Not unusual ... all you can do is wait patiently.
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 and due to the continued under staffing situation
they are likely to take much longer this year than last.
