Efiled return accepted March 12, still being processed

[Archangel512]

I filed my taxes electronically March 12 and it was accepted a few hours later. It is now May 7th and it still says it’s being processed. Bank account information is accurate, I don’t understand why it is taking this long for me to get my return. 

[ee-ea]

All you can do now is, wait. At least you know that the IRS has your filing. It does not matter who sent your 1040 to the IRS. The IRS is the sole destination for tax returns. No one has discovered a way to make the IRS speed up sending out refunds. No one ever will because the IRS is an overwhelmed, over worked, under funded and under staffed government bureaucracy. Eventually you will get the pay off of your no interest loan to the government.

Have you thought of paying just enough by estimates or withholding to avoid a penalty and let the government wait for your check?

[Archangel512]

I should’ve mentioned I also live in Texas, if that even matters. It’s a relief to hear my return could still be on it’s way. I wasn’t able to get my amended return or any benefits last year, with the COVID chaos it was impossible for any IRS employees to give me a solid answer as to why. It seemed to get lost in the madness, which is understandable since amended returns have to be filed by mail. It worries me, but hopefully it’ll all work out this year. Can’t imagine how much pressure IRS employees are under with such a heavy workload. Thank you for responding! Everyone I’ve spoken with got their return within 3 weeks or shortly after. I would be willing to pay through withholding or estimates if necessary.  

[BillM223]

@Archangel512

As you have probably read, if there are any issues raised on your return - something not matching the forms that the IRS has received on you, questions on certain credits, identity verification required - then your return goes into a manual queue, and every manual queue is swamped.

Although it won't help you in the short run, you might contact your US representative and both senators in Texas to strongly encourage them to increase funding for the IRS. There were several recent years in which Congress cut the budget for the IRS - throw in a pandemic, and the IRS is in sorry shape and needs the help.

See this report from the Congressional Budget Office for some background.