How long does it take for a federal review i was accepted on jan 29 2018 and its already march 14 2018 still under review and haven't received any letters from the irs

[KatrinaLO]

We know you'd like your refund as fast as possible, but we have no control over how fast the IRS or your state returns your money to you. We're unable to track down, research, or expedite your refund, because those actions are only done by the government--you'll have to contact the IRS or your state tax office for help.

The IRS releases most refunds within 21 calendar days after the e-file has been accepted (received), not 21 days from the e-filing date. If the return has been processing for more than 21 days 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 don't choose the first option "Refund", or it will send you to an automated phone line.  

So after first choosing your language, then don't choose Option 1 (refund info).  Choose option 2 for "personal income tax" instead.

Then press 1 for "form, tax history, or payment".  

Then press 4 "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 you still haven't received your refund or your refund is less than you expected , it's  possible you may have a Refund Offset.

The IRS issues more than 9 out of 10 refunds in the normal time frame: less than 21 days. However, incomplete or inaccurate tax returns may require further review and could take longer than the normal processing time.

IRS representatives can research the status of your return only if:

·                     It's been more than 21 days since you received your e-file acceptance notification,

·                     It's been more than 6 weeks since you mailed your paper return, or

·                     The Where's My Refund? tool directs you to contact us.

Some common issues which may extend processing times include:

·                     Refunds from amended returns are generally issued within 16 weeks.

·                     If you filed an injured spouse claim, refer to Topic No. 203 for more information.

·                     For refund claims with an application for an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) attached, refer to Topic No. 857 for more information.

·                     If you requested a refund of tax withheld on a Form 1042-S.pdf by filing a Form 1040NR.pdf, allow up to 6 months from the original due date of the 1040NR return or the date you actually filed the 1040NR, whichever is later, to receive any refund due.

·                     By law, the IRS cannot issue refunds before mid-February for tax returns that claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). While the IRS will process your return when it is received, it cannot issue related refunds before mid-February. The IRS expects the earliest EITC/ACTC related refunds to be available in taxpayer bank accounts or on debit cards starting on Feb 27, 2018, if they chose direct deposit and there are no other issues with the tax return.

You can also refer to Topic No. 303 for a checklist of common errors made when preparing your tax return and for additional items that may delay the processing of your return.