After you file

The date that TurboTax gives is an estimate only. The only way to truly know when your refund will be deposited is by going to www.irs.gov/refunds. Typically refunds are issues within 21 days but the IRS  says the following about refunds that take longer than 21 days:

It's been longer than 21 days since the IRS received my return and I haven’t gotten my refund. Why?

Some tax returns take longer to process than others for many reasons, including when a return:

• Includes errors
• Is incomplete
• Is affected by identity theft or fraud
• Includes a claim filed for an Earned Income Tax Credit or an Additional Child Tax Credit. See Q&A below.
• Includes a Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation, which could take up to 14 weeks to process
• Needs further review in general

We (The IRS) will contact you by mail when we need more information to process your return.

Unfortunately, since TurboTax does not get status updates after your return is accepted, we would not be able to provide you any more details than the IRS can. If it has been over 21 days then you can contact the IRS by calling 800-829-1040. The phone system is like a maze so I will include some instructions below to reach a live person.

Please call 800-829-1040 and do the following:

1. press 1 for English
    listen to the recorded message
2. press 2 for answers about personal income taxes
    listen to the recorded message
3. press 1 for questions about a form you already submitted
4. press 3 for all other questions
5. press 2 for all other questions
6. enter your social or ein
    confirm type (social or ein) and confirm if the number is right by pressing 1
7. Listen to all options then it will say if you have not heard your topic please hold
8. Next, it will say if you owe money and agree with the amount press 1
You will then be transferred to a representative after a general message from the IRS (Note* if call volume is too high they will ask you to call back)