What's the delay?

[Cmarie89]

I filed my taxes in late January on TurboTax,it said it was accepted and even gave an est. Time I will receive it ....but as of late it still says the IRS has received it but that's it . So I want to know if TurboTax is lying about my taxes being accepted and is keeping me to start over or if I should continue not getting direct answers from the IRS ?

[xmasbaby0]

The IRS is getting more and more vigilant to prevent identity theft and fraud.   Last year in 2023 they flagged over a million returns for fraud by early March.   People who file very early in the season are sometimes scrutinized more.  Do not take it personally.   TurboTax does not get any information from the IRS after they accept your return, so no one at TT knows that your refund is delayed or why.  All you can do is wait for the IRS to finish processing your return.  Watch the refund site.  If the IRS wants more information from you they will request it.If they want you to verify your identity, you must follow the IRS’s instructions in order to do that.   In many cases they will send you a letter—and you will have to wait for that letter.

TurboTax gives you an estimated date for receiving your refund based on a 21 day average from your date of acceptance, but it can take longer.  “21 days”  is not a promise from TurboTax or the IRS. 

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 2023 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/questions/1899433-how-do-i-track-my-state-refund

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901548-why-do-some-refunds-take-longer-than-others

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/questions/2580357-who-provides-the-refund-processing-service

https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2840013-does-accepted-mean-my-refund-is-approved

[User789]

I am having the same issue, I sent mine mid February and the estimated date was early March. Still haven't gotten anything from Fedral. I got back my state taxes so I know the money transfer method is correct.

[CatinaT1]

Did you check Where's My Refund? What does it tell you?

When will I get my federal tax refund?
 

[Lorzech]

I am actually in the same situation and have been getting very concerned.  
I filed also at the end of January. 
In March, I noticed that I still never received my return. So I did the “where’s my refund?” On the IRS site. Then they made me go through the id.me process and I had to wait for a letter with a 14 digit code. Then I had to go back in a week later (when I received the letter) and put the code in. 
Then I get an answer that said it’s been beyond the normal time frame since I was supposed to get the return. Like “yea, no kidding! You don’t say? That’s why I’m here!!” 
I called the IRS on 2 separate occasions since.  They said that there’s no fraud flags on my profile, and they can’t see anything else and to be patient. Now we are going into May. I am a student and I need this money. 

[DawnC]

Your refund may be delayed if your return needs corrections or extra review. If they need more information to process your return, they'll send you a letter.  

Why your refund might be taking longer

Call the IRS about your refund status only if Where's My Refund recommends you contact them.   

IRS phone numbers and tax help options Local Offices and Taxpayer Advocate Services are included in that link.     @Lorzech 

If you’re having tax problems because of financial difficulties or immediate threat of adverse action that you haven’t been able to resolve them with the IRS, the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) may be able to help you.

[Lorzech]

Thanks for the info.  I already did everything they asked and more. I’m already under a lot of stress and am about ready to give up on the return.