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 understaffing
situation that the IRS announced earlier this year, they are likely
to be much longer this year.
New for 2016 …. Any
returns with EIC or ACTC on them will be delayed … see the IRS web site link https://www.irs.gov/uac/newsroom/2016-tax-changes
First -- verify that your returns have been
filed and accepted -- then check the fed & state web sites to
see where you are in the process-
Check Your E-File Status on this Secure TurboTax
website
https://turbotax.intuit.com/efile/efile_status_lookup.jsp
- It will show the date you transmitted your
return and if it was accepted or rejected.
- Both your Federal and State will be listed
separately if you filed both.
- It will tell you when you E-filed
- The electronic filing date
See the following TurboTax support article on
checking your e-file status - https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1908859-how-do-i-look-up-the-status-of-my-e-filed-return
For the Feds:
http://www.irs.gov/Refunds/Where's-My-Refund-It's-Quick,-Easy,-and-Secure.
https://www.irs.gov/uac/newsroom/irs-answers-common-early-tax-season-refund-questions-and-addresses-surrounding-myths
https://www.irs.gov/uac/newsroom/2016-tax-changes
For the states:
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899433-how-do-i-track-my-state-refund
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901670-how-do-i-contact-my-state-department-of-revenue
If the return has been processing for more than 21 days 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 4 "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 the return has been processing for more than 90 days and you are not getting help from the IRS ....
You may want to contact a Taxpayer Advocate in your area. See this IRS website for Taxpayer Advocate in your area and a toll free number - http://www.irs.gov/Advocate/Local-Taxpayer-Advocate
Once your return has been accepted by the IRS, only the IRS has any control. TurboTax does not receive any updates from the IRS.
To track your Federal refund:
To track your state refund:
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899433
On the IRS site you are also offered the use of an app called IRS2Go