If your return was accepted less
than 21 days ago, hang in there. It can take anywhere from a
few days to 3 weeks to go from acceptance to approval.
For
the most up to date information, the IRS Where’s My
Refund? site will provide your current status.
Here is the general timeline of e-filed returns:
Transmission > Acceptance > Processing > Approval >
Refund.
If it is over 21 days, I have listed some information below on why your return may be taking a little bit longer. You may also contact the IRS directly, to see if they can give you information on your return. I am listing their phone number below, along with instructions on how to get through to a representative.
Even though the IRS issues 9 out of 10 tax refunds within 21 days, it's possible your return may require additional review and take longer to process.
For some taxpayers, PATH Act requirements and other identity-protection safeguards implemented by the IRS may account for longer wait times. (Earned Income Tax Credit (EIC) and/or Additional Child Tax Credit)
Other things that can delay your refund include but are not limited to:
- Liens, back taxes, or refund offsets;
- Errors, inconsistencies, or missing information;
- Identity fraud;
- Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation, which can take 11-14 weeks to process.
Also, if you chose direct deposit, your financial institution may need another day or two to post the refund to your account, so keep that in mind.
To contact the IRS call: 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.
After first choosing your language, then
do NOT choose Option 1 (refund info).
Choose option 2 for "personal income tax" instead.
Press 1 for "form, tax history, or
payment".
Press 3 "for all other
questions."
Then press 2 "for all other
questions."
- When it asks you to enter your SSN or
EIN to access your account information, don’t enter anything.
- After it asks twice, you will get
another menu.
Then press 2 for personal or individual
tax questions.
It should then transfer you to an agent.
