Why is my return taking so long to process?

[PattiF]

The IRS is behind in processing returns. There are almost 7 millions returns that have not been processed which is more than three times the number in the same period last year.

The IRS workers are working mandatory overtime and working diligently to speed the process.

[AshleyLevesque12]

• I've only seen turbo tax customers reporting waiting.  I saw that they are behind.  But all the people I know who used a different service have not been having issues. 

[DanielV01]

@AshleyLevesque12  There are any number of reasons why the IRS might separate out a return for further review.  This year, there are a number of new situations that could draw the IRS' attention.  But once a return has been accepted electronically, it is the IRS, and only the IRS, who processes the refund.  It does not have anything to do with what software was used to file.  It's a detail within the return itself that the IRS might be verifying.

[AshleyLevesque12]

You can say whatever you want about it. I'm just stating what I am observing. My sister used tax act, had an issue and still has received her refund. My cousin used HR block and received hers. The only people I know who are waiting is people who used Turbotax, personally.

It doesn't matter how many tax experts respond, it's happening.  

[JamieandMax]

I filed with turbo tax on 2/19, and it says expected refund on 3/12. It is now 3/17 and still nothing. I chose direct deposit to get my refund faster, also for my stimulus check. It's almost been a month since I filed and it's very frustrating. How do I get the fee's dropped on my TurboTax. This is ridiculous. I understand the IRS is having issues, but also why should i be having to pay turbo tax when they will receive my refund in a separate account. This is bull**bleep**. Stop charging people during a pandemic when people are about to be homeless. 

[JamesG1]

@megaman0313

The IRS issues refunds, not TurboTax. This means that we cannot say for sure why you have not received your refund if it has been longer than 21 days since you e-filed.  The IRS says that it will issue 9 out of 10 refunds to taxpayers in less than 21 days.  However, if:  

• You have e-filed your 2020 Federal tax return,
• You are claiming a Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) on line 30 of the 2020 1040 tax return, and
• Your tax return has been accepted by the IRS. 

We suspect that the IRS will scrutinize stimulus payments that were issued against the tax returns that claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.  We do not know how much delay that the IRS will incur in such cases. 

Implementation of the American Rescue Plan will further strain the resources of the IRS.  IRS live phone assistance is extremely limited at this time.  For stimulus payment questions, call 800-919-9835.

Follow the TurboTax COVID Tax Center and the IRS Economic Impact Payment Information Center for further developments.

[meagan5]

Mine was supposed to be here on 3/4. Still nothing. It still is claiming to be "processing". I am so irritated, everyone I know has already gotten their returns, people who did their taxes way later than me. I filed in the end of January.  Not to mention I did my taxes on the free version - then at the end it told me I HAD to pay $150!!!!! for the DELUXE version because I have a 401k account, and so I ended up paying because I was exhausted and spent hours doing them. Now I have spent $150 on my credit card to Turbo Tax when I could have went to a CPA for $125 and had my refund with her doing my taxes for me. I feel so stupid. Thanks a lot Turbo Tax.

[SForrestLO]

@meagan5

Turbo Tax will have nothing to do with when you will receive your refund. You must contact the IRS for that, they are the ones processing your return. It can take anywhere from a few days to 3 weeks to update and show the status. The 21 days is just an estimated time frame. The IRS began processing returns on 2/12, you may not find a record of it or the website may say that you have put in incorrect information when tracking your federal refund. As your return moves through the system, the status of it will be updated.

Since Turbo Tax will not have the status of your refund, continue checking the Where’s My Federal Refund tool for updates. Updates are made daily, usually overnight. 

What does pending mean?

Please use this link to track your refund from the IRS

[meagan5]

@SForrestLO Yeah, I saw the same copy and paste message that every other “expert” used on every other complaint. Doesn’t change the fact my taxes were accepted by the IRS on 2/11, and I should have had my return back before other people with the exact same circumstances as me, who filed later than me with different entities. 
It hasn’t “moved through the system” with the IRS since they accepted my return on 2/11. It’s very clear that Turbo Tax refuses to take any responsibility once a return is submitted to the IRS and wants to wash their hands of any part of it. Thanks for literally making every customer feel like a number and giving no concern. 

[SForrestLO]

@meagan5

You can't base your tax situation on everybody else's. Everyone's circumstance is different. This is why the IRS reviews everybody's information. Turbo Tax has nothing to do with the IRS, we are not affiliated. We simply provide a way for the customer to prepare a tax return. This is why after you file, you have to monitor the IRS website for your status. We will not have it, we can't see anybody's returns. 

When it comes to the IRS, there is really nothing anybody can do except wait for them to finish. You can contact them directly for questions or concerns regarding your return. However, it is difficult to reach someone. 

[meagan5]

@SForrestLO  That’s fine and all, and I respect the notion of every situation being different. I just cannot ignore the amount of Turbo Tax customers specifically having this exact problem, and the amount of customers in my situation who are having the same problem. Turbo Tax should consider positions in politics with the circumvention they use in responsibility! Plus, it would be nice if the IRS was available to talk to, but their phone lines are not accepting calls when I attempt - and my status on the IRS website claims my return is still being processed and that is all - so you continuously directing me to do what I have been doing for weeks is not only unhelpful, but also condescending. So once again, thank you for nothing!

[wandaperryBean1]

I did my turbo taxes  back in January  and it was approve  on feb 12 why it's not deposit to my account 

[PaulaM]

Most taxpayers receive their refund within 21 days, but sometimes it can take longer to process or review your return. Please see the links below for reference.

What if my IRS refund is taking longer than 21 days?

What do I need if I call the IRS?

Please see these links below for possible reasons for delays.

Some federal refunds are delayed due to the PATH Act

Why do some refunds take longer than others?

[justthebearnecessities]

I filed my taxes as soon as I could back in February. Still no return.

My brother did his and has no kids. Pretty straightforward basic return on his end and still no return.

I actually will receive a lot more due to my solar panels (over 8K). So I can see why mine was unusual vs previous years.

Mine was under review for 2 weeks. Now it is processing (1 week already).

I did already receive my state refund and the 3rd round of the Stimulus check.

Apparently others are waiting for theirs too.

Maybe the IRS is backed up.  I am a little reassured that I am not the only one.

[npierson7]

The IRS issues most refunds from e-filed returns in about 21 days, although some returns take more time to review. Your return was e-filed five days ago, so it may take a little bit more time to be able to track your refund. 

To find out where your refund is, first check your e-file status. If it's been accepted, you can begin to track your refund at the IRS Where's My Refund? site. You'll need your Social Security number or ITIN, filing status, and the exact amount of your refund to check your status.