HELP

[sondra93]

Okay so I have filed my taxes through turbo tax for years and have never had an issue until now. It's absolutely ridiculous I feel somewhat entitled because I work hard and pay taxes all year and that's taken out before I ever see my paycheck but yet when it's time get some of that money back its an absolute mess. You cannot call the IRS. I have tried every way possible to get around the automation and talk to an actual person but the call ends and I get hung up on. My refund is over 21 days- past due without any reason why. I haven't received ANY information at all and I think that's the part that is concerning , not that it's late, but that no-one can tell you an estimated time or if there's an issue. It's stressful because we plan around that money for my family and not knowing when it's coming, not being able to even talk to a person. I don't know what to do at this point and it's an extremely helpless feeling. Completely takes the humanity out of the entire situation.

[xmasbaby0]

21 days is an estimate---not a promise.   The IRS has become severely backlogged during the pandemic.  MANY people have experienced delays in receiving their refunds, and yes, it is stressful.   TurboTax cannot speed the IRS up for you.   All you can do is watch the IRS refund site for information and updates.  If the IRS wants any additional information from you they will send you a letter.

First, check your e-file status to see if your return was accepted: 

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

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 35a of your 2021 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...

[SweetieJean]

Also see:

When to Expect Your Refund if You Claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credi...

Going forward, you can adjust your withholding to have fewer taxes taken out of your paycheck. That way, you don't have to wait for a refund at tax time. And why give the government an interest-free loan all year?

[andre1974 · Accepted solution]

From my experience it's just a waiting game. That's why it's call "THE IRS". The money is theirs until they decide to give it to you, lol. It will come. Your luck just wasn't good this year. It's almost completely computer driven. The best time to call and talk to someone is 7am or close to 7pm. Call volume is usually lower around those times and you can get through. 

[sondra93]

You're absolutely right. Interest free loan all year. Thank you I will change how I fill out these tax documents form here on out. 

[Bombshell72]

Well IRS released my refund the 9th. So far the third party hasn't done anything. No they don't respond in a timely manner to email I have tried that several times the last week.

[sondra93]

I have done all of the above, this discussion board was my last option. Obviously I know that TurboTax themselves can't do anything but I filed through them I paid them to do that meaning they aren't receiving their payment and neither am I that seems mutual. I came here with hopes that maybe others were going through something similar and could give me some different ideas on contacting a human being but also make it known that anytime peoples money is involved there should be a line of contact I don't care who you are that's just the proper thing to do in any transaction, so speaking on that on a public form about taxes I feel is necessary. I appreciate you reaching out but all the information you gave is on google. I've been through all of that a thousand times at this point. I'm not dumb or computer illiterate that I can't troubleshoot independently. I was hoping someone had something else that could help besides the obvious first things anyone would do.

[sondra93]

Yeah seems like that's going to have to be what it is.  Thank you I'll try closer to those times to call.

[Bombshell72]

From talking to my TurboTax expert, the issue is with third party. That if the IRS says it has been completed and deposited, then it is all the third party. I even contacted my bank and nothing unless it is pending

[SForrestLO]

If you chose to have your fees deducted, you can check with
Santa Barbara Tax Products Group. They usually take 24-48 hours to deposit.
https://help.sbtpg.com/hc/en-us/articles/230418728-What-s-the-status-of-my-2019-refund-

Also, you may want to check to see if your return was offset.

Please contact the IRS Treasury Offset Department at 1800-304-3107.