It is called a RANDOM review because it is random ... you were just picked at random for a review. Don't read anything more into it ... if you filed a true & accurate return then you have nothing to be afraid of and all you can do is wait patiently.
The
IRS no longer processes returns in first in first out batches. They are
processed individually so returns sent in at the same time will not necessarily
process together. There are 3 IRS steps/bars. (1) Accepted for processing,
(2) Refund approved & (3) refund sent. The IRS states that 9 of
10 returns will process in 21 days or less. However considering that the IRS
processes more than 140 million returns so that means 14 million will be
delayed for more than 21 days.
Think
of the IRS process as a long pipe line. Some returns will be rejected before
being allowed into the pipe and some will be accepted. Then once accepted into
the pipeline many will process directly through without any delays and some
will not. Some returns will be siphoned off for further review of some
kind. The basis of what triggers these reviews is a well guarded secret but
some are just picked randomly every year.
Some
reviews are automated and some will require human attention. The processing
times will vary but, due to the under staffing situation that the IRS announced
earlier this year, they are likely to be much longer this year. Employing the IRS “Where’s My Refund” tool will be
the best method to track your refund - http://www.irs.gov/Refunds
