Son's Tax Return Filed Feb 15th - No Updates on WMR or Transcripts
My son e-filed his 2023 tax return exactly 37 days ago on February 15th, 2024, and we're seeing absolutely no updates in the system. I've analyzed his situation from my home office, and there are 3 concerning factors: 1. Where's My Refund doesn't even show his return as received 2. Transcript shows no updates whatsoever when we check online 3. He already completed ID.me verification last year Based on my research, most e-filed returns show as "received" within 24-48 hours. Is there a secondary verification process he needs to complete? What's the most efficient way to speak with an IRS representative about this issue? I've documented all submission confirmation numbers and have all his filing information ready.
16 comments
TillyCombatwarrior
This might be somewhat concerning, but probably not a reason to panic yet. In my experience, the IRS systems can sometimes be quite delayed in showing updates, especially during peak filing season. Have you perhaps checked if the e-file was actually accepted? There's a difference between submitted and accepted that many people don't realize. It's also possible that there could be some sort of verification hold that isn't visible on the typical transcript view.
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Anna Xian
Thank you for highlighting the distinction between submission and acceptance. According to Internal Revenue Manual 21.4.1.3, electronic returns should receive an acknowledgment within 24 hours of transmission. Per Publication 1345, a return is not considered filed until this acknowledgment is received from the IRS.
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Jungleboo Soletrain
I experienced exactly this situation with my return filed on February 12th. No updates for exactly 42 days, then suddenly everything appeared at once. Is there a way to confirm if the return was actually accepted by the IRS vs just submitted to the preparation software?
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Rajan Walker
I'm experiencing the same issue with my AGI verification pending. The IRS Submission Processing Center appears to be experiencing significant backlogs with e-filed returns. My transcript also shows N/A for 2023, which typically indicates the return hasn't been fully integrated into the Master File system yet.
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Nadia Zaldivar
I had this exact same issue with my son's return last year. Filed on February 20th, 2023 and absolutely nothing showed up until March 31st, 2023. The IRS is severely backlogged right now. I checked the IRS operations page on April 1st, 2024 and they're still processing returns from January. Your son's return is probably sitting in a digital queue waiting to be processed.
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Lukas Fitzgerald
How does this compare to previous years though? I've been filing for 15+ years and never had a return take more than 2 weeks to at least show as received. Does having prior year verification through ID.me not speed things up at all?
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Ev Luca
Tbh this sounds like a classic case of IRS processing delay. I've seen tons of ppl w/ similar issues this yr. The system is totally overwhelmed rn. If you need answers ASAP, don't waste time w/ the regular IRS number - you'll be on hold 4ever. I used Claimyr.com last week (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) and got connected to an agent in like 20 mins. They confirmed my return was just stuck in processing limbo, nothing wrong w/ it. Saved me days of stress and redial attempts. Def worth it to get actual answers instead of guessing.
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Avery Davis
I've heard about these services that claim to get you through to the IRS faster, but I'm always skeptical. I worked in tax preparation for years and we always just had to wait on hold like everyone else. Does this service actually work consistently? What's the catch?
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Collins Angel
Think of the IRS phone system like trying to get concert tickets when they first go on sale. Everyone's hitting redial at the same time on the same limited number of lines. I was doubtful about these services too, but after spending 3 hours on hold only to get disconnected twice, I tried Claimyr. It's like having someone wait in the phone queue for you while you go about your day.
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Marcelle Drum
I understand how frustrating this situation must be for you and your son. Here's what you need to know about the current processing situation: Step 1: Check your son's tax preparation software account first. Look for an "accepted" confirmation, not just "submitted." Step 2: Verify if there were any credits claimed that might trigger additional review (EIC, CTC, etc). Step 3: If you need to speak with the IRS, call early morning (7am-8am) when they first open or try Thursday/Friday which typically have shorter wait times. Step 4: When calling, have your son's Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount ready. Many returns are experiencing delayed processing this year, especially those filed in February, but most will resolve without intervention.
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Tate Jensen
These are excellent steps. I'd add that the IRS is currently prioritizing returns with refundable credits due to statutory deadlines. Returns without such credits may be in a lower priority queue.
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Adaline Wong
What happens if the tax preparation software shows "accepted" but the IRS systems don't show anything? Isn't that a contradiction? Shouldn't the two systems be synchronized if the return was truly accepted?
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Gabriel Ruiz
Last year I had a similar situation with my daughter's return. We waited and waited with no updates, then suddenly got a letter in the mail requesting identity verification. By that point, we had already lost 8 weeks of processing time. The letter had been sitting at my daughter's old address for weeks before being forwarded. If I were you, I'd make sure all contact information is current with the IRS.
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Misterclamation Skyblue
I had a positive outcome with a similar situation this filing season: • Filed on February 18th • No updates for 32 days • Called IRS on day 33 • Agent confirmed return was in processing • Refund appeared 5 days after call Sometimes the act of calling seems to move things along, though the agent assured me it was just coincidental timing. Worth noting that my return had been accepted according to TurboTax, just not showing on WMR or transcripts until suddenly everything updated at once.
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Peyton Clarke
According to the IRS2Go app and the official IRS processing timeline (https://www.irs.gov/refunds), most electronic returns should be processed within 21 days. However, the IRS Operations page shows they're currently working through a significant backlog. Your son's return might be caught in what they call the "Error Resolution System" which doesn't necessarily mean there's an error - just that it requires manual review.
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Vince Eh
My return was stuck. No updates. Filed February 10th. Called March 15th. Got simple explanation. Return flagged for review. No letter sent yet. Issue resolved during call. Refund received March 22nd. Total processing time: 40 days. No action needed from me.
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