What does it mean when the bars on IRS website disappear?

mariarome123 — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 20:37:20 GMT

While we at TurboTax have no way of finding out specific...

GeoffreyG — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 20:37:21 GMT

While we at TurboTax have no way of finding out specific information about the processing of an individual tax return once it's been transmitted to the government, the activity you observe on the IRS's "Where's My Refund" website sounds normal.

There's absolutely no reason to think that you're under review, or that there is any problem with your tax return, so please don't worry or be concerned. In fact, the messages and bars on the Where's My Refund webpage change all of the time; and sometimes the same message is displayed continuously, or the bars disappear entirely (they may return later). The disappearance of the bars, as a stand-alone action, signifies nothing important at all.

If your tax return ever is chosen for further review, or an actual audit, then the website should indicate that, and also let you know to expect an IRS notice or letter by mail. You haven't observed any message like that, have you?

The behavior that you observe is more likely an indicator that your tax return (and refund) is simply moving through the processing system. It could also be that the IRS is checking for additional information on something related to your tax return (like matching your reported W-2 data with that separately reported to the IRS by your employer); but we wouldn't call that a review . . . perhaps only a small delay.

If enough time passes after filing (21 days after e-file, or 6 weeks after paper file), and there is no new information, at that time the IRS indicates that you can call them for additional information, using the phone number provided on their Where's My Refund website.

For now, the best course of action is patience. Or, if it has been more than 21 days (or 6 weeks) since you filed, then you can telephone the IRS. They are the only entity that can provide you with accurate information as to the processing / refund status of your tax return, or tell you when you may expect to receive a refund.

Finally, please bear in mind that the IRS doesn't always move as fast as taxpayers would like (especially when waiting for a refund). Also taxpayers who report certain items of income (such as self-employment) or certain tax credits (such as dependent care) can experience longer wait times for the IRS to process their original tax return, and ultimately issue a tax refund.

Thank you for asking this question

Re: What does it mean when the bars on IRS website disappear?

Laylonklein — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 21:48:17 GMT

My refunds status says my refund is still being process

Re: What does it mean when the bars on IRS website disappear?

BrandiLO — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 21:51:48 GMT

This simply means your return is still being processed, and the refund date is not yet available. Generally, most people receive their refunds within 21 days. If your refund is not received after 21 days, please click here for the next steps.

topic What does it mean when the bars on IRS website disappear? in After you file

What does it mean when the bars on IRS website disappear?

While we at TurboTax have no way of finding out specific...

Re: What does it mean when the bars on IRS website disappear?

Re: What does it mean when the bars on IRS website disappear?