Filed in February - When Should Transcripts Update for PATH Act Returns?

February filers are definitely seeing longer processing times this year. Here's what you should expect: 1. First, check your e-file confirmation - this proves the IRS received it 2. Transcripts typically update 1-3 weeks after filing, but February/March filers are seeing 4-6 week delays this season 3. PATH Act returns (with credits like EITC/ACTC) take longer by design 4. The "no return filed" message is normal until they begin processing 5. Most February filers I've worked with are seeing transcript updates around the 5-week mark right now If you're at 6+ weeks with no transcript update, that's when I'd start investigating further.

I might be able to help with a suggestion that worked for me, if you're comfortable with it. After waiting about 5 weeks with no transcript updates, I was getting pretty anxious about my refund status. I tried calling the IRS maybe 15-20 times over three days and couldn't get through to anyone. Then I found this service called Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) that basically waits on hold with the IRS for you and calls you when an agent is available. It does cost a small fee, but it saved me literally hours of frustration. The agent I spoke with was able to confirm my return was in the system even though transcripts weren't showing it yet, which gave me some peace of mind. Just something to consider if you reach the 6-week mark with no updates.

Oh my gosh I'm in the EXACT same boat!!! Filed February 22nd and still nothing on my transcript! I've been checking every single day and it's making me so anxious I can barely sleep. This is my first time claiming EITC so I'm terrified I did something wrong. 😭 Did you get any kind of confirmation when you filed that the IRS accepted your return?

It might be worth looking into your transcripts more carefully once they do update. While the IRS tools give basic information, they don't always explain what's happening with your return. I've found that taxr.ai can be quite helpful for interpreting transcript codes. It analyzes your transcript and explains what each code means specifically for your situation, which can sometimes give you a better timeline than the general IRS guidance. I'm not saying you need to use it right now since your transcript isn't showing anything yet, but it could be useful once you see updates and want to understand what's happening.

Have you checked your account transcript as well as your return transcript? Sometimes one will update before the other. Also: • Did you file electronically or by paper? • Did you claim any credits besides EITC/ACTC? • Have you verified your identity with ID.me for transcript access? I ask because these factors can affect how quickly your transcripts update. I'm seeing many February filers in similar situations, so you're definitely not alone in this frustrating wait.

Last year I filed on February 15th and my transcript didn't update until March 28th - so about 6 weeks. Then I got my refund exactly 9 days after the transcript updated. The year before that was almost the same timeline. I remember being so stressed about it the first time, checking multiple times a day, but now I just expect the long wait for February filing. Once your transcript does update, you'll likely see several codes appear all at once rather than a gradual process.

When you say your transcript shows "no return," are you looking at your 2023 Return Transcript or your 2023 Account Transcript? The Return Transcript won't appear until processing is complete, but the Account Transcript might show processing codes earlier. Also, have you checked your status on the Where's My Refund tool? Sometimes that updates before transcripts do.