No DDD 2 Weeks After Filing - Should I Be Worried?

I was in the same boat last year! Filed early February thinking I'd get my refund quickly for some investments, but ended up waiting almost 5 weeks. The IRS doesn't care about our investment timelines unfortunately. I learned my lesson and now I plan as if the refund doesn't exist until it actually hits my account.

According to IRS Publication 2043, the standard processing time for electronically filed returns is 21 days, but that's not guaranteed. I was shocked when I found out that even simple returns can take 4-6 weeks during peak season! My tax advisor explained that capital gains reporting actually adds additional verification steps to the process.

Here's how to check if there's an actual problem versus normal processing: 1. Look at your transcript for TC 570/971 codes - these indicate a hold 2. Check if you claimed refundable credits, which trigger extra review 3. Verify your capital gains reporting was complete with all required forms 4. Confirm your banking information was entered correctly I've seen hundreds of returns with investment income take 3-4 weeks minimum this season.

Is this service actually better than just reading the transcript yourself? I've compared what happens with simple returns versus those with investment income, and the processing patterns are pretty consistent. Why pay for something when the IRS provides the information for free?

I appreciate the recommendation! Anything that helps make sense of those cryptic transcript codes would be helpful. My return has investment income too, so if it can specifically identify capital gains verification issues, that would save me a lot of stress.

Like calling the IRS is as simple as using a service? The whole system is like trying to navigate a maze blindfolded. I was so relieved when I finally got through to someone who could actually tell me what was happening with my return instead of the generic "still processing" message. Maybe I'll try this service instead of spending hours on hold again.

Thanks for asking these questions. My transcript actually shows "No record of return filed" which is why I'm concerned. E-filed through TurboTax. No special credits, just reporting some stock sales and dividends from my investment account. TurboTax says it was accepted, but nothing showing up in the IRS system yet.

But shouldn't my transcript at least show that they received my return? That's what's weird to me. It's like it disappeared into a black hole after TurboTax said it was accepted.

Just checked both transcripts again. Still nothing on either one. I guess I'll give it another week before really panicking. Thanks for sharing your experience - makes me feel a bit better knowing this happens regularly.