After you file

If you efiled, and if it was accepted, you should be able to look up the Federal refund status at this IRS "Where's My Refund" tool, using the refund amount shown on your Form 1040, Line 35a.   Are there are any messages at the IRS tool?

https://www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund

 

If the tool says you're return is still being processed, here's how to phone the IRS to see if you can learn 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 it will get "tired", and you'll get another menu.  Choose 2 for "personal".
  • Then in the next menu choose 4 for "all other inquiries", and it should transfer you to an agent but expect a long wait.
  • I usually use a speakerphone so I can work on something else while waiting.