Why sign in to the Community?

  • Submit a question
  • Check your notifications
Sign in to the Community or Sign in to TurboTax and start working on your taxes
New Member
posted May 25, 2020 8:26:12 AM

Why have I not received my tax refund after so long

0 2 672
2 Replies
Expert Alumni
May 25, 2020 8:44:28 AM

Once your return has been accepted by the IRS, the refund process is completely under the control of the IRS. The IRS says that most refunds would be issued within 21 days. But some returns need more processing and refunds will take longer, especially during these Covid-19 times when some IRS agents still work remotely.

 

Please read this IRS FAQ for more information.

 

Please be patient, the situation will get better soon as some IRS agents are returning to their desks. You can check the status of your refund at this IRS web portal.

Level 15
May 25, 2020 8:45:43 AM

Did you efile your tax return or did you print and mail it?

 

If you efiled it, have you confirmed that it was submitted and accepted? Use this link to confirm: https://shop.turbotax.intuit.com/efile/efile_status_lookup.jsp

 

If you chose to print and mail it, did you do that yourself? TurboTax does not print and mail it for you.

 

Unfortunately TurboTax gets no information about the status of your refund.
In normal times, the IRS says that most filers get their refunds within 21 days from the time their tax return is accepted.
Many returns are taking longer now since the IRS did not process returns for a while and there is now a big backlog of unprocessed returns.
Some press reports stated the IRS has started reopening offices and processing centers and are starting to process mailed returns again after not processing any for several weeks but no IRS press release has confirmed this.
They are now taking phone calls with a limited staff but it's hard to get through.

After the IRS begins processing your return, you can track the status using this web site:

https://www.irs.gov/refunds

Here is an IRS Q&A with information about refunds:
https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions