Filed with CTC last Thursday - Got PATH Message Today - What's Next?

So I've been through this PATH rodeo before, haha. The message showing up actually IS a good sign! It means your return has passed the initial processing stage and is now just in the mandatory holding pattern for returns with refundable credits. The IRS basically puts these returns in a special queue until mid-February (which has already passed for this tax season). Your timing is actually pretty good - filed last week and already at PATH stage? That's faster than I expected... though I'm always a little worried when things move TOO quickly with the IRS 😅

It probably means they've at least started initial processing, but I wouldn't necessarily assume they've fully "worked" your return yet. The PATH message is sort of automatically triggered for any return with certain credits like the CTC, regardless of how far along in processing it actually is. In my experience, you might still be waiting a couple of weeks, possibly even longer depending on your specific situation. International filing status might add some complexity too.

I'm experiencing the identical situation with my filing. E-filed on March 24th with Child Tax Credit, and the PATH Act notification appeared on my Where's My Refund portal yesterday. Based on my analysis of the IRS processing protocols, this indicates your return has passed the initial validation phase and entered the verification queue. The system automatically flags all returns with refundable credits for additional review regardless of filing date. The mid-February PATH lift refers to when they begin processing these returns, not when individual returns complete processing. I appreciate all the insights here as we navigate this together.

I'm in a similar situation and was getting concerned about the delays compared to previous years. When I tried calling the IRS directly, I spent 3 hours on hold before getting disconnected. Unlike credit card disputes where you can usually reach someone in minutes, the IRS phone system is incredibly frustrating. I finally used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to get through to an agent who confirmed my return was just in normal processing with no issues flagged. If you're really worried about your international filing status causing problems, it might be worth the fee to speak with an actual human who can see what's happening with your specific return.

Here's what's actually happening with your return right now: • Initial processing: COMPLETE (acceptance confirmation) • Basic error check: COMPLETE (PATH message indicates this passed) • Identity verification: LIKELY IN PROGRESS • Credit verification: LIKELY IN PROGRESS • Final review: NOT STARTED The PATH message doesn't mean you're just "waiting for a lift" - it means you're in active processing. For CTC claims filed in March 2024, most people are seeing 21-25 day processing times from acceptance to deposit. The international component might add a few days but shouldn't cause major delays unless there are foreign income issues.

According to Internal Revenue Code §6402(m) and the PATH Act provisions under §201 of Public Law 114-113, the IRS is required to hold refunds for returns claiming certain credits until at least February 15th. However, your situation is different since you filed after this date. The appearance of the PATH message indicates your return has entered the verification stage where they confirm eligibility for the Child Tax Credit. I empathize with your frustration - the system isn't very transparent about where exactly your return stands in the process. Many international filers experience additional verification steps, but these are typically completed within the standard 21-day window.

Let me walk you through what's happening with the PATH message: 1. When you first file: System shows "Return Received" 2. After basic processing: System shows PATH message for any return with certain credits 3. During verification: Still shows PATH message (no updates) 4. When approved: Changes to "Refund Approved" 5. When sent: Changes to "Refund Sent" The PATH message doesn't mean you're just waiting for some arbitrary date to pass - it means your return is actively being processed but is in a special queue for returns with credits. Have you tried checking your tax transcript instead of WMR? Sometimes that shows processing codes that give more insight into where your return actually is in the system.