wttigger76
Returning Member

What the hell is taking my refund so long to supposedly process????

 

After you file

Only the IRS (or state) can answer that question.  Once your tax return is accepted TurboTax is out of the picture and receives no further feedback from the taxing authorities.  The taxing authorities will not give any information to anyone other than the taxpayer.

**Disclaimer: This post is for discussion purposes only and is NOT tax advice. The author takes no responsibility for the accuracy of any information in this post.**

After you file

Did you efile, or did you print, sign, and mail the return?


Here are some things to check.  Sign back into your Online account (assuming you used Online TurboTax).  What is showing for the "status" of the 2018 return?  Does it say accepted, rejected, printed, started, ready to mail, or what?


If that showed it was accepted (or if you mailed the return), what do you see at the IRS website below for the status of your Federal refund?
https://www.irs.gov/Refunds
NOTE: When using that tool, use only the Federal refund amount, and not any total refund amount that includes a state refund. The amount to use is on your Federal Form 1040, Line 20a.

 

If the IRS tool says it is still "being processed", here's how to speak to a live agent at the IRS to see if they can tell you anything about the delay.

 

IRS:  800-829-1040 (7AM-7 PM local time) Monday-Friday

 

When calling the IRS do not choose the first choice re: "Refund", or it will send you to an automated phone line.

  • First choose your language.  Then listen to each menu before making the selection.
  • Then press 2 for "personal income tax".
  • Then press 1 for "form, tax history, or payment".  
  • Then press 3 "for all other questions."
  • Then press 2 "for all other questions." 
  • It may then ask for your SSN, but do not enter it.  Just wait.    If it asks for SSN a second time, still do not enter it.
  • Then you'll get another menu.  Choose 2 for "personal" then you should be transferred.


I usually use a speakerphone so I can work on something else while waiting.