IRS website says "2024 Tax Return Is Not Processed" after 4 weeks, but agent claims it's "in processing" - confused about $4,700 refund status!

I filed my tax return electronically about 4 weeks ago and have been checking the Where's My Refund tool regularly. Today I decided to check my account on the IRS website and it shows a message saying "Your 2024 Tax Return Is Not Processed" with additional text about processing usually taking 21 days for e-filing or 6 weeks for paper returns. When I log into my IRS account, I see a screen titled "Account Status" with a big alert that says "Your 2024 Tax Return Is Not Processed" in bold text. Below that, there's additional information explaining "If you've already filed, processing usually takes 21 days (electronic returns) or six weeks (paper returns)." The message also states "If you still need to file, submit your tax return along with any payment due by April 15, 2025 to avoid potential penalties." I can see this is from the official IRS website (sa.www4.irs.gov). I got worried so I called the IRS yesterday and spent over an hour on hold. When I finally reached someone, they told me my return was "in processing" and to just be patient. But the website still says it's not processed! I'm totally confused now. Is there a difference between "not processed" and "in processing"? Has anyone else experienced this? I was really counting on getting this refund soon since I'm supposed to be getting back around $4,700. The IRS representative didn't seem concerned at all, but the website message is making me nervous, especially since we're already into the fourth week since I filed. Does the IRS account status page update in real-time? Could it be that my return is actually being processed but the website hasn't updated yet? I'm checking my account several times a day and getting increasingly frustrated seeing that same "Not Processed" message staring back at me.

0 coins

52 comments

Dmitry Popov

There is absolutely a difference between "not processed" and "in processing" - it's frustrating that the IRS systems don't communicate this clearly. "Not Processed" on the portal typically means one of three things: 1. Your return is in the queue but hasn't been officially entered into their main processing system yet 2. Your return has been received but is waiting in a backlog 3. There could be a verification check happening that's causing a delay When the agent said it's "in processing," they're confirming they have your return and it's moving through their system. The online tools often lag behind what agents can see in their internal systems. My suggestion: • Wait another week as e-filed returns can sometimes take up to 30 days despite their "21 day" claim • Check your transcript if you can access it (often more detailed than WMR) • Don't call again unless you pass the 30-day mark without updates The IRS is still experiencing significant delays this year despite what they claim publicly.

0 coins

- 27d

Miguel Silva

I was in the exact same situation last month and was pulling my hair out trying to figure out what was going on. The IRS website is so confusing and their automated systems are like from the 90s or something. I finally got fed up trying to decode everything myself and used taxr.ai to figure out what was happening with my return. It was SO much better than trying to piece everything together myself. It read my transcript and translated all the codes and explained exactly where my return was in the process and when I could expect my refund. Turns out I had a simple verification delay but nothing serious. Honestly, I check it weekly now cuz it explains everything in normal human language. It's insanely good! Here's the link if you wanna try it: https://taxr.ai

0 coins

- 27d

Yara Nassar

After spending literal days trying to get someone on the phone at the IRS about a similar issue, I found this app called Claimyr that got me connected to an actual human at the IRS in about 20 minutes. They called me back with an agent on the line! The agent explained that my return was actually flagged for a quick review but was still processing normally and would be done within a week. Such a relief to talk to someone who could explain everything. Their website is claimyr.com if anyone else is tired of spending hours listening to awful hold music. Honestly talking to an actual agent was the only thing that finally cleared up my confusion.

0 coins

- 26d