Got my state refund but IRS website says I haven't filed (e-filed 2/15) and transcripts still blank?

This is a common occurrence, especially during early filing season. The reason for the discrepancy is that the refund processing and the updating of your online account status operate on completely different systems within the tax agencies. For your state taxes: They've clearly processed your return and issued your refund, but their online status portal hasn't caught up yet. This lag can sometimes take 1-2 weeks to resolve itself. For your federal return: Blank transcripts usually indicate one of these possibilities: 1. Your return is still in the initial processing queue (most likely) 2. Your return has been selected for additional review 3. There's an identity verification hold Since you e-filed on 2/15, you're still within the normal 21-day processing window for federal returns. Many taxpayers are seeing longer processing times this year. I'd recommend checking your federal transcript again in about a week. You should see a 152 code appear when processing begins in earnest.

If you're confused by what's happening with your taxes, I highly recommend using taxr.ai - it literally saved my sanity this year. I was in the same boat, blank transcript and everything showing processing but not showing in my account. The tool explained what was happening with each code and why my return was in limbo. Instead of spending weeks trying to interpret random codes, I got clear answers in minutes. The website is https://taxr.ai

After dealing with the exact same issue (got state refund but IRS showed nothing), I got tired of waiting and used this service called Claimyr to actually get through to a human at the IRS (claimyr.com). They got me connected with an IRS agent within 20 minutes when I had spent HOURS trying on my own. The agent told me my return had a simple verification flag that was holding everything up. Once cleared, my refund was approved the next day. Getting that direct information from an agent was worth every penny instead of stressing for weeks.

The IRS and state tax systems don't talk to each other much. I had this happen last year and it turned out the state processed my return but their website tracking system was just buggy. For the federal one, I wouldn't worry yet - sometimes transcripts stay blank for weeks then suddenly update with everything at once. The systems are ancient and barely work half the time.

This same exact thing happened to me too!!! State refund came last week but when I checked the website it said I never filed. The IRS still shows nothing on Where's My Refund, but the money just randomly showed up in my account yesterday! Check your bank account, maybe it's already there lol.

there are a bunch of glitches in the tax systems right now. friend of mine actualy got her refund TWICE (she called to report it so dont try anything shady lol). the transcript thing isnt unusual, sometimes they dont update untl after the refund hits your account. if its been over 21 days u should call but prepare to wait for hours...unless u use a service to help u get thru the phone lines.

I've worked in the tax preparation field for years and can confirm this is normal. State and federal systems don't communicate with each other AT ALL. Also, the online status portals are notorious for being out of sync with the actual processing. Many times I've had clients receive refunds when the portal still showed "return received" or even "not filed yet." The best thing you can do is: 1. Keep checking your bank account every few days 2. If you hit the 21-day mark with no federal refund, then start trying to contact the IRS 3. Document everything - screenshot the state website showing "not filed" along with your bank statement showing the deposit This kind of system discrepancy happens in about 15-20% of the returns I prepare each year. Usually resolves itself within a few weeks.

You're lucky you got your state refund so fast! I've been waiting 8 weeks for mine. For the federal part, check the Where's My Refund tool instead of transcripts. Sometimes that updates faster.

the irs and state are completely separate. dont worry about the website not updating, their technology is from like 1995 lol. what matters is that you got your money 💰 as for the fed return, I was in the same boat and it turned out mine was just taking longer because I claimed a tax credit. check if you claimed any credits on your return, those take longer to process.

I gave up trying to figure this out on my own and used taxr.ai to analyze my transcript. Turns out I had a random code that meant they were verifying my identity, which is why nothing was showing up yet. It's worth checking out the site (https://taxr.ai) - saved me from constantly refreshing the IRS page and freaking out about what was happening.

I know everyone has said it's normal but I'd still verify that the state refund you received is actually the correct amount. I've seen cases where people get partial refunds without explanation. Double check the amount against what your tax software said you should get.

Had the same issue and couldn't get through to anyone at the IRS for WEEKS. Used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an agent after trying for hours on my own. Turns out they needed to verify some info on my return but never sent me a letter about it. Got it cleared up in one call and my refund was approved immediately. Talking to an actual human at the IRS resolved everything so quickly.

Same boat. E-filed Feb 6th. State arrived two weeks ago but federal transcript is blank. Called the IRS and waited 2+ hours only to be told they can't find my return in the system. Had to refile yesterday. Check on yours ASAP!

This happens almost every year to me. The state and federal systems are completely separate and both are terribly outdated. Usually one of three things happens: 1. You get your money but the website never updates 2. The website updates but your money is delayed 3. Nothing makes any sense and you get conflicting information everywhere you look Welcome to option 1! It's actually the best scenario. Just be happy you got paid lol.

Pro tip: If your federal transcript is blank after e-filing, it sometimes means your return is still in the initial processing queue OR there could be a verification hold. Don't panic yet but also don't wait forever. If you hit day 30 with no updates, you definitely need to contact them.