Why is my return taking so long to process?

[bluedeb]

No one would know why your return says "still processing", not even TurboTax.  Only the IRS (or State) has the answers. "Being processed", means the IRS must first process your return and then approve your refund.  It's possible your tax return may require additional review and take longer.

You can keep checking the IRS website, Where's My Refund, they only update once a day, usually at night, so checking it more than once day will have no changes.

[MSAZ]

Mine is taking forever as well. I filed Back in January but because of EIC they didn't begin processing until 2/17 but it still says "Being processed" as of now. March 4th.

[jcg08019901]

Im having this same experience. I filed my 2019 taxes, via Turbo Tax Free, 04/02, and they was accepted by IRS 4/03. Since then the wheres my refund tool is stating they are still being processed and this has prevented me from getting my Stimulus payment. Im laid off wk and almost out of food. Please help me get answers! 

[DFSCOTT63]

My taxes were accepted march 19, today is may 13, in a few days turbo tax will take thier 120.0 from me. i have not been working, no stimulus, fighting with floridas unemployment . is america really a 3rd world country?

[SusanY1]

Unfortunately, delayed refunds are quite common right now due to IRS department closures and staffing issues.  While there isn't anything much we can do to assist with that, we may be able to defer the draft of the TurboTax fees from your account.

However, to do so requires that we have some personal information about your account that is not safe for you to post here as this is a public forum. 

Please contact one of our live agents here: Contact TurboTax Support to request postponement of the draft.     

I am so sorry for all of the difficulties that you're facing - I hope things look up for you soon.  

[jcg08019901]

Like u I filed my 2019 taxes, via Turbo Tax (free edition), on 4/2, and they was accepted by the IRS on that same day. Since then, I've been continuously check the IRS Check My Refund tool and it keeps saying my taxes are still being processed. This has also prevented me from getting my Stimulus payment. And unlike u I'm completely out of food, and can't find help, assistance, or resources anywhere. Just sad!!! I will never use Turbo Tax again!!!

[JotikaT2]

Unfortunately, this is not just a TurboTax issue.  Covid-19 has caused the IRS to reduce it operations. 

The IRS issues a lot of refunds within 21 days, but it has been taking longer with the stimulus payment being issued in addition to the tax refunds. 

IRS processing time and refund status 

The online link is your best option to track your refund.  I have attached a link with more answers from the IRS as to why your refund may be taking longer to process.

Federal refund questions

Attached is a link with more information as to what departments are available to contact at the moment.

IRS operations

The payment of the stimulus funds can be tracked at the following website:

Check status of economic payment

Please see the following for facts related to the payments as processed by the IRS.  

FAQ for Economic payments

[Yolokalo]

Did you ever receive and how long

[ID 2074514]

@Be HONEST

@tell the truth 

[LindseyLO]

Although the average return takes 24-48 hours to process it can sometimes take longer. More help and explanation has been provided by clicking here.

[Charlie48]

This is my first year filing with turbo tax and i am not having a good experience with them my state taxes needed more documents my federal i still have not heard anything from and people who filed way after i did has already received their refunds and turbo is charging me 85 dollars which was fine if they actually did what they said would have and check everything over like they say they do to make sure everything is done correctly

[EbonyL122824]

The IRS does not process returns in first in first out batches. They are processed individually and at different times. It can take anywhere from a few days to 3 weeks to update. As your return moves through the system, the status of it will be updated accordingly. There's no way of knowing exactly when the IRS will update as TurboTax does not have access to any information regarding your tax refund once it has been submitted to the IRS and state department. Continue checking the Where’s My Federal Refund?  tool for updates. Updates are made daily, usually overnight. You may also download the IRS2Go app to check your Federal refund status.

[Leiana24]

It’s going to be 21 days this Friday! I filed 2/13 & have yet to see the IRS website approve my refund... is it taking long because I EIC & the missing stimulus money I didn’t get for my child?

[HelenC12]

@Leiana24 

Yes, it may be related to the child credits. 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.

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.

Related Information:

• What if my IRS refund is taking longer than 21 days?
• When will I get my IRS tax refund?
• Some federal refunds are delayed due to the PATH Act