Unfortunately, only the IRS can know what all they are doing with your return. We can, however, tell you some things you need to check, and also how, if you wish, to contact a live person at the IRS to inquire.
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 and can take a lot longer. Some are pulled at random for more thorough investigation.
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
Here are some things you should check:
If you efiled, double-check to be sure the returns were efiled successfully and accepted.
If you used Online TurboTax, you can sign into your Online Account and check the efile status at the Tax Home.
If that showed it was accepted, you can use the "Where's My Refund" tool at the IRS website below to monitor the status of your Federal refund. Wait until at least 24 hours after acceptance before using the tool.
https://www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund
NOTE:
- When using that tool, be sure to enter the correct tax year, SSN, and filing status.
- For the refund amount, use only the Federal refund amount, and not any total refund amount that includes a state refund.
- If you chose to pay TurboTax fees out of your Federal refund, then be sure to use the Federal refund amount before any fees were taken out.
- The amount to use is on your Federal Form 1040, Line 35a.
- You can also try phoning the IRS refund hotline. I've seen it work for some users when the WMR tool didn't. 800-829-1954
If the IRS "Where's My Refund" tool says it is "still being processed", and if it's been longer than 21 days, you can phone the IRS if you wish to see if you can learn anything about the delay.
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.
