Why is my return still pending? (updated 3-16-21)

[icecman]

mslatinlady: Don't be braggin to much now. Many of us are still waiting to even be sure the IRS has received our filing. I filed on 2/13, was accepted the same day, but the IRS still cannot tell me if they have received the return. I gave them the DCN tracking number and they cannot find it in their system. I'm so jealous.

[mslatinlady]

To IceCMan:

Not bragging at all.  I was very upset having to go through the "Pending" issue with my state return.  (My Federal went through with no problem).  TurboTax was not transparent and you and I know how many suffered (and are still suffering) this year.   And to to add insult to injury so to speak, the IRS "Where's My Refund" status tracker was also having problems.  It's a huge mess and I do pray that you and all others still struggling with the problem can get resolution soon.   Blessings to you all...

[ReneeM7122]

You can check the status of your return not only through TurboTax, but also through the IRS website using your IRS Online Account.

Online Account is an online system that allows you to securely access your individual account information.  You can view:

The amount you owe, updated for the current calendar day

Your balance details by year

Your payment history and any scheduled or pending payments

Key information from your most recent tax return

Payment plan details, if you have one

Digital copies of select notices from the IRS

Your Economic Impact Payments (EIP 1 and EIP 2), if any

You can also:

Make a payment online

See payment plan options and request a plan via Online Payment Agreement

Access your tax records via Get Transcript

Here is the link to see your Online Tax Account.

@mslatinlady

[CheetoMango]

I filed federal tax on March 8th, it’s been 3 days, still pending. 

[L2181967]

• Talked to irs today. They are sending me a letter to verify it's actually me. They said I get the refund after I verify that it's me that filed my taxes. 

[mslatinlady]

To:  L2181967

Oh my, that's a bummer.  Guess the IRS is taking many precautions with callers asking them about the status of their returns. 

[Demon19]

I’m from PA and I efile on 2/12 which it’s still showing pending. When can I expect it to be clear? 

[mesquitebean]

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@ Demon19 wrote:

I’m from PA and I efile on 2/12 which it’s still showing pending. When can I expect it to be clear? 

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Are you asking about a Federal return or a PA state return?

Where are you seeing the word "pending?"   Hopefully, you are not referring to the efile status displayed at your Tax Home.

Are you using Online TurboTax?  If so, log into your online account, and go to the Tax Home.   What status is displayed there for both the Federal and state returns--what term does it use for each one?  Does it say pending, accepted, rejected, printed, or what?

Or are you referring to the IRS "Where's My Refund" tool?  If so, what are the exact words mentioned there?  Does it say "being processed" or "still being processed?"

https://www.irs.gov/refunds

Or are you referring to the PA state refund lookup tool at the PA DOR website?

[Demon19]

I am using online turbo tax and my federal is still showing pending. Why is it taking so long to get accepted or rejected? While I seen a few of my friends not using TurboTax they were able to efile and got accepted by the irs. Is there issue with turbo tax? 

[L2181967]

Finally got through to the IRS and I have a letter on the way to verify that it is me that filed then they will release my money. I only filed for the recovery rebates. My taxes were accepted and approved they have my refund on hold till I verify then they will send them direct deposit.

[L2181967]

Yes it is but the brite side is I'll have the money 💰 a little longer. Lol

[mesquitebean]

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@ Demon19 wrote:

I am using online turbo tax and my federal is still showing pending. Why is it taking so long to get accepted or rejected? While I seen a few of my friends not using TurboTax they were able to efile and got accepted by the irs. Is there issue with turbo tax? 

---

Showing where???

You didn't answer some of the questions I asked above. So far I know that you are asking about a Federal return and that you used Online TurboTax and efiled on 2/12/2021.  But I don't yet know where you are seeing the word "pending" and in what context you are using the words "pending", "accepted", and "rejected".   Are you referring to what is displayed at the Tax Home of your online account? 

If the efile status at the Tax Home uses the word "pending", I'll tell you what to do.

Please answer all the questions below.   I have to fully understand your situation in order to make a recommendation.

WHERE are you seeing "pending?"   Are you seeing that exact word somewhere??  

Are you referring to the efile status at the Tax Home when you log into your Online account?

What does your Tax Home show for the efile status of your Federal return and for any state return (if applicable)?  

Has the Tax Home been displaying "pending" there for the efile status of the Federal return for 4 weeks?

Or are you referring to the IRS "Where's My Refund" tool at the IRS website?

If you are referring to the IRS website tool, does it say "being processed", "still being processed," or what does it say?

[TyoniaM]

It keeps stating my return is still processing. I did my taxes on feb 16 and it was accepted by the irs but it’s been processing for more than 21 days. I have never had this issue before. Everyone around me has already received theirs. I’m in Phoenix, AZ. Anyone else having the same issue?!

[L2181967]

Mine was the same my taxes were accepted february 10th and mine switched to still pending and today I finally got through to the IRS and they said they sent me a letter so I could verify it was me then the will deposit my money. I had the rebate credits on mine.

[mesquitebean]

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@ TyoniaM wrote:

It keeps stating my return is still processing. I did my taxes on feb 16 and it was accepted by the irs but it’s been processing for more than 21 days. I have never had this issue before. Everyone around me has already received theirs. I’m in Phoenix, AZ. Anyone else having the same issue?!

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The IRS says 9 out of 10 filers who efile and choose direct deposit will get their Federal refunds within 21 days after being accepted. Some returns are processed fairly quickly, while others require additional processing due to specific items in the return. Some are pulled at random for more thorough investigation.  Sometimes they are preparing to send a letter asking for more info or for ID verification.

This IRS FAQ gives some situations where it might take longer than 21 days:
https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions

If you want to phone the IRS to see if you can find out the reason for your delay, here's how to reach a live IRS agent.

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.