Nearly two months, still processing. Will it affect stimulus?

[seibertmeister]

Hi all-

Two parts here- Part one:

Like a lot of people, I submitted my taxes through TT Self Employed a while ago with direct deposit info (3/31), and the Where's My Refund? tool says  "Your tax return is still being processed. A refund date will be provided when available.", and has for weeks now. It doesn't say to contact them, and I haven't received any snail mail. I know they're very short-staffed, but does anyone know anything about when we might expect some movement? I really need the money.

Part two:

This was my first year filing a tax return, as I haven't made enough to be required, and have been a full-time student up until last week. I filed this year to get the ball rolling as I knew I'd have to, but also because of the stimulus checks. I haven't been able to get any info whatsoever on the Get My Payment tool on the IRS site, and haven't received either a deposit or a paper check either- not surprising since I don't have a 2018 tax return to refer to, and my 2019 return seems to be in limbo. My concern is this: given how long it's taking to process my return, and that as far as I know all the checks have been issued or at least slated, will I get a stimulus check at all? If anyone knows anything, has ideas, or can refer to something that answers any of these questions/issues, that would be awesome. Thank you!

[Critter]

1) if you successfully efiled all you can do is wait until the IRS processes it ... and due the virus shutdown things are just taking longer.

2) until the 2019 is processed the stimulus will not be released. 

The online link is your best option to track your refund.  I have attached a link with more answers from the IRS as to why your refund may be taking longer to process.

Federal refund questions

There is a delay in processing the returns as the IRS is not processing paper returns at the moment due to Covid-19 and social distancing policies in effect.  

IRS operations

Go here for stimulus info:  https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments

This FAQ site may also answer your questions.

https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center

[xmasbaby0]

The IRS is backlogged, so refunds are taking longer for many people.  If you were not claimed as a dependent on anyone else's return for 2019 then you should receive a stimulus check, but you are correct in your assumption that they do not have a return to look at for you until they process that 2019 return.  They will continue to issue stimulus checks -- so you may wait, but ultimately you should receive a check.

The IRS is not taking calls right now.

IRS phone lines supported by customer service representatives for both taxpayers and tax professionals are not staffed at this time. To check on regular tax refund status via automated phone, call 800-829-1954. (This line has no information on Economic Impact Payments.)

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

TurboTax gives you an estimated date for receiving your refund based on a 21 day average from your date of acceptance, but it can take longer.  Many refunds are taking longer during the pandemic. 

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 20 of your 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...

https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/20/politics/irs-mail-trailers-covid/index.html

[seibertmeister]

@Critter I know they won't release the stimulus check until they process- my concern is that it will be so late they won't issue one at all. I don't know if that's a possibility, but I also don't know if it's *not* a possibility, and that makes me nervous.