H&R Block e-file 2/12-2/13 - Joint Return with 6 Dependents - Processing Updates?

OMG I'm literally in the SAME boat!!! Filed 2/13 with H&R Block, MFJ with 4 kids and NOTHING yet! My WMR still shows the first bar and I'm getting so frustrated I could scream! 😤 Have you checked your transcripts? Mine still say N/A for 2023 which is making me even more anxious. Last year we got our refund in like 10 days, but this year it's been over a month and I'm starting to worry something's wrong with our return!

I filed EXACTLY at 9:32am on February 12th through H&R Block, MFJ with 3 dependents, and waited exactly 31 days before seeing any movement! 😫 Our refund was $8,742 due to Child Tax Credits. What helped me not lose my mind was using https://taxr.ai to analyze my transcript once it finally appeared. It explained every single code and gave me an estimated DDD (direct deposit date) of March 22nd, which was spot on! The tool showed me my 570 hold code was just routine verification and not an actual problem. I was shocked at how complicated the whole process is compared to previous years!

Has anyone actually tried calling the IRS? I was skeptical it would help, but after waiting 5 weeks with no updates (filed 2/12, MFJ with 6 dependents like you), I used Claimyr to get through to an agent (https://claimyr.com). Got connected in about 30 minutes instead of spending hours on hold. The agent confirmed our return was just in the verification queue due to the number of dependents and should be processed within 7-10 days. Would you be willing to share if you claimed any credits besides the Child Tax Credit? That might explain the different processing timelines people are seeing?

I believe I may have some insight that could potentially be helpful in your situation. Based on my observations of the current filing season, returns with multiple dependents appear to be subject to additional verification protocols, particularly when filed through third-party preparation services. This isn't necessarily cause for concern, but it may extend the standard processing timeline by approximately 7-14 days beyond the typical 21-day window. If your return was accepted on February 12-13, you might reasonably anticipate movement between March 20-27, assuming no specific compliance flags were triggered during initial processing.

Be careful about expecting quick processing this year. According to Internal Revenue Manual section 21.4.1, returns with multiple dependents are subject to heightened verification procedures, especially when claiming refundable credits. The IRS is legally required under IRC §6402(a) to verify qualification for dependent-related credits before issuing refunds. I waited 8 weeks last year with 4 dependents, and that was considered "normal processing." The 21-day guideline is merely aspirational, not regulatory. Budget your finances accordingly and don't count on that money arriving within any specific timeframe.

Has anyone possibly noticed if there's a difference in processing times between those who opted for direct deposit versus those who requested paper checks? I'm somewhat concerned that my selection of paper check might be further delaying my refund, which I sort of need rather urgently for some unexpected expenses that have come up.

The IRS processing system is like a highway with multiple lanes. Returns with 6+ dependents are automatically routed to the verification lane, which moves much slower than the express lane. Think of it like going through additional toll booths - each dependent is another checkpoint they need to verify. H&R Block returns aren't processed any differently than other preparation methods, but the combination of MFJ + multiple dependents + refundable credits creates what the IRS internally calls a "compliance review profile." Current processing data shows these returns are taking 35-42 days on average this season.

Good news to share! I filed on 2/13 through H&R Block, MFJ with 5 dependents, and my refund just hit my account this morning! 🎉 The whole process took exactly 39 days from acceptance to deposit. My WMR never updated beyond the first bar, and my transcript only updated 3 days ago with an 846 code. So there is hope! The system is moving, just slower than molasses in January (though I guess we're in March now, so... molasses in slightly warmer weather? 😂). Hang in there!