How long does it take to process tax returns

[mesquitebean]

That's too broad to know.  There are way too many variables.  It depends on how complex and if there is anything suspicious, whether certain items are claimed that require deeper review, etc.

What is it you're actually needing to know?   Are you ultimately asking how long does it take to get a Federal refund for most people?

[saraaharleyy93]

Mine have been in "processing" mode for almost 2 weeks. How do I know if there was a problem or reason for delay?

[DamianLO · Accepted solution]

Most filers will receive their refund within 21 days - however it can take a little longer depending on how busy the IRS is at any given time.
Please see the Turbo Tax FAQ below for more details and instructions on checking your status:

• https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894389-when-will-i-get-my-irs-tax-refund

[stillhere53]

That is a non answer. I want to know how long it takes to process the return, once they actually start processing it, not how long it takes after you file.

[mesquitebean]

@stillhere53
There is no way to know.   There is no one-size-fits-all.   Only averages.  Even the IRS can't say with certainty how long an individual return will take, thus they only say "within 21 days" for most people.   Some are pulled at random for considerably more processing as fraud-prevention measures.    Certain credits can create closer scrutiny.  If ID verification is required that can add more weeks.   Only the IRS knows what all their criteria and algorithms are for examining returns.

If the IRS "Where's My Refund" tool shows that your Federal return has been processing longer than 21 days, you can phone the IRS to see if you can learn anything about the delay.     If it's under 21 days, they probably won't be able to tell you anything, so there's no point in calling before.

IRS:  800-829-1040  hours 7 AM - 7 PM local time Mon-Fri

Listen to each menu before making the selection.
 
First choose your language. Press 1 for English.

    Then do NOT choose the first choice re: "Refund", or it will send you to an automated phone line.
    Instead, 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 should then transfer you to an agent, but there is likely to be a long wait.

I usually use a speakerphone so I can work on something else while waiting.

If you can't get good info from the IRS, you can see if the Taxpayer Advocate Service can assist you, although they are most likely to do so if one has a hardship.  You could consider contacting the IRS Taxpayer Advocate for your area.  

At the following IRS website, find the USA map and click on your state, and it will give you the number of your IRS Taxpayer Advocate.

<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-a-Local-Taxpayer-Advocate">http://www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-a-Local-Tax...>

Also see this article for more info on how the Taxpayer Advocate Service works::
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc104.html">http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc104.html</a>