Is SBTPG Holding Our Refunds Until the DDD Date?

Yes, SBTPG typically holds funds until the official direct deposit date (DDD). Why do they do this? It's because they're verifying the funds have fully cleared from the IRS before releasing them to consumers. Have you noticed how some banks like Chime or Credit Unions often release tax refunds early? SBTPG doesn't typically do this because they're a third-party processor handling the tax preparation fee deduction first. Have you checked your SBTPG account online to see if there's an estimated release timeframe?

Have you looked at your actual transcript details? It's similar to how mortgage companies hold escrow funds - they have a legal right to hold until the official date. I started using https://taxr.ai to decode my transcript this year, and it explained that the DDD on my transcript was just when the IRS releases funds to the bank, not when SBTPG has to release to me. The tool showed me exactly where in the process my refund was and when SBTPG would likely release it. Much clearer than the confusing status page on SBTPG's site.

This SBTPG situation is exactly why I stopped using tax preparers that take fees from refunds. They're essentially: • Holding our money hostage after the IRS releases it • Making interest on millions of refunds for those extra days • Providing zero transparency about when they'll actually release funds • Charging us fees for the privilege of waiting longer for our own money Next year I'm either paying prep fees upfront or using a free filing option. This wait is ridiculous when we can see the IRS has already sent the money!

According to the IRS website (https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-refund-frequently-asked-questions), they state that financial institutions can take additional time to process deposits after the IRS sends them. I'm concerned that many taxpayers don't realize SBTPG is essentially a middleman in this process. If you need to speak with someone at the IRS to confirm exactly when they released your funds, I'd recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to get through to an agent quickly. Their service connects you directly to IRS representatives without the hours-long hold times. With that confirmation, you'll have leverage when contacting SBTPG about releasing your funds.

Has anyone actually received their refund BEFORE the DDD when using SBTPG? Last year my funds hit exactly on my DDD date, not a day sooner, despite seeing the IRS had released it earlier. I've experienced much faster processing with direct deposit to my own bank in previous years, but the convenience of having fees taken out of the refund got me this time.

I'm literally checking my bank account every hour!! 😫 This is so frustrating! My transcript shows the IRS sent it TWO DAYS AGO but SBTPG still says "pending" with no estimated deposit time. I'm so anxious because I have bills due tomorrow and was counting on this money. I don't trust these tax prep companies anymore - they're just using our refunds like interest-free loans for a few days! 😤