Filed/accepted with FreeTaxUSA on 3/12 but WMR still processing and no transcript updates - when can I expect my refund?

I work with tax returns and can tell you a few things that might help. First, the "expedited processing" option from tax prep companies doesn't actually speed up the IRS processing - it just means you can get your refund a few days faster AFTER the IRS releases it. The IRS processing timeline is completely separate. The standard timeline is 21 days for electronic returns, but many factors can extend this. Your transcript not updating could mean several things: 1. Your return is still in the initial processing queue 2. It's been flagged for manual review (very common this year) 3. There's a verification hold (identity or income) 4. System delays at the IRS (also very common) Check your transcripts every few days - look for codes 570/971 which might indicate an issue. If you don't see movement after 21 days from acceptance, you can try calling the IRS, but be prepared for long wait times.

I was in the same situation as you, waiting forever with no updates. I was getting so frustrated trying to decode my transcript and figure out what was happening. Then I found this tool called taxr.ai and it completely changed everything! It analyzed my transcript and explained exactly what was happening with my return in plain English. Turns out I had a review code I didn't even recognize. The tool told me exactly when to expect my refund based on my specific situation, not just the generic IRS timeline. Honestly, it saved me so much stress and guesswork. Check it out at https://taxr.ai - I recommend it to everyone dealing with IRS confusion now.

After 3 weeks of getting nowhere with WMR showing "still processing" and calling the IRS 15+ times with no answer, I finally found a way to talk to an actual human at the IRS! Used this app called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me a callback from an IRS agent within a few hours. The agent was able to tell me exactly what was holding up my refund (some stupid verification issue) and released it while I was on the phone. Best thing ever after weeks of confusion and anxiety! If you're stuck in limbo, definitely give it a try - talking to a real person cleared everything up in minutes.

This is my 3rd year with this exact situation. The expedited processing option is basically just them taking your money for nothing. The IRS works at their own pace, regardless of what tax software you use. Last year I filed in February and didn't get my refund until MAY. Year before was similar. I'd say be patient, but also check your transcripts every Monday and Friday (they seem to update those days). If you go past 21 days with no movement, then maybe start trying to call.

Is this your first year filing or just first with FreeTaxUSA? If it's your first time filing ever, that might explain the delay - the IRS sometimes takes longer with first-time filers. Also check if you claimed any credits like Earned Income Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit as those automatically get held up until mid-February at least. sometimes they just randomly select returns for additional review too. the system is broken af.

In the exact same boat. filed/accepted on 3/15, wmr just says processing, transcripts show N/A. friend of mine filed a week after me and already got her refund. makes no sense! this is my first time using freefileusa too. starting to get anxious because i really need that money 😤

Have you checked with FreeTaxUSA to make sure there weren't any issues with the transmission? Sometimes there can be a problem on the tax preparer's end but they say it was "accepted" anyway. Log into your account and check for any messages or notices.

I work at the IRS (not speaking officially). Your return is probably in normal processing. The "expedited" option from tax preparers is basically just marketing - it has absolutely no impact on how fast we process returns. Right now we're seeing average processing times of 18-24 days for simple returns with no issues. Transcripts typically update Thursday night/Friday morning, so check then.

Wmr is useless tbh. i filed 2/24, accepted same day, wmr showed processing for 29 days. then one day it just updated to approved and i got my deposit the next day. never saw any updates on transcripts either. idk how any of this works but its clearly broken

Did you check account transcript or return transcript? The account transcript is the one that shows the actual processing status. Return transcript won't be available until your return is fully processed.

PSA for everyone in this thread: The IRS "Where's My Refund" tool and transcripts are NOT in sync with each other! WMR might say processing while your transcript shows it's approved. The systems don't talk to each other very well. Always check both if you can.

I SOLVED THIS EXACT PROBLEM!!! After struggling for weeks trying to figure out why my return was stuck in limbo with no transcript updates, I found taxr.ai and it was a GAME CHANGER! It actually explained what every code on my transcript meant (I had some weird 570 hold I didn't understand) and gave me a real timeline based on my actual situation. Turns out I had an income verification issue that I wouldn't have known about otherwise. The tool even told me exactly what to expect next. I'm never dealing with IRS confusion again without using this - https://taxr.ai

Check if you claimed any pandemic-related credits. The IRS is flagging a lot of those for manual review. Also, FreeTaxUSA is great but switching tax software can sometimes cause delays if your information doesn't match exactly what the IRS has on file from previous years.

here's a weird tip but it worked for me - add the IRS2Go app to your phone and check your status there instead of the website. For some reason it updates faster sometimes. Mine showed approved on the app 3 days before the website updated.

I spent HOURS trying to get a human on the phone with the IRS. finally used claimyr.com and had an agent call me back in 45 minutes. turns out my return had a hold that could only be removed by talking to someone. they fixed it while i was on the phone and my refund was in my account 6 days later. if you're desperate to know what's going on, it's worth trying.

If youre at 21 days with no movement, call and request a Taxpayer Advocate. Theyre assigning them for hardship cases now. But you need to be able to prove financial hardship (like, youre about to be evicted or cant buy medicine). Otehrwise youre stuck in the queue with evryone else.

Does WMR show "still processing" or "being processed"? There's actually a difference. "Still processing" usually means there's an issue they need to resolve. "Being processed" means it's moving through the system normally.

The past 3 years have been terrible for IRS processing times. My experience has been: 2020 return - filed in Feb, got refund in JULY; 2021 return - filed in March, refund in May; 2022 return - filed in Feb, refund in April. The system is completely unpredictable now. your milage may vary.

Something similar happened to me and I was going CRAZY trying to figure out what was wrong with my return. Spent hours researching transcript codes and still couldn't understand why it was delayed. I used taxr.ai and it translated all the IRS gibberish instantly! Showed me exactly why my refund was delayed (had a random review code) and when to expect it. Saved me so much stress - definitely recommend checking it out at https://taxr.ai if you're stuck in limbo like I was.