I need to submit my taxes. What is holding the filing process back? I have paid and submitted all documents.

[DoninGA]

You complete your tax return by finishing all 3 Steps in the File section. In Step 3, to e-file your tax return, you must click on the large button labeled "Transmit my returns now".

After completing the File section and e-filing your tax return you will receive two emails from TurboTax. The first email when your tax return was transmitted and the second email when the tax return has either been accepted or rejected.

Did you do this?

[DaveF1006]

Without knowing the specifics of your issue, here are some things to consider if you haven't recieved your refund.

Even if you e-filed, many returns this year are being pulled for manual verification. This doesn't mean you made a mistake; it often means a system flag was triggered by:

1. New Tax Laws: The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" passed in 2025 introduced new credits (like the updated Child Tax Credit or tip/overtime exemptions) that require the IRS to perform extra security checks. 
2. Data Mismatches: If your reported income doesn't perfectly match what your employer or bank sent the IRS, it must be examined by an IRS agent  at it.

2. Processing Timelines (Expectation vs. Reality)

1. While the IRS aim is 21 days for e-filed returns, the 2026 season has seen increased volume. 
2. E-filed: 21 days is the minimum average, but manual reviews can extend this to 45–60 days.
3. Paper-filed: If you mailed your return, the IRS is currently processing paper forms received in March 2026. If you sent yours recently, it may not even be in the system yet.

3. Identity Verification

The IRS has tightened security for the 2026 season to combat fraud.

The "Silent" Hold: Sometimes a return is "accepted" but then frozen. If this happens, you should keep an eye on your mailbox for Letter 5071C. This letter asks you to verify your identity online or via phone before they release the funds.

4. Refund Offsets

Since you mentioned you "paid," if you were actually expecting a partial refund or had a complicated balance, the Treasury Offset Program might be at work. If you owe any federal or state debts (like past-due student loans or child support), the system pauses the filing to calculate the "offset" before finalizing the return.

What You Should Do Now

Check "Where’s My Refund?": This tool on IRS.gov is updated once every 24 hours. If it says "Received," you are in the queue. If it says "Still Processing," it has likely hit a manual review.

Access Your IRS Online Account: This is often more detailed than the refund tracker. Look for "Record of Account" transcripts. If there is a "TC 570" code (Account Hold), it confirms a manual review is underway. Here is a link to establish an IRS account.

Wait for the 21-Day Mark: The IRS generally won't let you speak to a representative until 21 days have passed since your e-file acceptance.

A quick tip: If you filed very recently (within the last 7–10 days), the system is simply under the weight of the April 15th rush. It’s like being in a computer traffic jam.