This year has been a nightmare for tax refunds taking longer than normal before they are delivered. The PATH Act of 2015 has been very successful in mitigating identity theft and the resulting loss of honest taxpayers tax refund to thieves. However, it has been taking a long time and I understand your frustration. The IRS website remains the best way to track your refund status: https://www.irs.gov/refunds
The IRS issues more than 9 out of 10 refunds in the normal time frame: less than 21 days.
IRS representatives can research the status of your return only if:
- It's been more than 21 days since you received your e-file acceptance notification,
- It's been more than 6 weeks since you mailed your paper return, or
- The Where's My Refund? tool directs you to contact us.
If your tax return includes EITC or ACTC, you should only call if the Where's My Refund? tool directs you to contact the IRS.
