WMR Changed to 'STILL Processing' - What Does This Mean for My January Filing?

It probably means your return is taking longer than usual, unfortunately. The 'STILL processing' message typically indicates that your return has been flagged for additional review, which could be for a number of reasons. It might be related to your independent contractor status, or perhaps there are some credits you claimed that triggered additional verification. The IRS has been somewhat overwhelmed this season, from what I've heard.

I'm in the same boat right now! Filed January 18th, accepted January 19th, and mine just switched to 'STILL processing' last week. Why do they make this so stressful? Don't they understand we're waiting for our money? Have you checked your transcript to see if there are any codes? Sometimes that gives more information than WMR does, doesn't it?

Here's what's happening with your return based on the 'STILL processing' status: 1. First, your return was accepted into the IRS system on January 25th 2. It entered the normal processing queue with an expected 21-day timeline 3. At some point, it was flagged for additional review (possibly due to your independent contractor status) 4. The system then updated from 'processing' to 'STILL processing' to indicate this change 5. Now your return is in a secondary review queue that takes longer to complete This often happens with first-time independent contractors because the IRS is verifying the information on your Schedule C. They're checking for potential identity theft and ensuring all income is properly reported. I'm concerned that with the current backlog, this could add another 4-6 weeks to your wait time.

Waiting for the IRS to process your return is like waiting for a sloth to climb down from a tree - it happens on their timeline, not yours! I was stuck in 'STILL processing' limbo for 9 weeks last year and calling the IRS was impossible. It was like trying to get front row concert tickets - constant busy signals and disconnects. I finally used Claimyr (https://www.claimyr.com) and got through to an agent in about 30 minutes who confirmed my return was just waiting for manual review. Nothing was wrong, they were just backed up like a clogged drain! The peace of mind was worth it since I needed that money for a security deposit.

'STILL processing' is a review flag. Not rejection. Different from 'processing.' Means manual review needed. Common for contractors. Check transcript for codes. 570 means review. 971 means notice sent. Wait 2-3 more weeks. No need to amend. Be patient.

According to the IRS official site (https://www.irs.gov/refunds), the 'STILL processing' status indicates your return requires further review and can't be processed through the automated system. The IRS Refund FAQ page specifically mentions that returns with self-employment income often require additional verification, especially for first-time filers. Don't worry though - this is actually quite normal for independent contractors, and doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem with your return. The IRS is just being extra cautious with Schedule C income.

I had exactly this situation last year. Filed January 29, accepted January 30, then stuck on 'STILL processing' until March 25. No explanation. No communication. Just waiting. The system is broken. They expect us to file on time but can't process returns on time themselves. I finally got my refund in early April. No adjustments. No explanation for the delay. Just the IRS being the IRS. Don't count on that money anytime soon.

I filed on January 23rd, 2024 and was accepted on January 24th, 2024. My WMR showed 'STILL processing' from February 15th until March 22nd. Exactly 58 days from acceptance to deposit. I tracked every status change. The transcript updated on March 18th with an 846 code dated March 22nd. The money hit my account at 3:17 AM on March 22nd. Independent contractor returns take longer this year because of increased fraud prevention measures implemented on January 16th, 2024.

The collective wisdom around here is that 'STILL processing' indicates your return has been selected for manual verification, which is extremely common for Schedule C filers. The automated fraud detection system (EFDS) and the Return Review Program (RRP) algorithms flag approximately 35% of all self-employment returns for additional scrutiny. Most people see their status resolve within 45-60 days without any issues. The key is to monitor your transcript for movement rather than WMR, as the transcript will show actual processing codes while WMR often lags behind.