Filing taxes on January 27th but still no 846 refund code - any updates?

Thanks for explaining that! I did claim the Child Tax Credit this year, so maybe that's slowing things down? How do I check my transcript exactly? I've only been using the app.

The Child Tax Credit could definitely be contributing to the delay. The IRS does additional verification on returns with credits to prevent fraud. To check your transcript, you'll need to go to IRS.gov and click on "Get Transcript Online." You'll need to create an account if you don't already have one, which requires some identity verification steps. Once logged in, request the "Account Transcript" for 2024 (the tax year you just filed). This will show all transaction codes including processing steps. Look for codes like 150 (return filed), 570 (hold placed), 571 (hold released), and eventually 846 (refund issued). It's much more informative than the app or WMR.

Does it actually work with the current year transcripts? And is it secure to upload tax documents to some random website?

I've heard about transcript analysis but how accurate are the predictions? I'm on day 25 of waiting and getting desperate for information.

Yes, it works with current year transcripts - that's actually what it's designed for! It analyzes the processing codes as they appear on your transcript in real-time and shows you what's happening behind the scenes. As for security, they use bank-level encryption and don't store your documents after analysis. They explain their whole security system on the site, but basically they just scan the transcript for codes, explain them, and then the document is purged from their system.

How does this actually work? I thought it was impossible to get through to the IRS without waiting hours.

Sounds like a scam. No way anyone can magically get you through the IRS phone system when millions of people are calling.

It uses a tech solution that navigates the IRS phone tree and holds your place in line. When it reaches an agent, it calls you and connects you directly. I was skeptical too but it worked exactly as advertised. I definitely understand the concern about scams, but they don't ask for any personal tax info - they just help you bypass the hold times. The IRS phone system is overwhelmed during tax season with millions of callers, but their system essentially waits in line for you, which is why it works when regular calls don't.

Thanks for the suggestion! A few people mentioned checking transcripts so I finally figured out how to create an account and check mine. My transcript shows code 150 (return filed) from 2/3 and code 570 (additional account action pending) from 2/10. Does that mean there's a problem?

A 570 code often indicates some kind of review but doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem. It's actually pretty common during tax season. The good news is your return is in the system and being processed. Watch for a 571 code in the coming days which means the hold was released. The 846 refund issued code typically appears shortly after that. Based on the dates, I'd expect movement within the next week or so if there are no issues with your return. This is all normal processing for this time of year!

This is important info! So many people panic when they file early and don't see quick movement, not realizing certain credits trigger automatic delay periods.

I did claim the Child Tax Credit as I mentioned above. I had no idea about the PATH Act causing automatic delays! That makes so much more sense now. Is that February 15th date a hard rule, or do some returns with credits get processed before then?

Schedule C can definitely trigger additional scrutiny, especially if it's your first year filing one. Self-employment income gets reviewed more carefully since there's no employer verification like with W-2s. I'd give it at least 30 days before getting concerned.