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.
The return will be in the accepted stage the
entire time until it is finished processing and approved for a refund to be distributed
... on the IRS site it is only a 3 step process on the WMR? tool although
between step 1 & 2 the return may go thru a dozen different check
points.
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 understaffing
situation that the IRS announced earlier this year, they are likely
to be much longer this tax season.
First -- verify that your returns have been
filed and accepted -- then check the fed & state web sites 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.
https://www.irs.gov/uac/newsroom/irs-answers-common-early-tax-season-refund-questions-and-addresses-...
https://www.irs.gov/uac/newsroom/2016-tax-changes
For the states:
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899433-how-do-i-track-my-state-refund
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901670-how-do-i-contact-my-state-department-of-revenue
