What if my federal refund is taking longer than 21 days?

Most federal tax refunds are issued within 21 days, but some may take longer if the return requires additional review.

Once the IRS has accepted your return, TurboTax can’t provide updates on where your refund is at.

If your federal refund is late, follow these steps: 

• Check the IRS Where's My Refund? site.
  • The site has three different status options:
    • Return Received: The IRS received your return and is processing it. 
    • Refund Approved: The IRS approved your refund.
    • Refund Sent: Your refund is on its way.
  • The IRS Where’s My Refund? site is typically updated once a day, overnight. So there’s no need to check more often. If you see an error message, try the website again later.
  • If you paper-filed, wait at least 4 weeks before checking Where's My Refund?.
• Contact the IRS if:
  • It's been 21 days or more since you e-filed.
  • The Where's My Refund? site notifies you to contact them.
• Call the IRS using these numbers and these tips:
  • For individuals: 800-829-1040
  • For businesses: 800-829-4933
  • For those with hearing impairments: 800-829-4059

If you have up to 5 days early refund delivery, Refund Advance, or Pay with My Refund, go here for more info.

What else makes refunds late?

Administrative requirements

• Earned Income Tax Credit and/or a Child Tax Credit: If you claim either of these credits, processing will be delayed by the IRS
• Form 8379 (Injured Spouse Allocation): If you included this form on your return, it can take up to 14 weeks to process
• Form 1040-X (Amended Return): Amended returns can take 12–16 weeks to process
• Refund offset: The IRS may have discovered you have delinquent debts, which they're legally required to deduct from your refund. You'll receive a notice about the offset

Missing, inconsistent, or suspect information

• The IRS found errors, inconsistencies, or missing info on the return. For example, you and a former spouse both claimed the same child as a dependent
• The return is under review, which can happen randomly
• The IRS suspects identity theft or fraud

Delivery glitches

• Your refund check could be delayed in the mail
• Electronic payments may be delayed by bank transfer and posting issues