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 Jun 6, 2019 12:38:27 AM

Why haven't i received my federal check? its been like 24 days since i filed

0 3 317
3 Replies
Level 15
Jun 6, 2019 12:38:27 AM

So you chose to get a Federal refund by a mailed check instead of direct deposit?

How did you file?  Did you efile, or did you print, sign, and mail the return?

If you efiled, double-check with this tool to be sure the return was efiled successfully and accepted:
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://shop.turbotax.intuit.com/efile/efile_status_lookup.jsp">https://shop.turbotax.intuit.com/efile/efile_status_lookup.jsp</a>

If that showed it was accepted (or if you mailed the return), what do you see at the IRS website below for the status of your Federal refund?
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/Refunds">https://www.irs.gov/Refunds</a>

If that IRS tool shows that the refund has been sent, report back for more info.  

If the IRS tool says it is still "being processed", then  if it's been longer than 21 days, we can tell you how to speak to someone at the IRS to see if they can tell you anything about the delay.

To track a state refund:
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899433-how-do-i-track-my-state-refund">https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899433-how-do-i-track-my-state-refund</a>

Level 15
Jun 6, 2019 12:38:30 AM

Paper checks can take longer, due to processing and mailing times.

Intuit Alumni
Jun 6, 2019 12:38:31 AM

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 another day or two to post the refund to your account, so keep that in mind.

Here is the general timeline of e-filed returns:

Transmission > Acceptance > Processing > Approval > Refund.

Keep an eye on Where's My Refund? for the most up to date information on your refund. The IRS will provide a specific, personalized date for your tax refund once it is available or if you requested a check they will let you know when it is being sent out.  You may also download the IRS2Go app to check your Federal refund status. The IRS website updates every 24 hours.

Related Information: