When is it safe to check WMR? Still stuck on PATH hold
I e-filed on January 29th and received acceptance confirmation on January 30th. My return includes EITC, so I'm aware of the PATH Act delay until at least February 15th. Today is March 11th, and I'm still seeing the PATH message on WMR. My transcripts show processing code 570 dated March 4th, 2024. I've been checking WMR daily, but I'm wondering if this might somehow delay my processing further? I've read conflicting information about how frequently to check. My job contract requires precise timing for tax documentation, and I need to provide proof of refund status by March 25th. Any guidance on optimal checking frequency or ways to interpret my current status would be appreciated.
12 comments
Carmen Reyes
The frequency of checking WMR has no impact on processing times. The IRS database updates once every 24 hours, typically between 3am-6am EST. Checking more than once daily provides no new information. For PATH Act returns filed on January 29th, approximately 68% are fully processed by March 14th. Your 570 code from March 4th indicates a temporary hold that typically resolves within 14-21 days without further action required. Based on current processing patterns, I'd expect movement between March 18-25, with the 570 likely transitioning to an 846 (refund issued) code.
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Andre Moreau
This matches my experience from last year. I had a 570 code that appeared around mid-March after being stuck on PATH, and my refund was released exactly 16 days later. I remember checking obsessively every few hours which definitely didn't help my anxiety!
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Zoe Christodoulou
But shouldn't the PATH hold have been lifted by now? It's been almost a month since February 15th. Why would they still show the PATH message if they're past that stage? Is this a case of the system not updating properly, or is there something else going on with these returns?
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Jamal Thompson
Thank you for the detailed timeline breakdown. That 14-21 day window for 570 resolution is extremely helpful for my planning purposes. If I'm understanding correctly, I should expect movement by March 25th at the latest, which aligns with my documentation deadline.
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Mei Chen
God bless you for this detailed explanation! I've been checking like 5 times a day thinking it would somehow make it process faster š My car payment is due on the 20th so I'm hoping that 846 code appears soon! š
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StarSurfer
I'm in the EXACT same boat and it's driving me CRAZY! Filed Jan 30, accepted same day, PATH message forever, then got the 570 code on March 5th. I've been checking WMR every morning at 6am and again at midnight because I read somewhere that's when it updates. I'm not convinced checking frequency matters, but I still do it anyway. The most frustrating part is that my sister filed AFTER me with EITC and already got her refund last week! There seems to be no rhyme or reason to how they process these things. š¤
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CosmicCadet
I've been through this PATH delay situation multiple times. Here's what I've learned: ā¢ WMR updates once daily (usually overnight) ā¢ Checking frequency doesn't affect processing ā¢ The PATH message sometimes sticks even after processing begins ā¢ Code 570 typically resolves within 2-3 weeks ā¢ Transcript updates are more reliable than WMR Last year my return sat with a 570 code for 17 days before changing to 846. The money hit my account 2 days after the 846 appeared.
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Liam O'Connor
If you absolutely need to speak with someone at the IRS about your specific situation, you might want to try Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c). I was possibly in a similar situation with a deadline for documentation, and after waiting on hold for what seemed like forever with no success, I used their service. They got me connected to an agent in about 30 minutes who was able to confirm that my return was actually being processed despite the PATH message still showing. It might be worth it if you need official confirmation for your job contract requirements.
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Amara Adeyemi
Be careful with checking too frequently! According to the IRS website (https://www.irs.gov/refunds/wheres-my-refund-frequently-asked-questions), they specifically say "Where's My Refund is updated no more than once every 24 hours, usually overnight." I got worried when my transcript showed 570 and started checking multiple times daily. Ended up getting locked out of my account for 24 hours because of too many login attempts. Now I only check first thing in the morning.
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Giovanni Gallo
The PATH message is misleading. It doesn't update properly. Your 570 code is the real status. Check transcripts instead of WMR. More accurate. Updated Thursdays and Fridays usually. Good luck!
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Fatima Al-Mazrouei
Here's what happens with the 570 code after PATH delays: Step 1: The 570 appears, freezing your account temporarily Step 2: The IRS reviews whatever triggered the hold (can be random selection) Step 3: If no issues are found, a 571 code appears releasing the hold Step 4: The 846 code appears with your refund date Step 5: Money is sent on that date (usually arrives 1-5 days later depending on your bank) This process typically takes 2-3 weeks from the 570 date. Since yours is dated March 4th, you should see movement by March 25th if everything goes smoothly.
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Dylan Wright
I'd strongly advise against checking WMR more than once daily. While it doesn't technically affect processing, I've seen cases where frequent login attempts triggered security protocols that caused 24-48 hour lockouts. Given your documentation deadline, you can't afford to lose access to your account information. Have you tried calling the IRS directly? What about requesting a tax advocate since you have a deadline that could affect your employment?
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