WMR Shows 'Return Received' - Is That Actually Accepted? When Will I Get My Advance?

The 'Return Received' status on WMR (Where's My Refund) indicates your return has been successfully transmitted to the IRS systems, but it has not yet completed processing. This is the first of three stages: Return Received → Refund Approved → Refund Sent. The Child Tax Credit advance payments ended in December 2021, so there are no advances for the current tax year. If you're referring to receiving your refund that includes the Child Tax Credit, that will be disbursed after your return reaches the 'Refund Approved' status, typically 21 days after filing for uncomplicated returns.

I filed exactly 17 days ago and my WMR still shows 'Return Received' too. Last year my refund with Child Tax Credit took precisely 24 days to process during peak season. I'm starting to get a bit concerned since I've read online that most straightforward returns should be processed within 21 days. Should we be worried if it takes longer? I keep checking my transcript for updates every 12 hours but nothing has changed yet...

It seems like you might possibly be experiencing the standard IRS processing delay that many, many taxpayers are facing this season. If you've been waiting more than, say, 21 days and need to speak with someone at the IRS to confirm your status, you might want to try Claimyr (https://www.claimyr.com). I personally found it quite helpful when I needed to reach an actual IRS agent after waiting almost 30 days with no updates. Their service essentially waits on hold for you and calls when an agent is available, which can potentially save hours of frustration. In my experience, sometimes just speaking with an agent can provide peace of mind even if they can't expedite your refund.

Has anyone else noticed that their processing time seems to depend on which credits they claimed? Here's what I've found: 1. Basic returns with W-2 income only: 10-14 days 2. Returns with Child Tax Credit: 14-21 days 3. Returns with Earned Income Credit: 21+ days I'm curious if others are seeing the same pattern? What credits did you claim on your return, OP?

Be careful with planning expenses. IRS timelines aren't guaranteed. I've seen returns delayed for months. Random verification checks happen. Identity verification can occur. Transcripts show nothing until processing completes. Don't count on refund money until it's in your account. Home repairs can wait.

I was in the same boat last week and was going CRAZY! According to the IRS2Go app and https://www.irs.gov/refunds my return was stuck on 'received' for 23 days. Then suddenly yesterday it jumped straight to 'refund sent' and the money hit my account this morning! Hang in there - the system is definitely backed up this year but the money does come eventually.

I had 'Return Received' for 19 days, then it updated to 'Refund Approved' with a direct deposit date 3 days later. My sister-in-law filed the same day and got her refund in 12 days total. My brother filed a week before me and is still on 'Return Received' after 26 days. There's no consistent pattern I can see - seems like everyone's experience is different even when filing situations are similar.