I e-filed my federal on 2-5-17 And Its still saying its processing through the IRS. I e-filed my State on 2-21-17 and its already been processed and waiting for it to go onto my card?

[GeoffreyG · Accepted solution]

The "processing" message you describe is perfectly normal for the IRS.  There's absolutely no reason to necessarily think that you're under review or that an audit is pending, so please don't worry.   The messages and bars on the IRS.gov's "Where's My Refund" webpage change all of the time; and sometimes the same message is displayed continuously.  If it still says "processing" then that's actually a good thing.  If your tax return ever is chosen for further review, or an actual audit, then the website should indicate that, and also let you know to expect an IRS notice or letter by mail.  (You haven't observed a message like that, have you?)

Taxpayers who do have their returns held for review, or who expect to receive an IRS notice, tell us that such a message appears clearly on the Where's My Refund website.  The behavior that you observe is more likely an indicator that your tax return is simply moving through the processing system.  It could also be that the IRS is checking for additional information on something related to your tax return (like matching your reported W-2 data with that separately reported to the IRS by your employer); but we wouldn't call that a review . . . perhaps only a small delay.

If enough time passes after filing (21 days after e-file, or 6 weeks after paper file), and there is no new information, at that time the IRS indicates that you can call them for additional information, using the phone number provided on their Where's My Refund website.

For now, the best course of action is patience.  The IRS doesn't always move as fast as taxpayers would like (especially when waiting for a refund).  This year is especially slow, because the IRS is charged with implementing several new tax laws and directives, including the 2015 PATH Act.

Thank you for asking this question.

[tishahinton2017]

Great! Thank you.... I also have another question. I efiled and direct deposited into my Green Dot Account. Although my greendot card still has my old last name on it. And I recently got divorced and went back to my maiden last name. Its Still my account. Just hope that my bank doesnt reject it. Although my brother got to deposit his direct into his girlfriends and he isn't even on the account.....

[GeoffreyG]

Hi tishahinton2017:

While I can't speak to how your bank may or may not handle your Green Dot card, it may be good (general) advice to notify your bank of your life changes, if you haven't done so already.  I think they should be able to update the name on your account for you -- without changing your actual account number.  Otherwise, I might suggest using up your current Green Dot car balance (under the name in which it is currently registered) and then opening a new account under your maiden (current) name.  Hopefully you won't run into any problems.  (And thanks for the anecdote about your brother and his girlfriend . . .  that's very interesting to hear!)

Take care.