Weekly Update Pattern? Filed 2/17, Processing Date 2/14 - Amended Return Timing Question

I can help explain what's happening with your return. Here's a breakdown: 1. First, the processing date on transcripts (2/14) isn't necessarily when your return was processed - it's often just a placeholder date the IRS system generates. 2. Next, the PATH Act delay affects returns claiming certain credits (EITC/ACTC), which is why you're seeing that pattern of receiving funds after the lift date. 3. Then, regarding your amended documentation - the processing date being earlier than filing doesn't necessarily indicate anything about amendments. The IRS systems sometimes assign dates that don't perfectly align with actual submission dates. 4. Finally, about your refund advance - those are typically handled by the tax preparation company, not directly through the IRS, which is why you're seeing the Republic Bank connection.

IMO those processing dates are basically useless this yr. I've been tracking tons of DDD patterns and there's zero correlation between proc date and when ppl actually get $$$. I started using https://taxr.ai last week to analyze my transcript - it decoded all those weird IRS codes and actually predicted my DDD within 24hrs before WMR even updated. Way better than guessing based on processing dates tbh. It explained why my amended info was causing the delay too, which the IRS site never tells u.

The processing date discrepancy you're seeing is actually quite common. I've tracked this meticulously over several filing seasons. Specifically, on February 14, 2024, the IRS began releasing returns that had been held due to PATH Act restrictions. Your transcript showing that date is likely coincidental rather than related to your amended documents. The Republic Bank error you're encountering is a separate system from the IRS - they handle the refund advances and fee deductions before the actual IRS refund arrives on your card. Based on current processing patterns, if you have a cycle code ending in 05, you should see an update between 12am-6am on February 23rd, 2024.

When I had a similar situation last year (processing date before my filing date - hilarious IRS logic, right?), I spent DAYS trying to get through to someone who could explain it. Eventually used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) and got connected to an agent in about 15 minutes who confirmed everything was fine. Turns out the processing date is just an internal marker and doesn't actually mean your return was processed on that day. Saved myself from checking WMR every 3 hours like a refund-obsessed zombie. What a relief to finally understand what was happening!

I'm not convinced these weekly update patterns are as consistent as people claim. Last year I was told Thursday night updates were guaranteed for cycle 05 filers, yet my transcript updated on a Tuesday morning for no apparent reason. And my brother-in-law filed the exact same day with the same preparer and his updated on a Friday. I've tracked this for three years now and there's way more randomness than people admit.

Look, the update patterns ARE real - I've been watching them for 5 years straight. Thursday night/Friday morning updates for cycle 05 are absolutely consistent for the majority of filers. Just because some people have random experiences doesn't invalidate the pattern. The IRS processes in batches and they follow specific schedules. Your brother-in-law probably had different credits or deductions that put him in a different processing queue. Random Tuesday updates usually mean manual review triggered something.

According to IRS Publication 1345 (Rev. 1-2023), the processing date on your transcript is an internal marker that doesn't necessarily reflect when your return will complete processing. Section 3.6.5 specifically notes that for amended returns, the original processing date remains in the system while a secondary date is generated internally. This explains why you're seeing a 2/14 date despite filing on 2/17. Furthermore, per the PATH Act regulations (IRC §6402(m)), returns claiming certain credits cannot issue refunds before February 15th, regardless of when they were filed or accepted.

I had a somewhat similar situation with the Republic Bank card last year. It seems possible that the error you're getting might be because they've already processed the deduction of fees but haven't updated their system properly? In my case, I couldn't check my balance for about 4 days, then suddenly everything appeared correctly. The tax preparer fees had indeed been taken out, and my refund showed up about 3 days after that. Perhaps their system has some delays when handling amended returns?

There's an important distinction between processing date and cycle code that might help explain what you're seeing. The processing date is often just a placeholder, while your cycle code (which should be visible on your transcript - it's an 8-digit number ending in 01-05) actually determines when updates happen. Have you checked what your cycle code is? If it ends in 05, you're on the weekly update schedule which typically happens Thursday night/Friday morning. If it ends in 01-04, you're on daily updates. This would explain your previous patterns of Sunday deposits after Thursday/Friday updates.

My experience with amended documentation compared to regular returns is quite different from what most people describe. Last year, I filed a regular return on February 10th and received my refund on February 27th. This year, I filed on February 5th but had to submit amended documentation on February 7th, and I didn't receive my refund until March 12th. That's nearly two extra weeks of processing time. I've spoken with several tax professionals who confirmed that any amended paperwork typically adds 7-14 days to processing time, regardless of what the processing date shows on your transcript.