In 2016, I had the fees w/held from my return. Once filed, it took the IRS WMR site 3 days to "accept"/give me one bar. I filed on 01/13/2016 and received my return on 02/22/2016. I noticed it sat in the Bank of Santa Barbara for a LONG time (I've read it goes there BECAUSE this is where TT collects their fee(s) and THEN direct deposits/loads pre-paid cards). I've seen people complain that this EXTRA "stop" delays the returns.
THIS YEAR, I did NOT want it going to a 3rd party where it can sit. I paid for my fees UP FRONT. I filed on 01/19/2018 and it was "accepted"/sitting at one bar on the IRS WMR site within an HOUR of submitting it. It also states "We have received your tax return and it is being processed."
What has been the experience of people who have had TT fees w/held from refunds VERSUS paying them up front?
