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posted May 20, 2020 8:24:19 AM

My federal tax return was accepted on April 3. It’s been well past the 21 day expected time frame and I still have not received my refund. When can I expect to receive my refund?

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1 Replies
Level 15
May 20, 2020 8:28:54 AM

The IRS target is 21 days from the tax return being Accepted to issue a tax refund.  It is 

NOT

 a Guarantee

 

Only the IRS and your State control when and if a Federal or State tax refund is Approved and Issued.

 

If accepted by the IRS use the federal tax refund website to check the refund status - https://www.irs.gov/refunds

 

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.

Press 2 for personal or individual tax questions.
Then press 4 for all other inquiries
It should then transfer you to an agent.