After you file

Does this IRS tool say your return is still being processed?

https://www.irs.gov/Refunds

No one but the IRS will know what all they are doing with your return.   Some returns require extra processing due to specific items in the return they have to verify.  Some are pulled at random for more processing.

If that tool above shows that your Federal return has been processing longer than 21 days, you can phone the IRS to see if you can learn anything about the delay.     If it's under 21 days, they probably won't be able to tell you anything, so there's no point in calling before.

IRS:  800-829-1040  hours 7 AM - 7 PM local time Mon-Fri

Listen to each menu before making the selection.
 
First choose your language. Press 1 for English.

  • Then do NOT choose the first choice re: "Refund", or it will send you to an automated phone line.
  • Instead, 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 should then transfer you to an agent, but there is likely to be a long wait.
I usually use a speakerphone so I can work on something else while waiting.