WMR Shows 'Being Processed' with All 2023 Boxes Filled - Not Always Bad News

Your transcript boxes being filled is actually a good sign. It means they have your return in the system. The "still being processed" message is just their default when they're backed up. Have you checked your transcript for any codes? That's where the real info is, not WMR.

I'm currently experiencing something somewhat similar with my return. My boxes are also filled for 2023, and I've been in the "still processing" status for about 3 weeks now. From what I understand, the IRS might be prioritizing certain types of returns before the tax deadline, so it's possible that many of us won't see movement until after April 15th, as you mentioned. Have you perhaps tried checking your transcript for any specific codes that might give more information?

According to Internal Revenue Manual 21.4.1.3, returns are processed in the order received, but with priority adjustments based on statutory deadlines. Per Treasury Regulation 301.6402-2, the IRS has up to 45 days after the filing deadline to process a return before they must pay interest on refunds. I've observed that "being processed" with filled 2023 boxes typically indicates your return has passed initial verification but is queued for further processing. I'm skeptical of any claims that suggest this is automatically problematic.

I've been through the IRS processing cycle multiple times with my complex returns. The technical term for what you're experiencing is called "pipeline processing" where returns move through different verification stages. When you're stuck in this limbo and need answers, calling the IRS directly can help - but good luck getting through their phone tree! I used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) last month when my return was stuck in the same status. Got connected to an agent in about 15 minutes who confirmed my return was just in normal processing queue with no flags. Saved me weeks of anxiety wondering if something was wrong.

Same thing happened to me. All boxes filled. No movement. Then I got a CP12 notice. They adjusted my refund down. No explanation. Just a math error they said. Check your mail carefully. Watch for notices. Don't assume it's fine.

If you want to get more detailed information about your return status, here's what you can try: 1. First, create an account on IRS.gov if you haven't already 2. Request your tax transcript (account transcript specifically) 3. Look for transaction codes like 150, 570, 971 4. These codes will tell you exactly what's happening with your return 5. If you see code 570, that's a hold on your account 6. Code 971 means a notice was sent The transcript gives much more specific information than the WMR tool, which is intentionally simplified.

I waited exactly 37 days in "still processing" status last year. My 2023 boxes were filled for 22 of those days. When I finally got my refund, it was exactly $42 less than I calculated. The IRS made a small adjustment without telling me until 14 days after the deposit. Check your transcript every 24 hours - it updates more frequently than WMR. I've learned not to panic about the processing message as long as there's no 570 code on the transcript.

Have you considered that the system might be showing different information based on when you check? Sometimes the WMR tool and transcript system don't sync up right away. I'd suggest checking early morning (around 3-4am) when their systems update. That's when you're most likely to see changes. Also, if you filed with certain credits like EITC or ACTC, your refund might be held until mid-February regardless of when you filed. Just my two cents from dealing with this system for years.