WMR Still Showing PATH Act Message - Is This Normal in April?
I'm wondering if anyone else is still seeing the PATH Act message on Where's My Refund tool? I filed back in early February with both EITC and Child Tax Credit, and I thought by now the PATH delay would be lifted. I've been through this process before in previous years, but I'm not sure if this extended delay is normal for the 2024 filing season or if there might be something else going on with my return. I'd rather not jump to conclusions, but it seems like an unusually long wait compared to previous years.
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Diego Rojas
PATH Act delays should be over by now. Most EITC returns are processing. Check your transcript. It might show more info. PATH message sometimes stays even when processing has started. System doesn't always update correctly.
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Anastasia Sokolov
•This is like being stuck in traffic when the accident has already been cleared! I had the same PATH message showing until April last year even though my return was actually moving through the system. Once I finally got through to an agent, they confirmed everything was fine and my refund arrived like a week later. It's like the WMR tool gets stuck in a loop sometimes.
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Sean O'Donnell
•Thanks for explaining this. I've been checking WMR daily and still seeing the PATH message. I'll look at my transcript instead.
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Zara Ahmed
•According to Internal Revenue Manual 21.4.1.3, the PATH Act only mandates that EITC/ACTC refunds cannot be issued before February 15th. It does not actually require any specific messaging to remain in place beyond that date. The fact that the message persists is a technological limitation, not a regulatory requirement. This creates unnecessary taxpayer confusion every filing season.
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StarStrider
Have you tried checking your account transcript instead of relying on WMR? Isn't it strange how they spend millions on these systems but can't make them show accurate information? In my experience, the WMR tool is practically useless for PATH Act returns. Last year mine showed that message until the day before my refund hit my account. Could be nothing wrong at all with your return, just their outdated systems not communicating properly?
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Luca Esposito
I was in EXACTLY this situation with my EITC claim showing PATH Act messaging well into April. Called the IRS main line repeatedly with no success. Finally used Claimyr.com to get through to an agent after waiting 56 days. The agent confirmed my return was actually in final processing despite the PATH message still showing on WMR. Refund was deposited 6 days later. Claimyr bypassed the endless hold times and got me to a real person who could see what was actually happening with my return. Worth every penny when you're waiting on thousands in refund money.
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Nia Thompson
This happened to me last year and the year before. WMR showed PATH message until literally the day my refund hit my account. Called twice and got different answers each time. First agent said everything was fine, second one said there was a review flag. Ended up getting my full refund with no adjustments. The systems just don't talk to each other properly.
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Mateo Rodriguez
Have you tried pulling your transcripts directly? I need my refund ASAP for medical bills and found that the transcript shows actual processing codes while WMR is still stuck on the PATH message!!! The transcript might show cycle codes and completion dates even when WMR doesn't update!
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Aisha Abdullah
Wondering if you've checked if ur return is actually under manual review? Sometimes the PATH msg stays there but ur return is actually being looked at by a human. Happened to me last yr & took 4ever. WMR never updated but transcript showed codes 570/971 which meant manual review. Might wanna check that b4 assuming it's just a system glitch.
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Ethan Wilson
•You're right about checking transcripts! The IRS website (irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript) is actually more reliable than WMR. I've been directing people there for years. The transcript will show codes like 570 (additional account action pending), 971 (notice issued), or the magical 846 (refund issued). Those codes tell you what's actually happening regardless of what WMR shows.
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NeonNova
•Ah, the mysterious IRS code language! I've become fluent in it after three audits, lol. The transcript is definitely the way to go - it's like reading the actual book instead of just looking at the cover (WMR).
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Yuki Tanaka
•I never realized how complex the transcript system is! Looking at mine, I see: • Processing codes that WMR never mentions • Actual dates for each action taken • Specific amounts being processed • Status of different credits separately This is so much more detailed than I expected from a government system.
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Carmen Diaz
•Do transcripts show different information depending on which type you pull? I notice there are several options (account transcript, return transcript, etc). In situations similar to what OP is describing, which one would be most informative for tracking PATH Act delays?
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Andre Laurent
I filed on February 2nd with EITC and I'm still seeing the PATH message too. Is there a specific date when this message should disappear? I'm getting really worried since I've never had to wait this long before.
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Emily Jackson
You might want to be somewhat careful about assuming this is just a display issue. I had this happen last year and it turned out my return was actually selected for additional verification. The PATH message remained on WMR, but behind the scenes, they were actually reviewing my income documentation for EITC qualification. It took approximately 120 days to resolve, and I received no communication until a letter arrived requesting additional documentation.
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