Expectations of federal returns for foreigners that worked temporarily

[oliver-newell2001]

I worked on a J visa last year in the states, filed for a paper check return when home. I received the Californian state check return on my doorstep about two months ago but i am still awaiting the federal return which is the bulk of the total value. Is there a reason foreign temporary workers are still awaiting this? Should i be concerned that nothing has arrived. My friends that filed for a direct deposit still have not received their returns back either so i am not inclined to believe the return might be "lost in the mail". I would appreciate any advice or opinions from the community. Warm regards.

[xmasbaby0]

The IRS will not make a direct deposit to a foreign bank.  They will only mail a check to the address you used on your tax return, and then it is up to you to deposit or cash that U.S. Treasury check.

Another possible reason for delay---If you are a non-resident alien you cannot use TurboTax.   You were supposed to prepare a federal Form 1040NR, which is not supported by TurboTax.

If you are a non-resident alien, your return must be filed on Form 1040NR, which cannot be prepared using TurboTax.  You can use TT’s partner, sprintax:

https://www.sprintax.com/non-resident-alien-tax-1040nr-turbotax.html

IRS —HOW TO DETERMINE RESIDENCY STATUS FOR TAX

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/determining-an-individuals-tax-residency-sta... you are not a,January 1 – December 31).

Federal and state refunds come from completely separate entities.  There is no rule as to which one will come in first or how long it will be between their arrival in your account.

First, check your e-file status to see if your return was accepted: 

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/efile-status-lookup/

Once your federal return has been accepted by the IRS, only the IRS has any control.  TurboTax does not receive any updates from the IRS. Your ONLY source of information about your refund now is the IRS.

You need your filing status, your Social Security number and the exact amount  (line 35a of your 2024 Form 1040) of your federal refund to track your Federal refund:   

https://www.irs.gov/refunds

To track your state refund:    

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-refund/track-state-refund/L3jgO8PGs_...

If you chose to have your TurboTax fees deducted from your federal refund, that will take some extra time, while the third party bank handles the refund processing

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-refund/refunds-take-longer-others/L1...

.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-refund/irs-refund-taking-longer-21-d...

How do I speak to the IRS internationally?

https://www.irs.gov/help/contact-my-local-office-internationally