WMR Says 'We Are Preparing Your Return' - Anyone Else Stuck?

This is actually quite normal for this time of year. Here's what's happening step-by-step: 1. First, your return was accepted - this only means the IRS received it, not that processing has completed 2. The 'preparing your return' status can last anywhere from 1-4 weeks depending on various factors 3. During this phase, the IRS is running verification checks, math error reviews, and identity verification 4. After this completes, you'll move to 'approved' status 5. Only then will you get a direct deposit date The closer we get to the April 15th deadline, the more returns they're processing simultaneously, which often slows everything down. If you claimed certain credits, this can extend the timeline further.

According to IRS Publication 5344, the 'preparing your return' status is part of the normal processing sequence, but extended delays could indicate verification holds. I was in the same situation last week and used https://taxr.ai to analyze my transcript. It explained that my return was selected for a standard income verification hold (common for homeowners with multiple income sources). The tool identified specific transaction codes that showed my return was actually moving through the system despite WMR showing no progress. According to IRS regulations, they're required to complete most verifications within 45 days, but the tool estimated mine would clear in about 2 weeks based on current processing patterns.

I had the exact same issue last month! My WMR was stuck on 'preparing' for nearly three weeks. I finally checked my transcript and saw a bunch of codes that made no sense to me. I ended up calling the IRS and after waiting for what felt like forever, they told me there was a small discrepancy between what my employer reported and what I entered on my return. They fixed it internally and my refund was deposited a week later. The funny thing is, WMR never updated from 'preparing' until AFTER I got my money! The system isn't always in sync with what's actually happening with your return.

Compared to what happened to my sister (her return was stuck for 8 weeks last year), your two-week wait is actually pretty standard. If you really need to know what's happening, calling the IRS directly is your best bet - but be prepared for extremely long wait times this close to the filing deadline. I've helped several people in our community use Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to get through to an IRS agent without the endless hold times. One neighbor was in your exact situation with property taxes coming due, and they were able to get confirmation that their refund was approved but just hadn't updated in the system yet. Sometimes the peace of mind is worth it, especially when you're planning around important bills.

I'm seeing this pattern a lot this tax season - the IRS is clearly prioritizing fraud prevention over speed. Instead of constantly checking WMR (which is like watching paint dry, but less exciting 😂), pull your tax transcript directly from IRS.gov. The transcript will show processing codes that tell you exactly what's happening. Look for TC 150 (return filed), followed by TC 806 (refund amount). If you see a TC 570 (hold), that's why you're stuck. The good news? Most returns are clearing within 3-4 weeks right now, even with the hold codes. But don't wait too long on this - if you need that money for property taxes, you might need to make alternate arrangements. The IRS processing queue is getting longer by the day as we approach the deadline.

Think of the WMR tool like those package tracking services that sometimes show your delivery is still in the warehouse even after it's been dropped at your door. The IRS systems don't always talk to each other in real-time. The most reliable approach is to check your tax transcript instead of WMR. The transcript is like having x-ray vision into the actual processing status rather than the simplified public-facing status. Here's what I'd recommend: 1. Create an account on IRS.gov if you don't already have one 2. Request your 2023 Account Transcript (not Return Transcript) 3. Look for transaction codes that indicate progress Even if you see no movement, remember that the IRS is like a massive cargo ship - it takes time to change direction or pick up speed, but it does eventually reach its destination.

I might be able to provide some insight, though I'm not an expert by any means. My return was stuck in "preparing" for about 18 days, which was making me pretty nervous since I'm trying to catch up on some bills. From what I understand, the IRS is dealing with staffing shortages and a larger than usual volume of returns this season. When I finally got through to someone on the phone (took several attempts), they explained that my return was selected for a random review - nothing was wrong, just part of their fraud prevention measures. The agent mentioned that many returns are taking the full 21 business days (not calendar days) to process this year, and some are taking even longer. So it's possibly normal, but definitely frustrating when you're counting on that money.

Just wanted to share a positive outcome - I was in exactly your situation three weeks ago! Filed in early March, stuck on "preparing" for 17 days straight. I was checking WMR obsessively every morning. Then suddenly last Tuesday, it jumped straight to "refund approved" and the money was in my account the next day. No explanation for the delay, no interim status updates. My theory is that they batch process certain returns, especially during peak season. So hang in there - sometimes these things resolve themselves without any action needed on your part. The system is definitely backed up right now with the April rush, but it's still working... just slowly.