Where’s my refund tool not working

[Koa]

I have confirmed that the TurboTax app shows both my federal and state returns as accepted and it has been about 20 days since I have filed my returns, yet every time I use the “Where’s my refund?” tool on the IRS website and also their app it always says they cannot provide any information on my refund. Yes, I have checked to make sure I am putting in the correct refund amount as well as all other information.

[mesquitebean]

@Koa 

Be aware that if you tried the WMR tool or IRS2GO app in the last couple hours, that system has been down for normal maintenance.  The IRS says their WMR system is not available every Monday from 12:00 am (Midnight) to 3:00 am Eastern Time. 

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When it's back up again, here are some tips for using it:

You said you already confirmed your efile return was accepted.

When using the IRS WMR tool, be sure SSN and filing status are correct.
https://www.irs.gov/Refunds

Use only the Federal refund amount.  Do not use any combined total refund figure that includes the state refund.

NOTE:  Look at your actual 2019 return to get the Federal refund amount.  Be sure you are using what is displayed on your Federal Form 1040, Line 21a for the Federal refund amount.

And if you are paying your TurboTax fees out of the Federal refund, use the Federal amount without regard to the fee subtraction; i.e., the amount before any fees are subtracted.

You can also try phoning the IRS refund hotline.  I've seen it work for some users before when the WMR tool didn't.

800-829-1954

Once you are 21 days after being accepted, if at that point, you still can't find it, you can phone the IRS and see if they can look you up in their system.  

Here's how to reach a live agent at the 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 you should be transferred to an agent, but there's likely to be a long wait.
• I usually use a speakerphone so I can work on something else while waiting.

[mesquitebean]

You said you already confirmed your efile return was accepted.

When using the IRS WMR tool, be sure SSN and filing status are correct.
https://www.irs.gov/Refunds

Use only the Federal refund amount.  Do not use any combined total refund figure that includes the state refund.

NOTE:  Look at your actual 2019 return to get the Federal refund amount.  Be sure you are using what is displayed on your Federal Form 1040, Line 21a for the Federal refund amount.

And if you are paying your TurboTax fees out of the Federal refund, use the Federal amount without regard to the fee subtraction; i.e., the amount before any fees are subtracted.

You can also try phoning the IRS refund hotline.  I've seen it work for some users before when the WMR tool didn't.

800-829-1954

Once you are 21 days after being accepted, if at that point, you still can't find it, you can phone the IRS and see if they can look you up in their system.  

Here's how to reach a live agent at the 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 you should be transferred to an agent, but there's likely to be a long wait.
• I usually use a speakerphone so I can work on something else while waiting.

[amistretta08]

I’ve been experiencing the same issue. Though I am glad to hear it’s not just me which makes me think it’s an issue on their end. 

[Kelmari]

It's been more than a week but everytime I check where's my refund its saying wait 24hours everytime. What should I do?

[TerukoL]

For the time being, the IRS is putting all of its efforts into the details of the stimulus payments. Once they have that all figured out, they will resume processing and issuing refunds. The only thing to do right now is to wait. You should be hearing something back soon.

[Nicoley22]

I did my refund April 9 it still isn't approved?  How long should I wait? 

[SForrestLO]

@Nicoley22

It takes about 21 days for the IRS to issue a refund, once the Return has been Accepted. To get an actual date for when you will receive your refund, please go to www.irs.gov/refund.

If have already checked this website and it says Approved, the IRS says: "We’ve approved your refund. We are preparing to send your refund to your bank or directly to you in the mail. This status will tell you when we will send the refund to your bank (if you selected the direct deposit option). Please wait 5 days after we’ve sent the refund to check with your bank about your refund, since banks vary in how and when they credit funds. (It could take several weeks before you receive a mailed refund check.)"

Continue to check the IRS website Where's My Refund section.

https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions

[Nicoley22]

I did check irs.gov where's my refund and it is only accepted not approved yet. I am trying to figure out how long that usually takes I e filed on april 8 morning it was accepted. So my question is how long foes it take to go from accepted to approved 

[mesquitebean]

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@Nicoley22 wrote:

I did check irs.gov where's my refund and it is only accepted not approved yet. I am trying to figure out how long that usually takes I e filed on april 8 morning it was accepted. So my question is how long foes it take to go from accepted to approved 

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Unfortunately, no one can tell you that with any specificity.  Only averages and estimates.  Sometimes it's very quick, for others very long, depending on how much processing is required and if the IRS investigates anything.

The IRS says 9 out of 10 filers who efile and choose direct deposit will get their Federal refunds within 21 days after being accepted. Some returns are processed fairly quickly, while others require additional processing due to specific items in the return. Some are pulled at random for more thorough investigation.

[jonidevo57]

hi there. im going through the same thing.

[pinky_baby36]

That doesn't work now. No phone calls. Their office is closed. The WMR tool is not working again.

[Reneeco01]

I have been experiencing the same. I filed on the 13th, Monday, was accepted within 15 minutes. Just sat at accepted the first day. The second day, the WMR tool said it couldn’t find anything on me. The next day it was still accepted and today on both the app and the website, it says it doesn’t have any information that matches. I went to sign into my tax account and it shows that my return was submitted and on my transcript it says notice issued on 5-4-2020 and below refund issued on 4-24-2020 so I’m hoping it’s set to come on the 24th 

[Yazmineluna]

I entered all my info into the online tool and it says they can’t provide any information to me. I filed April 2, 2020, then received a letter asking for more information About 3 weeks later and I faxed that information May 8, 2020. What should I expect? Why is my information unavailable?

[DawnC]

When using the IRS WMR tool, be sure SSN and filing status are correct.  https://www.irs.gov/Refunds

Use only the Federal refund amount.  Do not use any combined total refund figure that includes the state refund.

NOTE:  Look at your actual 2019 return to get the Federal refund amount.  Be sure you are using what is displayed on your Federal Form 1040, Line 21a for the Federal refund amount.

And if you are paying your TurboTax fees out of the Federal refund, use the Federal amount without regard to the fee subtraction; i.e., the amount before any fees are subtracted.

You can also try phoning the IRS refund hotline.  I've seen it work for some users before when the WMR tool didn't.

800-829-1954

Once you are 21 days after being accepted, if at that point, you still can't find it, you can phone the IRS and see if they can look you up in their system.  Automated phone lines which handle most taxpayer calls - also remain available . Some tax compliance lines also remain available and some IRS phone lines supported by customer service representatives for both taxpayers and tax professionals including the EIP phone line for those who received an EIP letter (Notice 1444) are open with limited staffing at this time, however callers should expect long waits. To check on regular tax refund status via automated phone, call 800-829-1954. (This line has no information on Economic Impact Payments.)

@Yazmineluna

[1mugsley]

 I had filed my federal and state taxes and paid Turbo Tax by credit card.  I have not received my refund from either one.