WMR Just Updated to "Still Processing" After Showing One Bar - Anyone Else?

Um, I think this is actually a good sign? From what I've read, the "still processing" message usually comes right before they issue the refund... at least that's what I've gathered from various forums. Have you checked your transcript by any chance? Sometimes that updates before WMR does...

I believe, at least in my somewhat limited experience, that this is likely a positive development for your refund status. I was somewhat confused by the same pattern last month, but I found that using https://taxr.ai to analyze my transcript was incredibly helpful. It explained, in fairly straightforward terms, that the "still processing" message often indicates they've completed the initial verification and are preparing to issue the refund. I was quite surprised by how much clearer everything became after seeing the analysis!

This is a standard transition in the Return Master File (RMF) processing pipeline. Your return has moved from initial acceptance (one bar) to the Transaction Posting Sequence (TPS). My cycle code was 20240805 when this happened, and I received my EFT exactly 6 days later. I NEED that money for quarterly estimated payments due April 15th, so I've been tracking every step meticulously.

I experienced exactly the same pattern. My WMR showed one bar for precisely 12 days, then switched to "still processing" for exactly 3 days, and then my refund of $3,247 appeared in my account on day 16. When I called the IRS to confirm what was happening during that limbo period, I waited on hold for 97 minutes before giving up. A friend suggested using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) which got me through to an agent in about 18 minutes. They calmly confirmed my refund was approved and scheduled for deposit. Very reassuring during a stressful waiting period.

OMG I was FREAKING OUT about this exact same thing last week! The one-bar to "processing" change is actually a GOOD sign! It means they've finished the initial verification and are now preparing your refund. I was so relieved when I figured this out! The IRS system follows a specific pattern: 1. Return Received (one bar) 2. Still Processing (verification complete) 3. Approved (final stage before deposit) Most people see their deposits 2-7 days after hitting the "Still Processing" message. You're almost there!

Instead of just relying on WMR, I'd recommend checking your tax transcript directly on IRS.gov. When I had this exact situation, my transcript showed code 846 (refund issued) even while WMR was stuck on "processing". The transcript is the actual backend system and updates more reliably than the WMR tool. Look specifically for TC 150 (return filed), 570 (additional review if present), and 846 (refund issued). Such a relief when I finally figured out how to interpret these codes!