What is causing delays for IRS returns beyond 21 days and lack of any updates?

[CatinaT1]

Once your return is filed, TurboTax has no control over the processing or the timing when the IRS/State releases your refund. 

The IRS states that most federal tax refunds are issued within 21 days of acceptance, however, some may take longer if they require additional review. Also, by law, the IRS cannot issue EITC or ACTC refunds before mid-February. This applies to your entire refund, not just the portion related to those specific credits.

Here are a few FAQs to help you track your refund:
When will I get my federal tax refund?
How do I track my state refund?
Why does Where's My Refund say "approved" but TurboTax still says "accepted"?

Why do some refunds take longer than others?

What if my IRS refund is taking longer than 21 days?

[DoninGA]

Once a tax return has been Accepted by the IRS or a State, TurboTax receives no further information concerning the tax return or the status of any tax refund.

If accepted by the IRS use the federal tax refund website to check the refund status - https://www.irs.gov/refunds

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 an Issue Date will be available on the IRS website.

Call the IRS: 1-800-829-1040 hours 7 AM - 7 PM local time Monday-Friday