Sadly the IRS tool is very limited ... it only has 3 steps. Received (same as accepted for processing in TT ) then Approved for refund dispersal and last refund sent. A lot happens between the received and approved steps and it would be really nice if they put in a meter of some kind but this is all there is at this time.
The WMR tool has been squirrelly a lot this year. But you do also have to make sure you are using the tool correctly. Even then a lot of people have trouble with it and experience what you report.
Double-check that your efiled returns were indeed accepted. If you used Online TurboTax, log in and go to the Tax Home and check the efile status.
Here are some tips when using the IRS "Where's My Refund" tool:
https://www.irs.gov/Refunds
- Be sure you have waited at least 24 hours after acceptance before using the IRS WMR tool.
- Be sure you enter the correct SSN and filing status.
- Be sure you are using only the Federal refund amount. Do not include any state refund or any total refund or net refund (Fed and State) that TurboTax may have provided on a screen.
- Also be sure you are using the Federal amount before any TurboTax fees are taken out (if you chose that option.)
- Look at your actual Federal return to get the Federal refund amount, i.e., your Form 1040, Line 35a.
- You can also try phoning the IRS refund hotline. I've seen it work for some users when the WMR tool didn't. 800-829-1954
Another option is to sign into your account at the IRS and look at the transcripts ...
To obtain them online or by mail
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript
Request Online
What You Need
To register and use this service, you need:
your SSN, date of birth, filing status and mailing address from latest tax return,
access to your email account,
your personal account number from a credit card, mortgage, home equity loan, home equity line of credit or car loan, and
a mobile phone with your name on the account.
What You Get
All transcript types are available online
View, print or download your transcript
Username and password to return later
Request by Mail
What You Need
To use this service, you need your:
SSN or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN),
date of birth, and
mailing address from your latest tax return
What You Get
Return or Account transcript types delivered by mail
Transcripts arrive in 5 to 10 calendar days at the address we have on file for you
