Why have I received my state refund but not my federal both were accepted the same date

[mesquitebean · Accepted solution]

The state and Federal refunds come from 2 different tax agencies, each doing their own thing at their own speed.  It is unpredictable which one will come first.

How long has it been since your returns were accepted?

What do you see at the IRS website below for the status of your Federal refund?  Click the blue button "Check My Refund Status."
http://www.irs.gov/Refunds

The IRS says 9 out of 10 filers who efile and choose direct deposit will get their refunds within 21 days.  You can monitor it with the IRS tool mentioned below.  Some returns take longer for additional processing due to specific items in the return.  Some are pulled at random for more thorough investigation. 

If your Federal return has been processing longer than 21 days, we can tell you how to phone to speak to an IRS agent to see if they can tell you why there is a delay.

[mccaa086]

My return was accepted the 21st of February. I've tried clicking on that site and it almost always says that it cannot help me. Phone number would be great I would love to get this figured out

[mesquitebean]

If your Federal return has been processing longer than 21 days, you can phone the IRS to see if you can learn anything about the delay.

IRS:  800-829-1040  hours 7 AM - 7 PM local time Mon-Fri

Listen to each menu before making the selection.
 
First choose your language. Press 1 for English.

    Then do NOT choose the first choice re: "Refund", or it will send you to an automated phone line.
    Instead, press 2 for "personal income tax".
    Then press 1 for "form, tax history, or payment".  
    Then press 3 "for all other questions."
    Then press 2 "for all other questions."  It should then transfer you to an agent, but there is likely to be a long wait.

I usually use a speakerphone so I can work on something else while waiting.