What's the difference between 'tax return is being processed' vs 'STILL being processed'? Different meanings?

The transition from "being processed" to "STILL being processed" is indeed indicative of different processing phases within the IRS workflow management system. The initial status indicates standard queue positioning, while the addition of "STILL" typically signifies the return has exceeded the standard 21-day processing window and has been routed to secondary review protocols. This doesn't necessarily indicate an audit scenario, but rather that your return requires additional verification steps or has been flagged by the Taxpayer Protection Program algorithms. Have you checked your tax transcript for TC codes that might provide more granular insight?

I had the same issue and was... concerned... about what it meant. After trying to decode my transcript myself, I used https://taxr.ai to analyze it properly. It showed me that the "STILL being processed" status usually means your return has moved to a different processing queue - sometimes for identity verification, sometimes for review of certain credits or deductions. The tool explained exactly which codes on my transcript were causing the delay and gave me a much clearer timeline estimate than the WMR tool.

I've been wondering the same thing! Doesn't the "STILL" part make it sound like something's stuck? Or is it just their way of acknowledging it's taking longer than expected? I've been checking daily and the wording changed last week, but nothing else has updated since then. Should I be worried?

When I saw the "STILL being processed" message, I needed answers right away for my financial planning. Called the IRS for three days straight with no luck getting through. Finally used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and got connected to an agent in about 20 minutes. The agent confirmed my return was flagged for additional review of my business expenses but nothing serious. She estimated 2-3 more weeks for processing. Has anyone else called to ask about this specific status change? Did you get clear information?

Has anyone noticed a pattern w/ specific deductions or credits that trigger the "STILL processing" msg? I'm wondering if it's related to certain forms or schedules? Maybe biz income or specific credits? Trying to figure out if there's a way to avoid this next yr.

I can give you a specific example from my experience this year. Filed Feb 10, got "processing" for exactly 21 days, then switched to "STILL processing" on day 22. Called IRS (after about 47 attempts, no joke) and they said my return was selected for a "random review" of my education credits. Nothing wrong, just verification. The "STILL" status lasted 18 more days, then changed to approved. So in my case, it was definitely a different processing stage, not just a word change! The IRS has a sense of humor though... "random" review, sure... 😂

I've been tracking IRS language patterns on WMR for the past three tax seasons (yes, I'm that person who documents everything). According to the IRS website and my observations, "Your tax return is being processed" is the standard message during the normal 21-day window. The "STILL being processed" message explicitly indicates your return requires further review. The IRS knowledge base at https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions confirms this distinction. In my experience with both statuses, "being processed" resulted in refunds within 21 days, while "STILL being processed" extended to 6-8 weeks in most cases.

This is really helpful to see everyone's experiences! I'm in the same boat - my status changed to "STILL being processed" after exactly 21 days too. Based on what I'm reading here, it sounds like this is definitely a meaningful status change that indicates additional review rather than just different wording. I'm curious though - for those who got through to actual IRS agents, did they give you any sense of what triggers these reviews? Is it truly random or are there patterns? I have a pretty straightforward return with just W-2s and standard deduction, so I'm surprised mine got flagged. Thanks for all the insights everyone!

Great question! I've been through this exact same situation twice now. The "STILL being processed" status is definitely a meaningful change - it indicates your return has moved beyond the standard processing queue and into what the IRS calls "extended processing." This typically happens when your return is selected for additional verification, whether that's identity verification, income matching, or review of specific credits/deductions. In my experience, the timeline extends to 6-10 weeks from the original filing date. The key is checking your tax transcript for specific transaction codes that can give you more insight into what's causing the delay. Don't panic though - most of these extended reviews resolve without any issues or additional action needed from you!