If your return was accepted less than 21 days ago, hang in
there. It can take anywhere from a few days to 3 weeks to go from
acceptance to approval.
For the most up to date information, the IRS Where’s My Refund? site will provide your current status. For your State refund, click here How do I track my state refund?.
Here is the general timeline of e-filed returns:
Transmission > Acceptance > Processing > Approval > Refund
If it has been more than 21 days since your return was accepted, I have listed some information below on why your return may be taking a little bit longer. You may also contact the IRS directly, to see if they can give you information on your return. I am listing their phone number below, along with instructions on how to get through to a representative.
Even though the IRS issues 9 out of 10 tax refunds within 21 days, it's possible your return may require additional review and take longer to process.
For some taxpayers, PATH Act requirements and other identity-protection safeguards implemented by the IRS may account for longer wait times. (Earned Income Tax Credit (EIC) and/or Additional Child Tax Credit)
Other things that can delay your refund include but are not limited to:
- Liens, back taxes, or refund offsets;
- Errors, inconsistencies, or missing information;
- Identity fraud;
- Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation, which can take 11-14 weeks to process.
Also, if you chose direct deposit, your financial institution may need up to 5 days to post the refund to your account, so keep that in mind.
To contact the IRS call: 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.
After first choosing your language, then do NOT choose Option 1 (refund info). Choose option 2 for "personal income tax" instead.
Press 1 for "form, tax history, or payment".
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.
It should then transfer you to an agent.
