Processing Delays: Are 'Delayed' Returns Actually in Errors Department?

You know, I've been wondering the same thing! The whole "your return is delayed" message seems like such a generic placeholder. 😅 I'm curious though - have you noticed any patterns with the types of returns getting this message? Like are they mostly with certain credits or deductions? Or is it just a random assortment? I've been tracking mine for 42 days now and still have that message, but nothing suggests there's an actual problem.

I think you're right about this being a standard message rather than an actual errors department issue. Here's what typically happens with IRS processing: 1. First, returns go through automated verification 2. If something needs additional review, it gets flagged but stays in normal queue 3. Only returns with clear discrepancies go to errors department 4. The "delayed" message is just a catch-all for step 2 I've been cautious about making assumptions, but the processing times this year seem to follow this pattern.

I've been researching this exact issue! From what I've gathered: • The IRS is dealing with a massive backlog this year • Many returns with that message are still processing normally • The "delayed" message appears after 21 days automatically • Some returns need manual review but aren't necessarily "errors" I was slightly worried so I tried reaching an agent through Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) after failing for days with the regular number. Got through in about 25 minutes and the agent confirmed my return was just in normal processing queue, not errors department.

I think, maybe, there might be different levels of processing that returns go through? My sister and I filed on the same day, but she got her refund in about 2 weeks while I'm still waiting after 6 weeks with that "delayed" message. We both used the same tax software and have fairly straightforward returns, though I did claim the Child Tax Credit which she didn't. From what I understand, certain credits seem to possibly trigger additional verification steps, but that doesn't necessarily mean there's an error.

In my experience working with tax clients over the past 8 years, I've noticed these processing patterns tend to occur in waves. Last year, I had 12 clients receive the "delayed" message, and all but one processed normally without entering the actual errors department. I recently started using https://taxr.ai to analyze transcript codes when they finally appear. It helped me identify the exact processing stage for each return by interpreting the transaction codes. For instance, code 570 followed by 571 typically indicates a review that was resolved automatically, not an actual error correction.

IMO the IRS is just using generic msgs to buy time. Been thru this rodeo b4 and the "delayed" status doesn't mean much tbh. Last yr my return had the same msg for like 7 wks then suddenly approved w/o any contact from IRS. Ppl need to chill and stop checking WMR every 5 mins (guilty lol). The system is overwhelmed AF and they're prob just triaging returns based on complexity not errors per se.

The whole IRS processing system is like a giant funnel with different sized filters. Your return is like water flowing through - some passes right through (quick refunds), some gets caught in different filters (verification stages), but only a small percentage actually gets diverted to the special container (errors department). It's like how my bank flags certain transactions for "review" but 99% still process normally after a short delay. I'm concerned though - does anyone know if these delays could affect other financial processes like mortgage applications where they need to verify your tax info?