No Tax Refund or Status After 21 days? Tips On Contacting the IRS For Processing Updates

As the IRS notes, for nine out of ten tax filers it takes a maximum of 21 days to receive a tax refund (when eligible) after their tax return has been accepted. But this is still just an estimate based on past IRS refund schedules and not a guarantee.

Further if it takes 21 days on average for 90% of tax filers, it also takes a lot longer than that for 10% or over 15 million tax filers to see their refund. And this assumes that the their tax return was filed correctly and does not require further manual verification.

But help is available and in more ways than you may realize, both with and without having to call the IRS. Keep reading for updates on processing delays and refund status tips in the sections and comments below.

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Why is it taking so long to get my tax refund?

To understand why processing has been delayed you need to understand the refund process. It starts with the submission of your final tax return. After your tax return has been accepted by the IRS (return received) they will start processing it over several days until finalized and a tax refund, if eligible, is disbursed (refund approved).

A refund payment date will then be available on the IRS Where is my Refund (WMR site or IRS2Go app) once sent out (refund sent).

If there are issues with your refund you may see an extended delay in moving to the next WMR processing status and an applicable IRS message/code will be displayed once available.

The IRS and tax experts have said that there could be dozens of reasons when it comes to delays in processing tax returns that can then affect the timing of your refund. Some are in your control before you file your return, but others may be purely do IRS processing delays that you cannot do much about. This includes:

  • Your tax filing has errors or is incomplete, which means the IRS cannot validate or match your data to their records. Especially for key items like your or your spouse’s SSN, dependent data or missing fields needed to process your return (e.g income). This is why using best of breed tax filing software is highly recommended because it can flag many of these common filing errors before you submit your return.
  • Is affected by identity theft or fraud. You will see a message if this is the reason and receive a letter in the mail to confirm identity and next steps. You need to ensure you follow instructions and provide required information to confirm your identity with the IRS.
  • Incorrect bank account information. Given most refunds are sent electronically it’s very important to double (or triple) check that your account number and bank routing number are accurate. You don’t want a delay trying to recover a refund because it went to the wrong bank account. This has impacted thousands of people and even delayed payment of stimulus checks which relied on your latest tax return payment details.
  • Includes a claim filed for an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or an Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). This delays returns early in the tax season due to (PATH) legislation which requires additional verification for these credits and does not allow returns with these credits to be processed for three to four weeks into the tax season. Further you should also expect delays if your return includes adjustments for the the advance child tax credit payments.
  • Includes a Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation which could cause delays for up to 14 weeks due to additional (manual) processing and verification by the IRS.
  • Needs further reviews in general by the IRS. Most tax processing systems have automated checks looking for common red flags and are then flagged for more further (manual) processing. The could add weeks to your tax return processing and subsequent delays to your refund payments.

The silver lining with delayed refunds is that the IRS will end up paying interest on your overdue refunds as long as filed by the tax season deadline.

Using electronic filing software like TurboTax to efile returns, you can eliminate a lot of the simple errors or incomplete information related issues that delay tax refund processing because tax software packages have automated checks before you submit the return to the IRS.

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“We apologize, but your return processing has been delayed beyond the normal timeframe”

This is the message many filers are seeing after submitting their tax return to the IRS. You can see more on this message in this video, but this is mainly due to IRS processing delays or an issue was found with your return that requires manual verification by their error handling department.

Tax Topic 152, which covers general IRS processing, is the default message shown to tax payers around their refund processing timeline and potential delays. No additional steps or actions are needed from the filer at this point.

Delayed Refund Processing

TC 152 could have several implications once the IRS finishes initial processing, but when you see this message it basically just means the tax return has been received and is being processed and the next status or actions has to be finalized.

The IRS is however setting expectations that your refund may be delayed (for a variety of reasons). The most common progression after this message (other than the refund being approved) is to see a refund offset (TC 203) or refund adjustment due to additional liability (TC 570) from reconciliation of filing information versus what the IRS has on record.

What To Do Next?

If it has been over 21 days since your return was being accepted by the IRS (or 6 weeks if you filed a paper return) and the tax refund status has not changed or WMR has no updated message for delays, you can call the IRS and speak with an agent concerning your tax refund.

But to reiterate, don’t call before 21 days as the IRS will tell you to wait until the prescribed period. You can call the IRS on 1-800-829-1040 between 7 AM – 7 PM local time Monday-Friday.

speak to a real IRS Agent

Some people may also receive a formal IRS notice requesting specific information, which often contain a number to call that is different to the general one above. Firstly, don’t ignore these letters and ensure you use this one as chances of getting through to a live agent are higher.

Also calling early or late in the day and on Tuesdays or Thursdays seems to increase the odds of getting through to someone.

You should also check your IRS Master File cycle code to see if your return is being processed on a daily or weekly cycle. Based on the day your return information or refund status is updated, you may be able to get more up to date information.

Calling the IRS to Check on Your Refund – 4 Options to Try

Its not always easy to get through to a live agent at the IRS, but below are some options to try. Hopefully these help you get someone real to talk to about your refund. But just be warned you will need to try a few times, so have a drink or lots of patience handy!

Option 1 (seems to be working this year)

  1. Call IRS number 1-800-829-0582
  2. DO NOT selection Option #1 for English
  3. Wait until the automated voice finishes talking. Then enter extension 652
  4. You may have to wait a while due to high call volumes (and redial a few times), but you will get a live agent.

Option 2

  • Call the IRS on 1-800-829-1040
  • So after first choosing your language, then do NOT choose Option 1 (refund info) or Option 7 (economic impact payment/stimulus check). 
  • Choose option 2 for “personal income tax” instead.
  • Then press 1 for “form, tax history, or payment”.   
  • Then press 3 “for all other questions.”
  • Then press 2 “for all other questions.”  
  • When it asks you to enter your SSN or EIN to access your account information, don’t enter anything. 
  • After it asks twice, you will get another menu.
  • Then press 2 for personal or individual tax questions.
  • It should then transfer you to an agent. Retry if you get the high call volume message.

Option 3: Call the IRS Refund Hotline – 1-800-829-1954 – and follow the prompts.

Option 4: Another route to get more information on your refund is to contact the National Taxpayer Advocate Service (see more on the TAS here), an independent unit within the IRS to add tax payers. But they will be limited to help until the IRS actually starts processing your return and has loaded your tax filing information into their systems.

Please leave a comment, in addition to the many below, if you have found a different and effective way to speak to a real IRS Tax agent. You can see some more suggestions in this video on IRS numbers and tips to get a live agent.

ITA – Getting Help Without Calling the IRS

The IRS has realized that getting a live agent or a refund status update via WMR, IRS2Go or your transcript can be challenging for many tax payers.

As a result they have launched Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA) that is designed to provide answers to common taxpayer prompts/questions around filing a return, dependent eligibility, refund status and general tax law items.

IRS Tax Assistant

This tool uses AI and a database of questions from past years and for general questions is a good place to start if you are not getting help from the above options.

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467 thoughts on “No Tax Refund or Status After 21 days? Tips On Contacting the IRS For Processing Updates”

  1. I got approved for my 2020 return my stimulus payment now finally my status says that they mailed my check out on December 23rd and if I don’t get it give it by January 20th to contact them are call them but they said they put it in the mail how long does it take to get to you when its mailed out from the IRS but I was wondering if it would be in on the January 20th I sure I hope so it’s couple more days before that day so I’m asking do you think someone get it and don’t want to give it bk are do you think it will be in around January 20th cause this is all stressful waiting for my money

    Reply
  2. I filed for my daughter back in january cause she had a baby for child tax credit and stimulus she still hasn’t got it or been able to talk to anyone it is now mid july. Hopefully she will here something soon.

    Reply
  3. Hey I filled January 28 2022 it’s now March 7 2022 and I haven’t received anything I filed single using one dependent when I check my refund status it literally has stayed on refund processing since the very beginning of submitting my refund just today for the first time I was instructed to call 800-829-0582 extension 652 because I needed to speak with someone I’ve been calling in checking on my status and everytime they would always say my return was still being processed and for the very first time today I was told I needed to call in so I was happy to finally here something different I’m on hold waiting to speak with somebody now I’ve been on hold since almost 3 hours I wasn’t given the option to call back when it’s your turn I think maybe it’s a different department and not the normal IRS hotline either way I am on hold and hope I can be able to resolve any issues or finally get updated

    Reply
    • What did you find out??? I’m going thru the exact same thing except I’ve got nothing about calling even….good luck I hope you get yours soon!

      Reply
    • Sorry I am doing this as a reply rather than an original comment, I did not see a “leave comment” option. But option 2 worked for me, the very last step in option 2 is to select “4”. Good luck !

      Reply
  4. Follow up:

    After waiting months on my refund status, I decided to go to a liberty tax location different from my area. The person told me there was an error on my tax and why I was stuck in limbo waiting for my refund status to change. After the tax preparer refiled my tax, my refund amount was decreased down to a miserable $200. Apparently, some tax credits I wasn’t approved for thus resulted in a low return. At least I received it but I ensure anyone who didn’t receive their previous stimulus check to go ahead and file for it when you can and ask someone if your tax return was filed successfully if you had someone else prepare your taxes for you. Hopefully, next season will be better and take care all.

    Reply
  5. I mailed my fiancé’s tax return towards the end of May(a little late, I know). We’ve been trying the refund site but it keeps telling us that it can’t give us any info., to check the info & try again. Same if we use the automated info when calling. So we don’t even know if its been received. Its been over 4 months & we can’t even find out if its been received or not. uuugh! Just horrible. Because if it hasn’t even been received, maybe it was lost, so we could send it in again. But we can’t even find out if its been received. I took it directly to the post office & handed it to someone behind the counter. So if it got lost, its USPS’s fault. But I don’t even know who to contact to find out if the irs received it or not. I tried ALL of the number listed. But of course you cannot get through to any human to talk to. Only automated systems. & they keep telling us that they can’t give us any info, to check the info & try again another time. Soooo frustrating!!!

    Reply
    • Are you putting in the amount of ur federal taxes when asked or are putting in both state and federal together? Because they only want amount of just ur federal tax refund not both together. They don’t specify that so it took me a
      Few tries to figure it out but the response ur getting g sounds like the same one I was getting when putting in wrong amount…hope this helps

      Reply
    • I e-filed March 27 and got approved the same day. Nothing happen even with the help from US Congress. I am worry that next year it is still nothing and what happen to 2021 tax returm?

      Reply
  6. I filed my taxes back in January and still haven’t recieved a tax rerurn. Tried getting through to someone back in June after weeks of trying I was able to talk to someone. Extremely unhelpful and was told that the IRS was not allowing agents to provide any information regarding a possible deposit date. Tried again for months after. Was finally able to get through all of the prompts this morning and was on hold to speak to an agent even had a short wait time just to be hung up on immediately. Upon calling back of course the phone limes are now just way to clogged to speak to anyone. I understand that there is a back log but I don’t really care about their own personal short comings anymore. I have been waiting since JANUARY. This is absolutely ridiculous. And with the new tax reason only a few months away all I can do is laugh its been almost a full year, but they still need more time? B.S.

    Reply
    • Same thing with me and it’s impossible to get someone on the phone this is so ridiculous the customer service is horrible when they do pick up I’m just thinking next year is going to be just as bad and I won’t see my 2020 return until 2022

      Reply
  7. Filed mine in Feb and Still being processed. and where in september like what the heck. I never had this promblem in the 11 years doing my6 taxs with the same person. i keep calling and nothing.

    Reply
  8. Still haven’t been able to get a hold to anyone and still don’t have any information indicating if my file was received or processing. Keep getting the same message of “information not available at this time”. I e-filed in February, why is it hard to at least receive a notification?. If anyone was able to get through please let me know how you were able to contact anyone.

    Reply
    • Same here, no response, no change in status, unable to get an agent due to high call volume. I am now counting / hoping / praying on a substantial interest on my refund!

      Reply
      • What sucks is I got my state refund in the mail last week, but still get the same message for federal, “sorry for the delay” BS. My federal IA direct deposit. My mom passed away 2 months ago I got bills to pay, job is little hours for now. I even filed 1/31/22, still can’t get any updates.

        Reply
  9. 8/13/21 exactly 16 weeks after I efiled I got confirmation via the automated system my refund will be deposited by 8/17. Thank God! A small adjustment had to be made (in my benefit) and letter was just mailed out according to automated system. Try calling and checking that way I’d been using the ap and was stuck on still processing for months.

    Reply
      • Welcome. Sorry people still waiting I know the frustration. Try calling and checking it thru automated system. When I track it on the app or the website it still says processing.

        Reply
    • Congratulations and thanks for sharing. Our is more than 21 weeks even with the help from our Congress “still processing”. If I did the wrong way just filing before Turbo taxes update the unemployment taxes waiver, I may get the refund sooner as I did for my sister.

      Reply
    • I was able to get through today using Option 2. I was on hold for about 45 mins and called right around 8 am. I was told 10 weeks to process refunds.

      Regards

      Reply
      • Yes, they’ve plugged all holes, reprogrammed the auto-attendants so you cannot get a live voice. The Biden Covid Bill have all federal workers 15 weeks off paid for Covid (I.e. someone somewhere may be sick and I’m scared I’m next = 15 weeks off) during the height of tax season. 10 processing centers under 25% staffed. 30+ million returns to process and now they have added work of unemployment tax refunds (because no one realized benefits are taxed). Plus child tax credits which are really just advanced on next years tax refunds. It feels like the responsible tax paying, working citizens keep getting trounced by those that are too irresponsible to pay taxes, save money for taxes, calculate tax burden, etc. the absolute wealthiest and absolute poorest made out this past year. Those on disability or social security with zero impact to wages get thousands of extra food stamps, rent rebates, 6 months paid rent through Biden’s bill, 3 stimulus checks and more. The billionaires made billions more. The lowest income workers make so much more staying home. Others like me who make just enough to NOT qualify for any help get nothing. I haven’t received a single stimulus check. Waiting months for my tax refund. I’ve paid my bills despite lost income and no unemployment while my neighbors make double on unemployment and just stopped paying rent. Now the government just gave them 7,000 bucks for back rent and utilities. They have savings and don’t need to work yet the feds pay their bills. I’ve lost my savings, lost income, no help from feds, and my tax refund is on hold so the same people can get additional checks from Unvle Sam. I’m fed up with this crap. IRS won’t answer calls, if they do they’re no help. And no one cares. This is why never rely on government for anything. Also, those neighbors also got an additional 3,000 in food stamps a month or two ago. They live better than me and I work everyday. There is no free market anymore. The big corporations get special help through tax laws and subsidized payoffs. The small business owner gets screwed. The middle class worker gets screwed. They feed the wealthy, and buy off the poor to silence the interests of those that build, feed, and maintain the economy. If the poorest people who don’t work can be empowered to know their true abilities and worth, they’d never settle for the free subsistence life style. But all the handouts this past year for those who lost zero income will prevent that from happening for a long time, or until the feds screw up our economy and currency so badly that stagflation triggers collapse.

        They treat the poorest in this country like they do college students – get them tethered and dependent on the economy or the government. They don’t want critical thinking, smart, hard working, free individuals. They want indentured servitude – which was 7 years. School loans last forever (or at least 25 years). 100’s of j’s in debt for 30k a year for many in these liberal arts, pseudo sociology majors. Of course they’re radical leftists. Their economic experience supports their indoctrination sessions at college. What they don’t see is the US isn’t a free enterprise economy anymore. Corporations are always advantaged over individuals. Small business is a suckers endeavor – yet it’s the backbone of the US. This is why trouble ahead seems prescient. And our elected politicians are either corrupt, or they’re cowards, or just to mediocre to find any solutions. The strategy of the corrupt politicians and power brokers of the past 30 years has been – don’t let the middle class get together and find the common struggles and injustices they share-or this party is over. Instead keep them split along superficial issues, or overly exaggerated problems that while real, are only problematic in certain pockets or areas. They think keep them divided on race, when class is the real divide in the US. Keep them addicted to social media and the tools of the billionaires while superficially complaining about their power. Billionaires say woke b.s. as a token apology so the radicals forgive themselves for putting more power and cash in their pockets. Then scream more about race and patriarchy, and fat shaming, and gender definitions etc. shit that minuscule in the grand scheme of class issues. Look at the US in 1972 compared today and these talking points just fall away, while the real problems get worse, and it’s harder and harder for the little guy that wants to work hard and carve out a small piece of the American dream.

        Reply
      • Thanks for sharing and good luck with your refund. I was able to talk with real IRS agent on April 10, she was working on my tax return while I was on the phone with her. Finally, she told me that she just released my tax refund and I should get it within 4-6 weeks. Today is August 8, 2021 and I still did not get it. We also asked our Congress for help and IRS responded I should get it shortly and it was 3 weeks ago.

        Reply
    • So… I filed in March. Unfortunately, I had to mail it in because for only the last 3 years, the IRS has decided to mess with my birthdate and now I can’t file online anymore. So I knew it would take a while. However…it is not the end of November and December is a crazy holiday month, so I highly doubt that I can expect it this year. That’s INSANE.

      Two years ago, filed in Fedruary, didn’t recieve it until late August. Last year, filed in March, didn’t recieve it until mid-October. This year, filed in March, still have NO idea when I can expect my money. I’m a single individual, the taxes should be so incredibly simple to process and refund, this is absolutely unacceptable. I understand that the IRS has backlog and its all taking longer, but no. Not 8+ months, not over a year, they can’t just let people live like that. They might have well laid government jobs that allow them to stay afloat without a refund, but our tax returns are part of our income for us lesser class citizens. This system is deeply broken.

      Reply
      • Also GOOD LUCK if you’re on this article to try and find a way to contact the IRS in person. I have been trying even possible number and method to reach them all year, aaaand absolutely nothing. To reiterate, this system is flawed beyond belief.

        Reply
  10. It’s July 24, 2021 has anyone actually spoke to the IRS? is it actually really 16 weeks from date of e-filing with direct deposit? This is ridiculous I am done being patient I’m done being cool I need my refund!

    Reply
  11. They seem to have successfully plugged all holes in their phone systems were you were able to actually able to get through to speak to a live person!
    I have ‘only’ waited 2 1/2 months, so I guess I have 2 more months to go!
    STOP HANDING OUT MONEY LIKE WE HAVE IT AND START GIVING TAXES BACK TO THOSE WHO HAVE EARNED IT!
    I guess the lesson is claim 10 dependents, put your calculated tax amount in the bank, then send a check at the end of the year!

    Reply
    • Yes you’re correct there is no way to speak to anybody and even if you are lucky enough to they can’t help you. This is ABSURD AND RIDICULOUS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS

      Reply
  12. Guess they are behind this year (first time this has ever happened). Usually I get the federal refund the quickest with state refund taking at least a couple months more. Received the state tax refund but no sign of federal refund yet. I e-filed on 23-Jan with an acceptance on 12-Feb. Still processing.

    Reply
  13. I filed a very simple tax return Feb. 2nd. The IRS accepted it Feb. 12th. Its July 7th and I still don’t have my refund. I’m so frustrated.

    Reply
  14. Filed April 10th and the site says it was accepted and still be processed. A simple return – no dependents, or deductions, single filing. I understand that pandemic unemployment was not supposed to be taxed. The explanation is that they are reviewing those cases – here it is now July 1 and although I have direct deposit, no refund has been issued to my bank. I owed the State and paid them right away – frustrating that the Federal is taking so long. What can we do? I smell a rat – too many folks have not gotten the money back that they worked for! Bad business, IRS!

    Reply
    • I’m pretty close to your dates. E-Filed 4/5 and it’s still being processed. What gets me really frustrated is I had them deduct my 1st quarterly payment for 2021 in the amount of $500. I made my 2nd payment of $500 in June. I have to pay them on time but they can make us wait….and wait….and WAIT!

      Reply
    • Smelling a Rat is an understatement, something is really wrong here. Covid is NOT the problem though they are using it as the scape goat. Is it not interesting how the IRS can put thousands of dollars into your account via Direct Deposit within days of a bill being passed, yet I’m going on two months of a simple tax return filing and nothing!! Yes, it’s a giant sized Rat and citizens need to be more vocal, this is not simply because of Covid, there is something else going on here. Once again i reiterate I got money from stimulus immediately Direct deposited and I didn’t even ask for it!! Yet this is my money they are holding now and they can’t Direct Deposit it from a simply return!!

      Reply
      • Well said!! I fully believe they either don’t have it to pay us or just don’t want to too worried about handing out more free money.

        Reply
  15. Just checked my refund status today and it says its been approved, and we will see the deposit by July 5. They also added in some missing stimulus well. It’s been a long 16 weeks but nice to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Hope everyone here gets good news soon as well. Cheers

    Reply
      • Hopefully, not everyone has to wait that long, and that they are just now catching up with things. Not sure if it helped my case, but I wrote to my local congressman last week explaining that my wife and I have expensive medications that we budgeted for with our return money. And were having a really hard time making those ends meet. Could just be coincidental timing that the next week our return was approved.

        Reply
        • My refund is still being prossess and I really need the money. I’m elderly and disabled. I’m on a fixed income. The IRS didn’t have any problems with the stimulus getting to my bank account so I can’t figure why it’s so difficult to get the refund. Something is wrong with this when they want their money if you owe immediately. But they make up excuses for the process. They do this on purpose so they can get interest on my money

  16. Can we impose a penalty on the IRS since our refunds (ya know, our money) is significantly late? This is ridiculous that we are having to wait so long.

    Reply
  17. Filed mine in early March, it has now been 15 weeks. I have gotten through to the IRS many times but it’s been no help. First they told me it was in the errors department, the next time they told me they could not find my return, then they told me they didn’t know what was going on so I got in touch with an advocate. She told me I’d have my return by July 9th and then called me back an hour later telling me it was being reviewed so she was ending my case as there was nothing she could do. I called again last week and was told I was randomly picked for review, which I don’t believe. I think they are just telling us any excuse they can come up with so I asked to speak to a supervisor who was supposed to call me back within 24 hours. I still have not received that call. It’s ridiculous and pathetic. They need to get their stuff together. It’s my money, if I owed them money they’d be harassing me and garnishing my wages but I’m just supposed to wait.

    Reply
    • Hi Ashley,
      What was your secret to getting through to a real person? I get recordings each time. The latest one says 16 weeks, which I doubt since many here have passed that timeframe. Thanks much.

      Reply
      • I have gotten through twice using this method. Still couldn’t tell me much in the end but at least I got through. I’m at 77 days now (electronic submission).
        How do you speak to a live person at the IRS?
        The IRS telephone number is 1-800-829-1040.
        The first question the automated system will ask you is to choose your language.
        Once you’ve set your language, do NOT choose Option 1 (regarding refund info). Choose option 2 for “Personal Income Tax” instead.
        Next, press 1 for “form, tax history, or payment”.
        Next, press 3 “for all other questions.”
        Next, press 2 “for all other questions.”
        When the system asks you to enter your SSN or EIN to access your account information, do NOT enter anything.
        After it asks twice, you will be prompted with another menu.
        Press 2 for personal or individual tax questions.
        Finally, press 4 for all other inquiries. The system should then transfer you to an agent.

        Reply
    • I am in the exact same situation and I am furious! I am a single mom who makes the exact cut off amount in order to not receive a stimulus, I would at LEAST like my taxes back.

      Reply
      • This is crazy I have to pay my bills on time. But the only thing they say is stupid excuses and they make sure you can’t get anyone human to find out anything about the refund.

        Reply
  18. Please, please look into why we have not received our refund for 2020 taxes! It was accepted on April 26th. My husband and I are retired on a limited income. We had planned on it long before this! It has caused a hardship. Waiting for your reply!

    Reply
    • Successfully submitted March 3 with Taxact and nothing!!! Can’t get through to anybody. What can we do?

      Reply
      • same mine ,unfortunately i tried a lot to call and get sufficient answer but frustration as usual

        Reply
  19. Mailed it in over two months ago. Certified mail says somebody received it (almost two weeks after I mailed it). But since I’ve heard nothing – I would really just like to ensure they received it and it’s being processed. I’ve tried every number I can find for the IRS, but just robots with no information. Would it be that hard to just check a box on a website to acknowledge receipt? I’m sure this could be automated.

    Reply
  20. Call 18008290582 ext 652. This is the number I always get through on. Call early morning about 7:15 or so is the time I have been getting through. It will put you on hold for about 15 minutes before someone picks up.

    Reply
      • I went a local liberty tax back in February and e-filed with them and requested my refund be direct deposited. It’s now July, I still have not received any update on my refund even being accepted. There’s no way to get anyone on the phone and the only message I receive when checking my status is to check my processing and date information again. How can I do that when my information is correct and no updates are available? I have no idea what else to do.

        Reply
  21. Wow after reading all the comments/seeing how many files back in Feb. and March I’m never going to get my refund. This is totally ridiculous.

    Reply
    • After calling the 18008290582 the robot said it will take 16 weeks from the day it was filed! 16WEEKS! How are they going to send the child credit now in July, if we haven’t gotten our money back to us? It funny how quick they are to take your money but when ti come to refunds we will see it in 2022.

      Reply
  22. are we allowed to charge the IRS interest like they charge us? They don’t understand that we the common folks rely on the refund as part of our yearly income. Are we allowed to charge them for interest on late payments?

    Reply
    • It is funny, they own us money but not working it. They give away money “stimulus checks” and they really work very hard on this. They and media don’t care much about people who get refund or government really own our money !!!

      Reply
      • FYI it’s a whopping $2.30 a month

        Reply
  23. I filed back in February, and all the site says is still processing, almost 4 months to the day. No letter requesting more info, nothing at all. I can’t get through to the IRS by phone. Email always responds that’s not our department thanks for the inquiry. Can someone out there help???

    Reply
    • Omg no seriously?! I thought mine was bad I efiled on 4/23 and h e direct deposit same as many years previously I track it everyday just shows “your return still being processed”. Forget calling irs you won’t get thru I’ve tried at 7:01 am, and many times through the day just get a recording “sorry we’re not taking calls on the topic you selected try back another day or time” that’s going on three weeks now. Thanks to Biden and this new child payment starting next month tax refunds going to take even longer and I know a lot of people still waiting for their refund too. This is BS! Irs needs to take down that crap about “9 out of 10 efilers with direct deposit get their refund in 21 days or less” cause that’s totally untrue. I’m a time when people need and are relying planning on their refund to take weeks-months past the 21 days is Ridiculous just ridiculous.

      Reply
      • The IRS has said many times it was under Trump’s tax codes that these refunds are taking longer. They didn’t have enough time to implement the new tax codes.

        Reply
        • Doubt that

    • Call 18008290582 ext 652. This is the number I always get through on. Call early morning about 7:15 or so is the time I have been getting through. It will put you on hold for about 15 minutes before someone picks up.

      Reply
      • I’ve tried this one, but it doesn’t acknowledge my zip code when I enter it. It keeps saying to enter the zip code, then tells me call back when I have all of my information.

        Reply
    • John,

      You should contact with your US Congress, they may help to find out why or make process going faster for you.

      It is odd, they own me for more than $2000, but I still have to pay Estimate taxes and I just paid for 2nd Quarter Estimate taxes !!!

      Reading the news are the same “more stimulus checks coming”, may be “fourth stimulus check coming” and if it true our refund will be “on time” for April 15, 2022.

      Reply
  24. This has been an abysmal process. To start off, the IRS still has not provided me with my 3rd stimulus check and my taxes were filed and accepted on April 14, 2021. Status is still in processing. This is ridiculous. When the government wants their money, they go after you, but when it comes to your refund, they make you wait. That’s some bull.

    Reply
    • Absolutely the truth been waiting since February and mine still says in process like come on you don’t have to wait to get your money from me every week but at the end of the year when it’s my turn to get my return for what I busted my ass all year to earn I am still waiting almost 6 months later as for people who could work a month if even at all and sit home and collect unemployment… this is crap

      Reply
    • April 14 is “not too bad” compare with several people filed in March and still did not get money. I filed on March 27 and got accepted same day. I even talked with live agent and she told me she released my refund (it seems she worked on my tax return when I was on phone with her) and I should get money in 4-6 weeks. Nothing happen yet !!!

      Reply
      • I filed efile on March 24 for mine and my sons on March 14 the still Nothing still says processing both are direct deposit. Called the IRS she said I guess you have to wait like everyone else . I don’t know what the hold up is other than I made the mistake and filed when they were getting ready to send out Stimulus checks . Wow how’s it my fault of I file late I’m penalized

        Reply
  25. Filed 04/16 been over 8 weeks and still nothing. I filed electronically and nothing different or special on taxes for this year. We used HR BLOCK to file it was accepted by IRS within 2 days. But still no return! I have tried every phone number listed to try and get a REAL PERSON to talk to at IRS and nothing. I know if money was owed to them they would not be as patient. I am going to contact major newspapers and contact representative to see if I can get some action. In a time like this people need their money and no time to be holding up what is rightfully owed to them.

    Reply
    • 4/16 is not too bad !!! I filed on 3/27 . On 4/20, I was told my tax return was finished while I was the phone with IRS real agent. She told me she just finished my return and release my refund and I should get within 4-6 weeks. Today is 6/10 or more than 7 weeks, I still do not get my refund.

      By the way, the phone for option 1 is used to work (I used it to talk with live agent twice), now it is for 1040X only.

      If you read the news, only thing they care is giving out money for stimulus. Not many media mentions about tax refund.

      Reply
    • Exactly! I’m with u!! I’m still waiting for mine refund too. Have tried calling 7:01 am and throughout day with ZERO luck. IRS needs to post something I.e. an update on wth is going on with 2020 refunds on their website (if efiled and have direct deposit).

      Reply
      • I got lucky to get through and talked with 2 IRS agents awhile ago (more than a month). I can tell they were very nice people. However, I still did not get my refund as they promise and I don’t think it is their faults. I truly believe the fault from the top guy who do not care about the money they own us.

        Reply
  26. Yes, I’m another one! Turbo Tax shows my federal and state accepted on 03/22 and I received my state refund in two weeks, but federal still says processing?!?!? I can’t ever get through to speak with someone :(

    Reply
    • We filed electronic with Turbo Tax and was accepted by IRS on 3/27. On April 20, I was able to talk with live IRS agent. She worked on my return while I was on the phone with her and finally she said she just released my refund and it will take 4-6 weeks to get my refund. Few weeks later, I was able to talk with another live agent, he told me they still review my return even the other agent already released my refund. Yesterday, I could not reach them and my return “is still in process”. So there are more than 10 weeks, I still do not get my refund !!!

      Reply
  27. This is quite a failure by our IRS. There is no regard for the people they serve, they take no responsibility and feel they owe no explanations for the status of your tax return. I have done what they asked. Waited 21 days before calling and finally after 14 attempts I actually was able to speak to a human. She gave me no information other than to say “It will be 10 more weeks”. Well, now it has been 15 weeks with no response, and after trying all the tips on how to get to talk to an agent, with no success I am left to wonder what the hell is going on. I feel like they owe me an explination! If I owed money they would be making sure I was paying it!

    Reply
    • They only care about stimulus check and that’s what their bosses want !!! We are just a small number compare with people who get stimulus check even though it is our money !!! I could not see how we can raise our voice to media or politicians during this time !!!

      Reply
      • Exactly. Thank Biden. And now with this new monthly child payment (if you have kids) it’s going to delay refunds even longer. How bout they pay the people who’ve been waiting for months first people who paid in and a lot in 2020 !!!

        Reply
      • Yes! We should make a protest and get answers from the government some way some how. We all need answers. I am reading everyone’s comments, and sadly I’m not the only one with this issue. I e-filed on May 5th. I can only imagine how long I will have to wait to get my tax refund. Thankfully I never traveled thinking that I would have that money available! WE SHOULD MAKE A PROTEST ABOUT THIS!

        Reply
  28. It’s been almost 2 months since I filed electronically and with direct deposit. Where’s My Refund says still processing. Now I’m thinking I may not have signed it. No mail from IRS. NO COMMUNICATION. State refund received within a few weeks. I can’t reach them by phone. Frustrated and totally unacceptable.

    Reply
      • I filed 5/17 and same thing “still processing” I did recieve a letter a couple months ago that ask if it was right and if it was do nothing and then said if you have not filed……..what? Thats what the letter was about it just ask me if the filing was correct!!!!!!

        Reply
  29. its rediculous. when the government wants their money they dont understand when we are having hard times and they want to take everything from us for back taxes and so forth but now they owe us money and they want us to unserstand them. this is our money and alot of us depend on these refunds that we have paid. my taxes were recieved 3/13 and now it is 6/1 and u have still yet to see anything and as a low income citizen i depend in that alot because i live paycheck to paycheck and i can barely make ends meet. the government just needs to give us whats our and stop looking for excuses. they need to adapt to things. there is absolutely no excuse for all of this

    Reply
  30. I filed &was accepted 3/13 through TurboTax, I call everyday and get the high demand message on both the irs and advocate numbers, ofcourse TurboTax debited my bank account this week for their tax fees, it was suppose to come out of my refund, so now with rent, electric, cable, and discover all due I’m short 100.00. I can’t even reach an advocate and since it’s been 11 weeks with no mail correspondence from the irs I can only assume it’s a manual review due to me being self employed, making extremely less money the last two years, claiming I lived in a natural disaster area in 2018 due to hurricane Michael so they automatically use my prior years income to calculate my refund, I completely understand why I would have a manual review. I have received two letters since I filed, one stating the rebate amounts and deposit dates, and another stating that in July I would receive monthly payments because I have 4 kids, so it’s a sign they did something with my return. That something being putting it on a cabinet and it collecting dust, we went through this pandemic since last March, that’s more than enough time for a government agency to prepare for the crazy that was going to be tax season 2021. I just want to speak to an advocate, this is beyond frustrating.

    Reply
  31. I filed April, 2 electronically and the wmr still says processing. I have been calling every number I can find for the IRS and still unable to speak to a live person. It’s a simple return, no dependents. The crazy thing is my sister filed her on May 17, and she got her returns yesterday (May 27th) and taxes were more complexed than mine.

    Reply
  32. Filed 10 weeks ago today. Was told by 2 separate irs reps that I should have it by today. No money and no answers. Way to go IRS! Holding people’s money isn’t fair and the reps have no idea what to tell you. And this is AmericaFeeling angry at this point. You shouldn’t have to fight for what’s yours! This is complete bs

    Reply
    • Had an agent tell me it would be here by Friday after 3 months since filing. Here it Monday and I’m playing the phone game again trying to find out why it’s stuck at “processing”

      Reply
  33. I filed my taxes on Feb 22nd. It still says being processed. I check the app. I can’t get through to anyone at the IRS when I call. You can’t even hold for anyone. It basically hangs up on you. It’s so frustrating. This is crazy!

    Reply
  34. I mailed paper return with refund on March 18, 2021, with form 1310 for deceased filer (I am executor). No status on where’s my refund site. I called after 8 weeks and got a person who was unable to find anything about my return.

    Reply
  35. I filed Mar 19 and it still says in process. The only reason I think my taxes are still in process is because I gave birth last yr in July. And that child is do two stimulus checks. The 600$ and the 1,400 dollars. Now this in process mess should be the reason my taxes being over looked by irs. Because the irs is adding more money to my taxes I hope.

    Reply
  36. Electronically filed March 16 through HR Block. Did not claim any earned income credits or stimulus owed. No kids. Just a straight regular return like the years before with no issues. IRS site says being processed. We had planned to pay off our credit card with the refund, but now we’re accumulating interest on that each day that goes by without action from the IRS. I read somewhere that they are supposed to pay interest on late refunds. We shall see. This is just nuts.

    Reply
  37. I paper filed feb.26 2021 went out in mail they still say they haven’t even RECEIVED it. But don’t send another one that will flag it further. Lol

    Reply
    • This has been an abysmal process.
      To start off, the IRS still has not provided me with my 3rd stimulus check and my taxes were filed and accepted on April 14, 2021. Status is still in processing. This is ridiculous. When the government wants their money, they go after you, but when it comes to your refund, they make you wait. That’s some bull.

      Reply
    • bum that lives off my friend that hadnt received any of his stimulus checks just got his current tax return along with his stimulus money. i filed march 25th electronically with 2019s return that was professionally done by a business tax accountant (my sister) but with eitc and ctc, and if im not mistaken he filed around when i did, i believe some point in march. i believe people claiming unreceived stimulus money and incorrect amounts are being served their taxes 1st, and holding up all returns, especially with ctc and eitc, when their amount is not correct. this is going to make a massive hold up on everyones taxes, especially with the woes the irs are claiming (understaffed, old equipment, etc, etc). their priority is stimulus money. im seeing articles that make is sound like getting next years child tax credits out starting in july is going to take precedence over us getting our real money. bs all around. they shouldnt take money they cant give back in a timely manner. and the amount they pay in “interest” is a few percent quarterly. so theyre screwing you out of all of your interest. if u dont see ur return in 6 months, u can sue for it.

      Reply
    • Same I filed in 3/24/21 with turbo and I have no received anything it’s hard getting in touch with anyone !

      Reply
  38. I filed Feb 20. IT is 5/19 Still nothing. I try to check status and it will not work. Frustrated. Is anyone else still waiting from a Feb file date?

    Reply
      • I filed on 3/20/21 and still have not received anything. I did call the IRS 2 weeks ago and learned there were no errors on my file, but that it could still take up to 10 weeks to get a refund. I’m currently on week 8 and waiting patiently, but still frustrated.

        Reply
        • My daughter filed 3-11-21, so she’s on week 10 now and still no refund. No competent beings at the IRS to speak to, if you can even get through.

        • Smh hun it’s past 10 weeks for me with no errors im currently about to be evicted im a single patent with no help I just try to do the best I can I was looking forward to using my refund as I usually do to provide for my boys and pay the bills up debt is currently piling up my kids barely have anything to wear due to them growing and I don’t have the funds to provide for them even with me working I was currently laid off I currently working at a convenient stor to make ends meet in which is not even helping a lil my utilities are off for non payments bc I don’t have the money my car is finna get took so how am I going to get to work I never had this happen now my world is crumbling everyday I struggle with how am I going to do this I always at my kids and just say we’re going to be ok that I’ll figure it out but in all I have nowhere to turn

    • I filed at the end of February and I too have not received my refund. I’ve tried calling and get nowhere as well. Very frustrating.

      Reply
    • Filed 12th of Feb. Still being processed. Bs. Nearly 5 months later. 1 more month and I can sue for interest on my return. I’m also due all the taxes I paid in on my unemployment. What a joke

      Reply
    • Yes the same thing also it’s been 14 weeks since I mailed my return and no status at all I would like to know if they received it

      Reply
      • So how long did it take you to get your refund are is there a number I can call to find out what’s going on with my refund

        Reply
    • I electronically filed via TurboTax on 02/27/2021 and it was excepted immediately with a deposit date of 03/24/21 and that date has come and gone! The site has said still processing since then! Here we are towards the end of June and still no refun! Cannot get through to a live person at the IRS! So frustrating! I have never experienced such a delay in my life!!!

      Reply

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