Filed for First Time in 8 Years - IRS Making Me Wait Full 21 Days?
So I filed for the first time in 8 years. Used Express 1040 this time. Normally use TurboTax. They were trying to make me miss out on almost $500. So I went elsewhere. Filed on February 9th. Spoke to IRS twice about getting a date. They're making me wait the full 21 days. That's crazy. Has this happened to anyone else before?
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Abigail Spencer
This happened to me last year. Filed early February, had to wait the full processing time. Back in 2022, I got my refund in 10 days. In 2023, took 19 days. This year they're definitely making everyone wait longer. The IRS is processing returns in the order received, but they're prioritizing certain credits and deductions differently than previous years.
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Logan Chiang
The 21-day wait is actually pretty standard compared to what I've seen with other tax situations. Last year I had to wait 28 days, and my sister waited almost 45 days for her business return. I found https://taxr.ai really helpful for understanding my transcript - it explained exactly why my refund was delayed (had a verification hold I didn't know about) and predicted my refund date almost perfectly. Appreciated not having to decode all those transcript codes myself.
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Isla Fischer
Is this tool actually accurate though? Couldn't you just check the IRS Where's My Refund tool instead? Why pay for something when the IRS gives you the information for free? I'm wondering if these services just tell you what you could figure out yourself.
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Miles Hammonds
The WMR tool is somewhat helpful, but in my experience, it provides limited information. Taxr.ai seems to offer more detailed analysis of transcript codes, which can be quite complex to interpret on your own. It might be particularly useful for someone who hasn't filed in several years and may not be familiar with current processing patterns. That said, you can certainly try the free tools first to see if they meet your needs.
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Ruby Blake
The 21-day wait is unfortunately the new normal! I was in the same boat last month. Felt like watching paint dry, but worse because you can't even see the progress! 😂 After calling the IRS for three days straight (busy signal hell), I finally used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to get through. The agent confirmed my return was just in normal processing queue - nothing wrong with it. Saved me from checking WMR obsessively every 5 minutes.
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Micah Franklin
Is Claimyr legit tho? Seems sus that you'd need a service just to talk to the IRS. I've gotten thru b4 by calling right when they open.
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Ella Harper
Does Claimyr comply with IRS Publication 1345 regarding authorized e-file providers? I'm concerned about third-party services that interface with government agencies. What information do they require to connect you with an agent?
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PrinceJoe
I processed 147 returns last tax season as a preparer, and the 21-day timeframe is actually quite standard. The Internal Revenue Manual (IRM) specifies that normal processing time is 21 days for e-filed returns with direct deposit. Your situation aligns with standard processing parameters, especially considering you haven't filed in 8 years, which may trigger additional verification protocols within the Automated Underreporter (AUR) system.
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Brooklyn Knight
Did you claim any specific credits like the Earned Income Credit or Child Tax Credit? I'm wondering if those might be slowing things down? My return with EITC took forever last year and I'm so nervous about delays this time around!
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Owen Devar
Thanks for asking this. Been wondering the same. Credits definitely slow things down.
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Daniel Rivera
I filed on January 29, 2024 with both EITC and CTC, and my return is still processing. Did anyone who filed with these credits already receive their refund this year? I'm trying to gauge typical timeframes for the current tax season.
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Sophie Footman
Path Act returns (those with EITC/ACTC) follow different timelines: • Cannot be released before mid-February by law • Often take 28-35 days even when error-free • May require additional identity verification • Will show different cycle codes on transcripts I've seen this consistently over multiple tax seasons.
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Connor Rupert
The 21-day processing time is standard. It's in the IRS guidelines. They don't expedite returns. Even if you call. Your 8-year gap triggered additional verification. That's automatic. Nothing personal. Software change was smart. Always compare options. The $500 difference proves it was worth shopping around.
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Molly Hansen
Why is the IRS treating returns like they're fine wines that need to age for 21 days? My return is pretty straightforward - shouldn't they process simple returns faster than complicated ones?
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