What does "Your tax return is still being processed. A refund date will be provided when available." Exactly mean?

[DoninGA]

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@chipk2161 wrote:

I received a letter asking me to verify my identity?

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Follow the instructions you received on the letter from the IRS to verify your identity.  The IRS will randomly request this information.  Or they will request this if there is an issue with being able to verify your return was actually sent by you.

IRS website for IDverify - https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/identity-verification-for-irs-letter-recipients

[Taxuserkr]

That may not be the problem, I don’t have kids, I have a simple return and I filed back in March and mine is still saying “Your tax return is still being processed. A refund date will be provided when available.” 

[Taxuserkr]

I filed 3/28 and turbo tax showed “accepted” on 3/29, the irs website still says “Your tax return is still being processed. A refund date will be provided when available” on my refund status. I too have a simple, single return, no dependents. 

[mesquitebean]

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@ Taxuserkr wrote:

I filed 3/28 and turbo tax showed “accepted” on 3/29, the irs website still says “Your tax return is still being processed. A refund date will be provided when available” on my refund status. I too have a simple, single return, no dependents. 

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"Still being processed" appears in the WMR tool if processing has been going longer than 21 days, and it most likely means your return has been flagged for manual review for "some" reason.  The IRS is so backlogged with millions of returns that need some form of manual processing, however, that it can take a few weeks for them to review it.  It's possible that you might get an IRS letter at some point saying it's been delayed or asking for more info, or questioning something in the return.  Sometimes the return is pulled at random or may need a filer to ID verify.

Ironically, a few weeks ago the IRS was even short on printer ink, printers, and printer maintenance, etc. and thus was behind on even printing and mailing letters/notices.

The IRS is difficult to reach, but if you wish to inquire about the reason for your delay, here is the normal method to try to reach a live IRS agent.  And I'll also tell you below how to reach the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service, if needed, if you have an economic hardship.

IRS:  800-829-1040 (7AM-7 PM local time) Monday-Friday

When calling the IRS do not choose the first choice re: "Refund", or it will send you to an automated phone line.

• First choose your language.  Then listen to each menu before making the selection.
• Then press 2 for "personal income tax".
• Then press 1 for "form, tax history, or payment".  
• Then press 3 "for all other questions."
• Then press 2 "for all other questions." 
• It may then ask for your SSN, but do not enter it.  Just wait.    If it asks for SSN a second time, still do not enter it.
• Then it will get "tired", and you'll get another menu.  Choose 2 for "personal".
• Then in the next menu choose 4 for "all other inquiries", and it should transfer you to an agent but expect a long wait.
• I usually use a speakerphone so I can work on something else while waiting.

If you continue to have no luck reaching the IRS, you can try contacting the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service for your area.    They are especially prone to help if you have an economic hardship, or if there have been continued delays with lack of info from the IRS.    At the following IRS website, find the USA map and click on your state, and it will give you the number of your IRS Taxpayer Advocate.    If the Taxpayer Advocate can't/won't help you, ask them to transfer you to an an IRS agent.  A couple of users reported that at least for them, that was a backdoor route to the IRS.

http://www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-a-Local-Taxpayer-Advocate

Also see this article for more info on how the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service works::
http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc104.html

[RoseMyDaughter]

I need help plz if anyone can help that would be great.. The third stimulis i got direct deposit .. But my kids did not get one .. So I filed with turbo tax.. I did this at the  end of march .. And when I go to check turbo tax and the IRS as well .

 They both tell me being processed . I also filed this over internet no mail.. If anyone can help me that would be greatly appreciated

[DollB]

Taxes were filed in February 2021. Received state return within 4 weeks. “I couldn’t believe State Return deposit before Federal Return “. As of today my Federal Return still says your refund is still being process a date will be provided when available “ SMH.. sad part is you can not get anyone on the phone that can provide answers…

[terry-kimball]

I filed with TT last year and the samething happened.  What they did was not add the extra child tax credit form 8812 so I had to file an amended tax return last July.  It took until the end of February to get!  That was a mess so I wish you all the luck.  I filed that Feb. and didn't receive anything until June....  Then filed an amended tax return and didn't get it til Feb of this year...

This year I filed with an outside tax service and got it all  within 2 weeks.  Good luck to you.

[faitt3432]

I electronically submitted my sons return on May 14, 2021 and he still hasnt gotten his refund.

[xmasbaby0]

@faitt3432

Millions of people are waiting for the severely backlogged IRS to process their tax returns and send their refunds.  Many have been waiting for much longer.

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.  “21 days”  is not a promise from TurboTax or the IRS.   Many refunds are taking longer during the pandemic.  The IRS is backlogged —-they are still trying to process millions of 2019 returns; they received millions of e-filed on the day they opened for 2020 returns, and now they are burdened with sending out another round of stimulus checks.   Congress changed the tax laws in the middle of the tax season so millions of returns need to be recalculated; and now on top of all that,  they have to gear up to start making monthly child tax credit payments.

Some delays are resulting from incorrect amounts that folks entered for stimulus checks they received.   Many people have been confused by the recovery rebate credit and completed it incorrectly.  The IRS may delay your refund while they cross-check to see what you received.  Some refunds are delayed because of the tax law changes that went into effect recently.   If your return has unemployment or the premium tax credit on it, that may be delaying it.

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 34of your 2020 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...

From this IRS website - https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations-during-covid-19-mission-critical-functions-continue

 As of June 23, 2021, we had 17.5 million unprocessed individual returns in the pipeline. Unprocessed returns include tax year 2020 returns such as those requiring correction to the Recovery Rebate Credit amount or validation of 2019 income used to figure the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). This work does not require us to correspond with taxpayers but does require special handling by an IRS employee so, in these instances, it is taking the IRS more than 21 days to issue any related refund. If, as a result, a correction is made to any RRC, EITC or ACTC claimed on the return, the IRS will send taxpayers an explanation. Taxpayers are encouraged to continue to check Where’s My Refund? for their personalized refund status and can review Tax Season Refund Frequently Asked Questions.

How long you may have to wait: The IRS understands the importance of timely processing of tax returns and refund issuance. We have processed all error free returns received prior to 2021, and continue to work the returns that need to be manually reviewed due to errors.  We are rerouting tax returns and taxpayer correspondence from locations that are behind to locations where more staff is available, and we are taking other actions to minimize any delays. Tax returns are opened and processed in the order received. As the return is processed, it may be delayed because it has a mistake including errors concerning the Recovery Rebate Credit, is missing information, or there is suspected identity theft or fraud. If we can fix it without contacting you, we will. If we need more information or need you to verify that it was you who sent the tax return, we will write you a letter. The resolution of these issues depends on how quickly and accurately you respond, and the ability of IRS staff trained and working under social distancing requirements to complete the processing of your return.

What you should do: If you filed electronically and received an acknowledgement, you do not need to take any further action other than promptly responding to any requests for information. If you filed on paper, check Where’s my refund? If it tells you we have received your return or are processing or reviewing it, we are processing your return, but it may be under review. We’re working hard to get through the backlog. Please don’t file a second tax return or contact the IRS about the status of your return.

[faitt3432]

i filed my taxes 3 days after i filed his and i got my refund a week later.  his was not a 2019 tax return.  i just used his 2019 income for the 2020 tax return as turbotax said i could.   im wondering if that is the reason its taking so long.

[xmasbaby0]

@DollB Your state has not had to process millions of income tax returns at the same time that they are trying to process three rounds of stimulus checks, recalculate federal tax refunds and issue extra refunds for tax laws changed by Congress in the middle of the tax season or get ready to start sending out advance child tax credit payments----so of course your state refund arrived faster than your federal refund.  

Millions of people are waiting for the severely backlogged IRS to process their tax returns and send their refunds.   You are not the only one.

From this IRS website - https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations-during-covid-19-mission-critical-functions-continue

 As of June 23, 2021, we had 17.5 million unprocessed individual returns in the pipeline. Unprocessed returns include tax year 2020 returns such as those requiring correction to the Recovery Rebate Credit amount or validation of 2019 income used to figure the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). This work does not require us to correspond with taxpayers but does require special handling by an IRS employee so, in these instances, it is taking the IRS more than 21 days to issue any related refund. If, as a result, a correction is made to any RRC, EITC or ACTC claimed on the return, the IRS will send taxpayers an explanation. Taxpayers are encouraged to continue to check Where’s My Refund? for their personalized refund status and can review Tax Season Refund Frequently Asked Questions.

How long you may have to wait: The IRS understands the importance of timely processing of tax returns and refund issuance. We have processed all error free returns received prior to 2021, and continue to work the returns that need to be manually reviewed due to errors.  We are rerouting tax returns and taxpayer correspondence from locations that are behind to locations where more staff is available, and we are taking other actions to minimize any delays. Tax returns are opened and processed in the order received. As the return is processed, it may be delayed because it has a mistake including errors concerning the Recovery Rebate Credit, is missing information, or there is suspected identity theft or fraud. If we can fix it without contacting you, we will. If we need more information or need you to verify that it was you who sent the tax return, we will write you a letter. The resolution of these issues depends on how quickly and accurately you respond, and the ability of IRS staff trained and working under social distancing requirements to complete the processing of your return.

What you should do: If you filed electronically and received an acknowledgement, you do not need to take any further action other than promptly responding to any requests for information. If you filed on paper, check Where’s my refund? If it tells you we have received your return or are processing or reviewing it, we are processing your return, but it may be under review. We’re working hard to get through the backlog. Please don’t file a second tax return or contact the IRS about the status of your return.

[xmasbaby0]

@RoseMyDaughter Not quite sure what you mean by "my kids did not get one" in regard to the 3rd stimulus check.   Do you mean YOU did not get the 3rd stimulus amount for kids claimed as a dependent on your own 2020 tax return?  Or do you mean you have kids who should have received the 3rd EIP in their own names?   We cannot tell what you are really asking about.   

If you are waiting for the IRS to finish processing your 2020 return and you did not get the full amount of the stimulus payments then you might get it later after your return is fully processed.   

If you claimed your kids as dependents---dependents do not receive stimulus checks.   So please clarify what you mean.

[xmasbaby0]

@faitt3432 Please explain what you mean by "I used his 2019 income for 2020  the tax return..."    

Do you mean that literally----did you enter 2019 income on a 2020 income tax return form?   EXACTLY what income did you enter on a 2020 tax return for your son?

 Or do you mean you entered his 2020 income and used the "lookback" for earned income credit or child tax credit based on a higher 2019 income?

[faitt3432]

i did not say i received my state refund.  it was my federal refund i received a week later.

[RoseMyDaughter]

Sorry I am not good with any of this .. So my kids are my dependants they are 5 and 6  ... When the 3 eip came i got my 1400.00 but I thought each dependant was also to get the 1400.00 as well