When checking Where’s My Refund?, the IRS uses two similar-sounding messages during tax return processing:
“We have received your tax return and it is being processed.”
“Your tax return is still being processed.”
Many taxpayers assume they mean the same thing — they do not.
This page explains the key differences, what stage of the process each message represents, who is most likely to see them, and how to know if your refund is moving forward or delayed.
| Status Message | Stage of Processing | What IRS Is Doing | Refund Timing Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| We have received your tax return and it is being processed | Early Stage | Running initial automated checks including income + ID verification | Typically 1–3 weeks to next stage |
| Your tax return is still being processed | Extended Stage | Something needs additional handling before refund approval | Can add 3–12+ weeks to timeline |
This is the normal first stage taxpayers see
Good sign — return is actively moving through the system
| Automatic Check | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Identity Verification | Your SSN + past year data matches |
| Wage & Income Matching | W-2/1099 filings are accurate |
| Credit Eligibility | Child Tax Credit, EITC, AOTC |
| Error Scanning | Math mismatch or missing forms |
These automated systems move quickly if everything matches.
Most taxpayers move to the next status in:
5–21 days after acceptance
You may then see:
| Transcript Data | Likely Status |
|---|---|
| Code 150 posted | Return filed |
| No 570/971 codes | No issues found |
| As of Date near filing date | Still initial stage |
| 846 NOT present | Refund not yet released |
This status indicates a delayed refund, not a problem with acceptance.
Several issues commonly trigger this status:
| Cause | Transcript Clue | Delay |
|---|---|---|
| Income mismatch | Code 570 → Code 290 later | 2–12 weeks |
| ID verification concern | Code 810 | Until verified |
| Credit validation hold | 570 during PATH Act | Until mid-February |
| Dependent conflict | 971 notice issued | 4–10 weeks |
| Manual review needed | Ghost updates only | 1–6 weeks |
Returns claiming:
| Situation | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Standard review | 3–8 weeks |
| ID verification required | Until ID verified |
| Wage match issue | 4–12 weeks |
| IRS requested more documents | Depends on response time |
| Transcript Data | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Code 570 posted | Refund on hold |
| Code 971 posted | Notice issued |
| As of Date moves forward | Active progress |
| Ghost updates | Internal system movement |
| Code 846 | Refund approved |
Transcripts reveal what WMR doesn’t disclose
Call if:
IRS: 800-829-1040
Best time to call: 7:00–9:00 AM ET
| Message | Meaning in Plain English | What You Should Expect |
|---|---|---|
| We have received your tax return… | You’re at the start of processing | Refund is moving normally |
| Your tax return is still being processed | IRS needs more time | Refund timeline is extended |
Neither message means:
They simply indicate where you are in the process.
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