The Most Confusing IRS Message Explained

This message is one of the most misunderstood refund statuses on Where’s My Refund:

“Your tax return is still being processed. A refund date will be provided when available.”

At first, it sounds like the normal processing message — but it’s NOT.
This message usually means your return has stopped moving in the automated system and has entered a manual review stage.

Let’s unpack what this status really means, why it appears, and what to do next.

The Key Difference Between the Two IRS Messages

Message #1 (normal processing):

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

vs.

Message #2 (the one we are explaining now):

“Your tax return is still being processed. A refund date will be provided when available.”

Meaning:

• The normal message = your return is moving forward
• The “still being processed” message = your return is paused or under review

This status often indicates the IRS cannot yet provide a refund date because something requires human review or verification.

The 6 Most Common Reasons for This Status

1. IRS Needs More Time To Validate W-2/1099 Income

Your federal return data must match employer-reported data.
If there are timing mismatches or reporting delays, your refund is held.

2. Refund Hold for Credits (EITC/ACTC) — Even After Feb 15

The PATH Act hold may end mid-February, but secondary checks may continue.

3. Identity Verification Pending

Often triggered by risk flags including:

• Credit bureau data mismatch
• Previous identity theft
• IP PIN recommended but not used
• Address change

4. Transcript Code 570 (Refund Hold)

This is the most common cause.

If you see TC 570, your return is NOT approved and cannot advance.

5. Additional Verification of Dependents or Filing Status

Especially for Head of Household or Child Tax Credit claims.

6. Review for Potential Offset

If you owe past debts, TOP may review the refund.

The Tool That Reveals the Truth: Your Transcript

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

Here are the real indicators:

If you see:

TC 150 — Return filed
TC 570 — Refund hold
TC 971 — Notice or letter issued
TC 571 — Hold released
TC 846 — Refund issued

If you are stuck at:

TC 570 with NO 846 afterward
you will keep seeing:

“Your tax return is still being processed…”

until the review completes.

How Long This Status Typically Lasts

Normal processing cycle:

7–21 days
(never shows this message)

Review stage:

30–120 days
depending on the issue.

If IRS needs additional documentation, a letter is sent.
The most common are:

• CP05
• CP05-L
• 5071C
• 4883C
• 5747C
• CP2000

When You SHOULD Call the IRS

Call if:

• It has been more than 21 days for an e-filed return
• Or more than 6 weeks for a paper return
• Or you received a notice requiring action
• Or TC 570 is present with no follow-up
• Or you have economic hardship

The IRS hardship definition includes:

• eviction
• utility shutoff
• medical disruption
• inability to pay essential expenses

In these cases, you may qualify for TAS (Taxpayer Advocate Service) assistance.

What NOT To Do

Do NOT:

• re-file
• call before 21 days
• submit a second return
• update bank info without IRS request
• panic over $0 balance transcript

Your return is not lost.
It is held — not rejected.

The Good News

For most taxpayers:

• This message DOES NOT mean an audit
• It DOES NOT mean you’re denied a refund
• It DOES NOT mean you made a mistake

It simply means the IRS is taking more time to verify the return before approving the refund.

In many cases, the status jumps straight from:

“still being processed”
to
“refund approved”

followed by TC 846 shortly after.

When you see:

“Your tax return is still being processed. A refund date will be provided when available.”

It likely means:

• Your return has hit a manual verification stage
• A human must review something
• A timeline cannot yet be given
• You should check your transcript for hold codes
• And wait for official communication