I filed my taxes for the first time, but since my 2018 wasn't filed I had to do 2019 (e-file) and 18 (paper), and I haven't received a refund and its been 21days. Why?

[mzguthrie7]

My status says processing and I have called several times using the way in the earlier post and I was told due to high call volume to call back on more than one occasion. I am just a student and I really need my refund asap. I had to file 2, the earliest one was by mail and the one of the current year was by e-file. Could this be this issue?

[Critter]

Due to the virus the IRS is way behind in processing returns ... the 2018 paper return requires a human to process it so expect it to take 4 months or more.  The 2019 may also take longer than normal so all you can do is wait and watch the IRS WMR tool for progress updates. 

[xmasbaby0]

Was your e-file accepted?

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/efile-status-lookup/

TurboTax gives you an estimated date for receiving your refund based on a 21 day average from your date of acceptance, but it can take longer.  Many refunds are taking longer during the pandemic. 

Once your federal return has been accepted by the IRS, only the IRS has any control. TurboTax does not receive any updates from the IRS. Your ONLY source of information about your refund now is the IRS.

You need your filing status, your Social Security number and the exact amount  (line 20 of your Form 1040) of your federal refund to track your Federal refund:   

https://www.irs.gov/refunds

To track your state refund:    

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899433-how-do-i-track-my-state-refund

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901548-why-do-some-refunds-take-longer-than-others

If you chose to have your TurboTax fees deducted from your federal refund, that will take some extra time, while the third party bank handles the refund processing.

https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2840013-does-accepted-mean-my-refund-is-approved

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2724106-my-return-is-accepted-but-still-not-approved-is-there-a-pr...

https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/20/politics/irs-mail-trailers-covid/index.html

Please  note:

The IRS is backlogged.  Refunds are often taking longer than usual.  The IRS looks at returns from 2018 or 2019 fro the stimulus check.  Since your 2018 return has not been processed yet, they will see your 2019 return first since you say you e-filed it.  They will not see it until it has been fully processed.  So,  sorry you are in a hurry, but all you can do is wait for the processing to occur.

The IRS is not taking calls right now.

IRS phone lines supported by customer service representatives for both taxpayers and tax professionals are not staffed at this time. To check on regular tax refund status via automated phone, call 800-829-1954. (This line has no information on Economic Impact Payments.)

[mzguthrie7]

Follow up questions:

When my 2019 return is processed does this mean that if I also qualify got the stimulus package I will also be receiving that ?

Does my state taxes have to be processed at the same time or will I be receiving that separately? 

Thank you for answering my previous question. 

[xmasbaby0]

Federal and state refunds come from completely separate entities,  There is no rule as to which one will come first or how much time there will be between their arrivals.

STATE RETURN

Make sure your state return was accepted:  https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/efile-status-lookup/

To track your state refund:    

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899433-how-do-i-track-my-state-refund

Your stimulus check is not combined with your income tax refund.  It will come separately sometime after they have processed your tax return.https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center