The IRS no longer processes returns in first in first out batches. They are processed individually so returns sent in at the same time will not necessarily process together. The IRS states that 9 of 10 returns will process in 21 days or less. However considering that the IRS processes more than 140 million returns that means 14 million will be delayed for more than 21 days.
Think of the IRS process as a long pipe line. Some returns will be rejected before being allowed into the pipe and the rest will be accepted. Then once accepted into the pipeline many will process directly through without any delays and some will not. Some returns will be siphoned off for further review of some kind. The basis of what triggers these reviews is a well guarded secret but some are just picked randomly every year.
Some reviews are automated and some will require human attention. The processing times will vary but, due to the continued understaffing situation it could be much longer this year.
First -- verify that your return has been filed and accepted -- then check the fed web site to see where you are in the process-
Check Your E-File Status on this Secure TurboTax website
https://turbotax.intuit.com/efile/efile_status_lookup.jsp
- It will show the date you transmitted your return and if it was accepted or rejected.
- Both your Federal and State will be listed separately if you filed both.
- It will tell you when you E-filed
- The electronic filing date
See the following TurboTax support article on checking your e-file status - https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1908859-how-do-i-look-up-the-status-of-my-e-filed-return
For the Feds:
http://www.irs.gov/Refunds/Where's-My-Refund-It's-Quick,-Easy,-and-Secure.
http://www.irs.gov/uac/When-Can-I-Expect-My-Refund%3F
If the return has been processing for more than 21 days then you can call the IRS …
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." It should then transfer you to an agent.
Or you can contact your local IRS office. See this IRS website for local IRS offices - http://www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-Your-Local-IRS-Office-1
If it's been more than 90 days since the return was accepted then you can ask for help from the Tax Payer Advocate office:
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.
http://www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-a-Local-Taxpayer-Advocate
If you are unsuccessful with the Taxpayer Advocate for your area, you can also try the special IRS phone number for the Taxpayer Advocate Service at 877-777-4778.
More info on the Taxpayer Advocate Service:
http://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/about/who-we-are
http://www.irs.gov/Advocate/Taxpayer-Advocate-Service-6
Also see this article for more info on how the Taxpayer Advocate Service works:
http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc104.html
