Friday, February 24th and opted for their refund advance option. My status is still showing as pending in both TurboTax and the IRS Where's My Refund tool. My medical treatments require this refund for out-of-pocket expenses, and I'm finding it increasingly difficult to navigate the various statuses. Has anyone else who filed around the same time with a refund advance still showing as pending? Per IRS guidelines, I've checked for error codes 1121, 1281, or 1041 but none appear on my account transcript.
13 comments
Join the conversation
Xan Dae
I experienced a similar delay with my TurboTax filing and advance request. The IRS e-file acknowledgment protocol typically processes within 24-48 hours, but the refund advance creates an additional verification layer. My refund was pending for approximately 18 days before changing status. The Path Act verification protocols and heightened fraud detection algorithms are causing systematic delays across multiple preparation platforms, not just TurboTax.
0 coins
Fiona Gallagher
•The TurboTax advance mechanism actually creates a separate processing queue in the IRS batching system! I was completely blindsided by this when I used it. The refund advance essentially creates a temporary loan that gets repaid directly to the lender from your actual refund, which triggers additional verification protocols in the IRS Fraud Detection System (FDS).
0 coins
Thais Soares
•There's actually a specific timeframe for these advances. TurboTax's partner bank typically processes advances within exactly 5-7 business days after e-file acceptance, but the IRS processing for the actual refund still takes 21 days minimum. If you filed on February 24th, you're at exactly 21 calendar days or 15 business days now, which is still within normal processing windows.
0 coins
Nalani Liu
•It's like putting your tax return in the express lane but then getting redirected to a special security checkpoint, isn't it? Has anyone actually confirmed that refund advances truly delay the overall processing time? I've heard mixed reports about whether it actually affects the final timeline.
0 coins
Axel Bourke
I've analyzed both TurboTax and H&R Block refund advance timelines this season, and TurboTax is showing significantly longer processing times compared to last year. While H&R Block advance requests are clearing in approximately 12-15 days, TurboTax users are seeing 18-24 day timeframes. This might be related to TurboTax's new verification partnership with ID.me that was implemented this season. Have you tried checking your transcript directly on the IRS website rather than relying on TurboTax's status tracker? The IRS transcript often updates before third-party software shows changes.
0 coins
Aidan Percy
Based on my experience, it's probably worth trying to contact the IRS directly at this point, though that might be somewhat challenging. The refund advance could potentially be causing some delays, but it's hard to say for certain without speaking to a representative. I've found that using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) can potentially save you hours of waiting on hold. It essentially keeps redialing the IRS for you until it gets through, then calls you back when an agent is available. It might be worth the investment if you're particularly concerned about your refund status, especially given your medical situation. The agents can often see details about processing holds that aren't visible on the public-facing tools.
0 coins
Fernanda Marquez
•I've seen Claimyr mentioned on several forums, but I'm still not convinced it's worth paying for something when you can just keep calling yourself. The IRS website says they can't do anything about your refund until it's been more than 21 days anyway, so calling now might not even help.
0 coins
Norman Fraser
•Last year when my refund was delayed, I spent 3 days trying to reach someone at the IRS. Does Claimyr actually work for the refund department specifically? I know there are different numbers for different IRS departments.
0 coins
Kendrick Webb
•I appreciate the straightforward advice. I used Claimyr last month when my transcript showed a 570 code. Got through to an agent in about 30 minutes instead of the 3+ hours I spent the day before trying on my own. The agent was able to release my refund on the spot once I verified my identity.
0 coins
Hattie Carson
I filed with TurboTax on February 22nd and also did the advance. Here's what happened for me: 1. First 7 days: Status showed "pending" in TurboTax 2. Day 8: Got the advance deposited (about half my expected refund) 3. Days 9-14: No updates anywhere 4. Day 15: WMR updated to show processing 5. Day 19: Full refund (minus the advance amount) deposited I was really stressed because I needed the money for rent. If your timeline is similar to mine, you should see movement in the next few days. The advance definitely seems to add processing time.
0 coins
Destiny Bryant
Have you checked if you have any credits that might trigger additional review? The Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Credit can extend processing times. Also, have you confirmed that your banking information was entered correctly? Sometimes what appears as "pending" is actually a rejected direct deposit due to mismatched account information. Would you mind sharing if you've received any notices from the IRS either by mail or in your online account?
0 coins
Dyllan Nantx
Omg I'm in the EXACT same boat! Filed w/ TT on Feb 23rd, got the advance option too, and still stuck on pending. Called TT customer svc yesterday and they basically said they can't do anything bc it's on the IRS side now. Super annoying!! The rep did mention that a TON of ppl who filed in late Feb are seeing delays this yr. Apparently there was some massive backlog from Presidents Day weekend that they're still working thru. My friend who filed on the 28th just got her $ yesterday, so maybe we're next?
0 coins
TillyCombatwarrior
When you opted for the refund advance, there are several important factors that could be affecting your timeline: • TurboTax refund advances are actually loans from a third-party bank (usually Credit Karma or First Century Bank) • The advance creates a different processing path through the IRS systems • Your actual refund will go first to repay the advance before you receive the remainder • The TurboTax status tracker is sometimes delayed compared to the actual IRS status I'm concerned that your medical expenses are being delayed by this process. Have you tried pulling your actual IRS transcript? That often shows processing codes that can give you more specific information about where in the pipeline your return is currently sitting.
0 coins