When your return is accepted the first step it may be stopped by is the ID verify ... once you pass verification the refund is not automatically released instead the return is put back in the "pipeline" to continue it's trip thru processing where is can be stopped any number of times for multiple reviews ... some will slide straight thru with no more stops ... some returns may get caught many times by different departments ... so the return will take as long as it will take to process ... there is no set time frame.
If the return has been processing for more
than 21 days then you can call the IRS …
Call the IRS:
1-800-829-1040 hours 7 AM - 7 PM local time Monday-Friday
When calling the IRS do NOT choose the first option re:
"Refund", or it will send you to an automated phone line.
So after first choosing your
language, then do NOT choose Option 1 (refund info).
Choose option 2 for "personal income tax" instead.
Then press 1 for "form,
tax history, or payment".
Then press 3 "for all
other questions."
Then press 2 "for all
other questions." It should then transfer you to an agent.
Or you can contact your local
IRS office. See this IRS website for local IRS offices - http://www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-Your-Local-IRS-Office-1
If it's been more than 90 days
since the return was accepted then you can ask for help from the Tax
Payer Advocate office:
At the following IRS website,
find the USA map and click on your state, and it will give you the number of
your IRS Taxpayer Advocate.
http://www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-a-Local-Taxpayer-Advocate
If you are unsuccessful with the Taxpayer Advocate for your area, you can also
try the special IRS phone number for the Taxpayer Advocate Service at 877-777-4778.
More info on the Taxpayer Advocate Service:
http://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/about/who-we-are
http://www.irs.gov/Advocate/Taxpayer-Advocate-Service-6
Also see this article for more info on how the Taxpayer Advocate Service works:
http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc104.html
