Why have I still not yet received my tax refund although I have mailed in my return before the deadline? Still no change in status?

[kamsam18]

I have filed before the deadline of April 15th and mailed in with documents of w-2 and signature along with the return papers. Why have I not received any change in status or anything in the mail regarding my refund? What can I do to expect it? Is there any way to re-file without mailing the whole thing in? Or is that my solution? I don’t understand why it isn’t appearing to the IRS and if it has been why haven’t they changed my status? I mailed it in with all the correct postage and correct location. Help

[Critter]

When you check was it even accepted ?  

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. 

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 continued  understaffing situation it could  be much longer this year. 

First -- verify that your return has been filed and accepted for processing --  then check the fed web site to see where you are in the process-

For the Feds:

http://www.irs.gov/Refunds/Where's-My-Refund-It's-Quick,-Easy,-and-Secure.

http://www.irs.gov/uac/When-Can-I-Expect-My-Refund%3F

If the return has been processing for more than 21 days then you can call the IRS …

Call the IRS:  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.  

So after first choosing your language, then do NOT choose Option 1 (refund info).  Choose option 2 for "personal income tax" instead.

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.

Or you can contact your local IRS office.  See this IRS website for local IRS offices - http://www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-Your-Local-IRS-Office-1

If it's been more than 90 days since the return was accepted  then you can ask for help from the Tax Payer Advocate office:

At the following IRS website, find the USA map and click on your state, and it will give you the number of your IRS Taxpayer Advocate.

http://www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-a-Local-Taxpayer-Advocate

If you are unsuccessful with the Taxpayer Advocate for your area, you can also try the special IRS phone number for the Taxpayer Advocate Service at 877-777-4778.

More info on the Taxpayer Advocate Service:
http://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/about/who-we-are

http://www.irs.gov/Advocate/Taxpayer-Advocate-Service-6

Also see this article for more info on how the Taxpayer Advocate Service works:
http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc104.html

[xmasbaby0]

 TurboTax does not get updates on mailed returns.  Wait about 4 weeks from when you mail a return and then you can check the status on the IRS site. https://www.irs.gov/refunds

In the future, if you mail a tax return (or a payment) to the IRS, it is a good idea to use a mailing service that will track it like UPS or certified mail so you will know it was received.

[Anonymous]

things get lost in the mail.   did you use a method where you get proof of delivery..  highly advisable.    what does IRS show for refund status.  it would give us a clearer idea of how to respond.  however, you do have the options of calling the iRS or downloading a transcript of the return.  if there is no transcript, either the IRS never got it or it hasn't been processed as yet.  if the IRS has received your return but has not gotten around to processing it, efiling a second  copy will only delay your refund 

[VolvoGirl]

Did you also mail a state return?  Did state go though?  Hopefully you didn't mail federal in the same envelope with state.  They go to different places.

[kamsam18]

How do I download a transcript? My refund status says “still being processed”. Does that mean they haven’t received it yet? Im curious if they might have needed more information, but never got anything in the mail regarding that. I’ve called every irs number out there and I have only gotten automated voice messages. I can’t figure out how to talk to a real person. Do you have Any advice or number? Every time I enter my tracking refund info, it still says being processed. Nothing has changed over months.

[kamsam18]

My status has always said “still being processed” ...does that mean that it was accepted? I’ve waited long over 90 days and tried calling every irs number out there. Thanks for the steps on how to reach a real person. I’ll try that.

[kamsam18]

I didn’t file a state return so that’s not an issue for me.