The IRS can take as long as they want to process the return and there is nothing you can do about it but wait patiently. They are processed individually these days so returns sent in at the same time will not necessarily process together or in the order they are received. 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 which means 14 million will be delayed for more than 21 days. There are no refund charts to refer to anymore so don't plan on your refund being in your account on any certain date then you won't be disappointed or overdrawn. It is possible that you get a DD date posted by the IRS and then a moment before the refund is released it gets put on hold while the IRS reviews the account which can delay it for months.
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 under staffing situation and budget cuts the IRS had been subject to, they are likely to be much longer again this year. It has been reported that some of the delay this year is due to the new anti fraud security screenings that were implemented.
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 a date for Sending will be available on the IRS website. Turbotax is not able to assist you any longer ... they are out of the loop once your return has been filed successfully.
See this IRS website for federal tax refund FAQ's - https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions
Only the IRS controls when and if a tax refund is Approved and Sent.
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.
Then press 2 for personal or individual tax questions.
Then press 4 for all other inquiries.
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 or call 1-844-545-5640 to set up an appointment
Or you may want to contact a Taxpayer Advocate in your area. See this IRS website for Taxpayer Advocate in your area and a toll free number - http://www.irs.gov/Advocate/Local-Taxpayer-Advocate
