What should I do with my refund?

That sucks. Your problem is only tangentially related to your refund. 

If the refund is big enough to make a difference in your life, they’re withholding too much.  You can update your W-4 and get a bigger paycheck and less refund.  Then you use that money to follow your dreams and get away from the jerk. 

As for the jerk, I would try to let the authorities deal with him.  They’re not perfect, but engaging with him emotionally just encourages him.  If you don’t react, people will eventually see him for what he is, and he won’t be able to affect your jobs.  Find a geek to get him out of your devices, or use a flip-phone temporarily.  It’s easier said than done.  But in a year you’ll see he’s just another low-life.

"For some context, I wanna buy a house at some point in my life."

This doesn't directly relate to refunds, but it reminds me of how before I bought my first home I thought there was something complicated about it.  But it's all about saving money in a savings account until you have enough for a good down payment.  I was 22 when I first thought about it.  It seemed like forever, but you can save money over time, and it builds up faster than you think because you occasionally get bonuses, OT, odd side jobs, raises, etc.  

If you're getting a big refund, you can update your W-4 form and increase the number of exemptions so they take less money out of your paycheck and you don't have to ask for it back in the form of a refund.  

It's odd how felt like there was some complicated theory behind buying a house at age 22.  It's just saving money, finding any opportunities to make extra money to save, and watching for a bargain on a house.  

It depends. 

The IRS issues a lot of refunds within 21 days, but it could take longer. 

IRS processing time and refund status 

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

Also, be aware, the IRS operations are limited during the Covid-19 pandemic.  Attached is a link with more information as to what departments are available to contact at the moment.

IRS operations

Please see the attached for more specific information as it applies to your particular state. 

How to track my refund 

…..and well you should.

Committing to paying yourself first by saving 10% of your income will get you on the road to financial independence.

Your first priority should be to save 6-12 months of living expenses in a bank or money market fund. to cover a potential job loss or an unexpected large expense such as a car repair.

You will probably earn a higher interest rate in an internet bank fund such as American Express Bank currently yielding 1.5%,

See www.americanexpress.com

Good luck,
Marketstar

To get out of debt, you can focus on one debt at at time, starting with highest rate or starting with smallest balance.  When I was in debt, I didn't want to accept the road out would take over a year.  I wish I could go back and say don't worry about that; just the next year financially is going to be about retiring debt.  

If you can get rid of the car loan, that's good too.  There's no reason to aim to keep some debt.

Don't worry about investing or donating until you're done with the debt.  One thing at a time.  When the debt's gone, you'll have money to invest.  As for donating, I try to donate to people I know.  I asked my kids' teachers if they know anyone struggling to pay for Internet during this corona virus crisis.  It was nice to be able to help.  I could not have helped 20 years ago when I had debt.

It will go faster than you think, not just in terms of perception, but in time.  You'll find new ways to pick up OT, bonuses, things to sell, or whatever over the time when you're paying off the debt.  

Regarding the OP topic, get your HR office to update your W-4 form so they take less out for taxes and so you don't get much refund.  That way you have more money from each paycheck to pay debt or do whatever you want with.

---

@Nmar73 wrote:

 I am still waiting for my Refund do u now how long it will be  ????

---

Did you e-file your tax return and was it accepted?
Only the IRS and your State control when and if a Federal or State tax refund is Approved and Issued.

You complete your tax return by finishing all 3 Steps in the File section. In Step 3, to e-file your tax return, you must click on the large Orange button labeled "Transmit my returns now".

After completing the File section and e-filing your tax return you will receive two emails from TurboTax. The first email when your tax return was transmitted and the second email when the tax return has either been accepted or rejected.

Note - Once a tax return has been Accepted by the IRS or a State, TurboTax receives no further information concerning the tax return or the status of any tax refund.  Only the taxpayer listed on the tax return can obtain the status of a tax refund or a tax return.

To check the status of an e-filed return, open up your desktop product or log into your TurboTax Online Account. You can find your status within the TurboTax product.
If accepted by the IRS use the federal tax refund website to check the refund status - https://www.irs.gov/refunds
If accepted by the state use this TurboTax support FAQ to check the state tax refund status - https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899433-how-do-i-track-my-state-refund

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.