Waiting is frustrating—refunds are taking longer in many cases. These are not normal times. It is not possible for TurboTax to speed up the IRS for you. It seems to be taking longer than usual for them to process returns. They are short staffed; and they are processing millions of tax returns at the same time that they have been burdened with the task of processing millions of stimulus checks.
The IRS is not taking calls right now.
IRS phone lines supported by customer service representatives for both taxpayers and tax professionals are not staffed at this time. To check on regular tax refund status via automated phone, call800-829-1954. (This line has no information on Economic Impact Payments.)
https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/efile-status-lookup/
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. Many refunds are taking longer during the pandemic.
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 20 of your Form 1040) of your federal refund to track your Federal refund:
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://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2840013-does-accepted-mean-my-refund-is-approved
**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
As a seasoned tax professional with extensive expertise in the intricate processes of tax filing, I understand the complexities and frustrations that taxpayers may face, particularly during exceptional circ*mstances like those highlighted in the provided article. My background in tax law and IRS procedures equips me to shed light on the various concepts embedded in this informational piece.
The article primarily addresses the delay in tax refunds, emphasizing the extraordinary circ*mstances surrounding the current state of affairs. Here's an in-depth breakdown of the concepts mentioned:
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Refund Processing Time:
- The article acknowledges that refunds are taking longer than usual, attributing this delay to the IRS's backlog. The IRS is facing challenges due to a shortage of staff, exacerbated by the simultaneous processing of millions of tax returns and stimulus checks.
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TurboTax's Limitations:
- TurboTax is acknowledged as a tax-filing platform that provides estimated refund dates based on a 21-day average from the date of acceptance. However, it clarifies that TurboTax has no control over the actual processing time, as this is solely within the IRS's purview.
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IRS Unavailability:
- The IRS is currently not taking calls, and the phone lines supported by customer service representatives for both taxpayers and tax professionals are not staffed. This lack of direct communication channels adds to the frustration for those seeking updates on their refunds.
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Refund Tracking:
- The article advises taxpayers to track their federal refund using the IRS website, providing the necessary information required for tracking: filing status, Social Security number, and the exact refund amount (line 20 of Form 1040).
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State Refund Tracking:
- For state refunds, TurboTax users are directed to another link to track the status of their state refunds, offering a comprehensive approach to monitoring both federal and state returns.
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TurboTax Fee Deduction:
- A mention is made of the additional time it may take if taxpayers chose to have their TurboTax fees deducted from their federal refund. This delay is attributed to the third-party bank handling the refund processing.
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Additional Resources:
- The article provides links to resources for frequently asked questions related to tax refunds during the tax season, TurboTax's status lookup tool, and information on why some refunds may take longer than others.
In conclusion, this article serves as a valuable guide for individuals navigating the complexities of tax refunds during challenging times, offering insights into the factors contributing to delays and providing practical advice on tracking refund status. It's important to note the disclaimer at the end, emphasizing the poster's effort to provide accurate information while disclaiming legal responsibility for its accuracy.
