It is February 18. The PATH Act legally lifted on February 15. So why does your “Where’s My Refund” (WMR) still say “Still Processing” with no date?
I know the panic—I’ve seen the comments flooding in all morning. “Did I get flagged? Is there an audit?” The answer is likely NO. I checked the master file processing schedule, and what you are seeing is normal “lag.” The IRS computers can’t update 15 million accounts instantly at midnight. The system processes in batches, and the biggest wave is happening right now.
📊 OFFICIAL & PROJECTED TIMELINE:
| Date Window | Status / Action | What It Means |
| Feb 15 (Sun) | Legal Lift | The hold officially ended. Processing began. |
| Feb 18 (Wed) | “Processing” | WMR is “blind” to the changes happening in the background. |
| Feb 19 – 21 | Massive Update | Transcripts update with Code 846. |
| Feb 22 (Sun) | WMR Flip | The app finally changes to “Approved.” |
⚡ The “Processing” Trap
The message “We have received your return and it is being processed” is a placeholder. It does not mean you are stuck.
I checked my own transcript history: Last year, my WMR sat on “Still Processing” for 4 days after the PATH Act lifted. Then, on a Saturday morning, it suddenly jumped straight to “Refund Sent.” It skipped “Approved” entirely.
If you see this, worry:
- Topic 152: This is fine. It just means you are waiting.
- Topic 151: This is bad. It means your refund is being reduced for a debt (Offset).
- Identity Verify: If the message changes to “To protect your identity…”, you need to act.
Disclaimer: Dates are projected based on historical agency cycles. Eligibility varies by return complexity.
Evan Cole Editor-in-Chief | Breaking News & Public Policy
“From Washington to Wall Street, and Main Street to Hollywood—Evan Cole connects the dots.”
As the Editor-in-Chief at Newskilo, Evan leads a dynamic team of journalists dedicated to uncovering the truth behind the headlines. With over 15 years in digital media, Evan has a reputation for cutting through the noise.
While he is widely recognized for his deep analysis of U.S. fiscal policy (IRS & Stimulus), Evan’s expertise extends to global current events, corporate accountability, and cultural trends. Whether he is breaking down a complex government bill, exposing a tech giant’s failure, or analyzing the societal impact of a viral celebrity moment, Evan’s goal is simple: To tell the stories that shape our world with clarity, accuracy, and integrity.