Why is my refund taking a long time?

[pocho97]

It has been more than 1 month since I e-filed my taxes, and they have not been approved.  Why?

[mesquitebean · Accepted solution]

Only the IRS will know what all they are doing with your return.  But we can tell you some things to check and how to contact them if necessary.

If you efiled, double-check with this tool to be sure the return was efiled successfully and accepted:
https://shop.turbotax.intuit.com/efile/efile_status_lookup.jsp

If that showed it was accepted, what do you see at the IRS website below for the status of your Federal refund? 
http://www.irs.gov/Refunds

If that IRS "Where's My Refund" tool says your return is still "being processed", and if it's been longer than 21 days, here's how to phone the IRS to speak to someone to see if they can tell you why it is delayed.

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.

[imegomez93]

When I check the "Where's my refund" tool, it states the following, "Your tax return is still being processed. A refund date will be provided when available."

[mesquitebean]

That means the IRS is still still working on it.  They are the only ones who will know why.