The Most Common IRS Message — And What It Really Means

Millions of taxpayers see the same message on Where’s My Refund:

“We have received your tax return and it is being processed.”

On the surface, it sounds good. The IRS got your return.
But what most people don’t know is that this generic message can represent three totally different processing scenarios — one fast, one normal, and one that may signal a delay.

Let’s break down what this message means, what it does NOT mean, and how to figure out which stage your return is actually in.

What This Message MOST LIKELY Means

In most cases, this message indicates:

• The IRS accepted your return
• Your return is in the active processing pipeline
• No errors have been identified so far
• No notices have been issued
• No holds have been applied yet

This is the standard message for the first 1–21 days of processing.
During this time:

• IRS systems are verifying identity
• Comparing your return to W-2/1099 data
• Checking for fraud flags
• Confirming dependents and credits
• Validating withholding amounts

So yes — your return is moving.
But slowly and silently.

The Key Thing to Understand

This message is not an approval.
It does not mean your refund has been confirmed.

It simply means:

“Your return passed initial acceptance and is still being processed internally.”

You will NOT see refund approval until you reach the next status:

“Your tax return has been approved.”
or
“Refund approved.”

The 21-Day Window Explained

The IRS expected processing time for e-filers is:

21 days
This corresponds to:

• Three full processing cycles
• Each cycle is one IRS operational week
• Your return moves step-by-step through automated checks

If there are no issues, you will see:

Code 846 (Refund Issued)
on your transcript before you see approval on WMR.

When This Message Means a Potential Delay

If you see this same message for over 21 days, one of the following may be happening:

1. Your return was flagged for extra review

This may involve:

• Large refundable credits
• First-time EITC/ACTC claim
• Self-employment income
• Child dependent confusion
• Inconsistent AGI

2. You need identity verification

This usually triggers:

• IRS Letter 5071C
• IRS Letter 5747C
• A TC 570 hold on your transcript

3. There is a wage or withholding mismatch

Often related to:

• W-2 errors
• Employer reporting delays
• Payroll withholding verification
• Third-party income discrepancies

4. You submitted a paper return

Paper returns move slowly — sometimes 8+ weeks before processing begins.

5. There is an offset review

If the Treasury Offset Program is reviewing debts:

• Child support
• Student loans
• State tax debt
• Federal obligations

This will delay posting of refund info.

The Tool That Gives the REAL Status: Your Transcript

Where’s My Refund is vague.
Your IRS transcript is precise.

Log in to IRS Online Account and check your Account Transcript for these codes:

TC 150

Return filed and entered

TC 570

Refund hold
(meaning NOT approved yet)

TC 971

Notice issued

TC 846

Refund issued
(the best code you can see)

If you only see TC 150 and nothing else, your return is likely still progressing normally.

What You SHOULD Do During This Status

If under 21 days:

Do NOTHING.
Do NOT call.
The IRS will not provide more info.

If over 21 days:

Check your transcript.
Then call only if:

• An identity letter was sent
• TC 570 or TC 420 appears
• You received a notice requiring action
• You have economic hardship

If you receive an IRS letter:

Respond promptly
Preferably using the IRS online account upload tool
Mail responses add an extra 3–6 weeks.

The Good News

If you continue seeing this message but:

• No letter arrives
• No transcript hold codes appear
• No identity verification is requested

Then your return is most likely simply waiting its turn in the standard processing queue.

Many taxpayers see this message up until the day their refund is issued.

Key Takeaway

When you see:

“We have received your tax return and it is being processed.”

It means:

• Your return is inside the IRS system
• It is undergoing routine verification
• Your refund is NOT yet approved
• And patience is required until either
  • TC 846 appears
    or
  • IRS issues further instructions