So the IRS really did not tell you that you owed penalties--you just thought that? There is not a penalty or interest if you are getting a refund. And---it seems like you still do not know for sure if your return was really accepted --- or you just did not say.
What does it say when you check the e-file status?
https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/efile-status-lookup/
If it was accepted, then you can check the refund status on the IRS refund site. Refunds are slow this year due to the pandemic. You cannot e-file it again. If you e-filed it and it was accepted, any other attempts to e-file will be rejected. And mailing it will take a long time--mailed returns have been piled up in trailers for months. You need to cool your jets a little and let the IRS process your return.
To check on regular tax refund status via automated phone, call 800-829-1954. (This line has no information on Economic Impact Payments.)
https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/efile-status-lookup/
TurboTax gives you an estimated date for receiving your refund based on a 21 day average from your date of acceptance, but it can take longer. Many refunds are taking longer during the pandemic.
Once your federal return has been accepted by the IRS, only the IRS has any control. TurboTax does not receive any updates from the IRS. Your ONLY source of information about your refund now is the IRS.
You need your filing status, your Social Security number and the exact amount (line 20 of your Form 1040) of your federal refund to track your Federal refund:
https://www.irs.gov/refunds
To track your state refund:
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899433-how-do-i-track-my-state-refund
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901548-why-do-some-refunds-take-longer-than-others
If you chose to have your TurboTax fees deducted from your federal refund, that will take some extra time, while the third party bank handles the refund processing.
https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2840013-does-accepted-mean-my-refund-is-approved
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2724106-my-return-is-accepted-but-still-not-approved-is-there-a-pr...
**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
