If it has been 33 days since my federal return was accepted by the IRS (electronic filing, Turbotax) with no status change "still being processed.." what can I do?

[vnappo]

It has been 33 days with no status change.  IRS say's 21 days.  Very standard return, cannot find anything wrong with the return.  Also cannot find a way to contact a live person to inquire.

[DoninGA · Accepted solution]

The dates for receiving a tax refund after it has been accepted by the IRS are only estimates based on the IRS target of issuing a tax refund after 21 days from the date it was accepted by the IRS.  This is a target only and not a guarantee.

After the tax return has been Accepted by the IRS (meaning only that they received the return) it will be in the Processing mode until the tax refund has been Approved and then an Issue Date will be available on the IRS website.

See this IRS website for federal tax refund FAQ's - https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions

If over 21 days since being Accepted by the IRS and the tax refund is still Processing you can call the IRS and speak with an IRS agent concerning your tax refund.

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."  

- 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.

[vnappo]

Very helpful - spoke with someone yesterday.  Unfortunately, it appears we may have become victims of tax identity theft and I expect a considerable delay.  Thank you for answering my question DoninGA.

[Lisalundy62]

It has Been 33 days since the IRS excepted my refund, I don’t know why I don’t have it yet and when it says to call the IRS after 21 days, it says they cannot take calls, what am I supposed to do

[Cheryl1978]

Same here I got no letter saying I need to do any thing just the same message sorry but ur processing has been delayed passed normal time frame and its been 33 days today 

[Cheryl1978]

Yes but you cant get a hold of no one I get it their busy down their but come on 33 days and nothing but the same message im wondering if that message ever does change or is it stuck 

[Taxthequeen]

I was accepted 1/24 and had a delay message for two and a half weeks. I finally received a date of March 7 this morning. There are a lot of filers that are in your boat. I was too until this morning. I hope this helps.

[HeatherPLO]

@Cheryl1978

The IRS is processing returns in the order they are received.  Some returns do have delays due to various reasons.  For more information on this, please see this Help Article for further assistance if your refund is taking longer than 21 days.   

[SweetieJean]

Other sources have said that the IRS does not process First In First Out.  They do not disclose the order in which they process.