Where's My Refund / Gettin Old and Tired

[RitaB]

I have had three calls today from people expecting their refunds today, and wanting me to do something about the fact that they did not.

This is getting old and tired. I hate EIC.

Is this happening to you all, or am I the only lucky one?

Well, Ole and Sven are lucky, too, but they work hard at it.

[S T]

There was a "notice or bulletin" a week or so ago that stated ""IRS has warned that tax refunds could be delayed a week due to new anti-fraud safeguards---There appear to be system validations which requir some fine-tuning to adjust for new safeguards put in place this year for stronger protection against tax refund fraud. "

I print on my tax return instructions an approximate date of direct deposit 2-3 weeks out, if client receives it early - great - if not, they still have another date that they can check their bank.

I don't even think "Where's My Refund" right now is functioning correctly - Tried one today, and told me to check back later!



Sandy

[RitaB]

Actually

Actually, I saw that, Sandy. Can't believe it was only a few days ago. Seems like months.

I always tell them, this is only a projection, they don't guarantee anything. Don't think they hear that part.

[Fuzzy Faced Leader]

I've had several clients call. If you go to Wheres my refund, it states to wait at least 3 weeks to find out where the refund is. I think the modernized e-file system failed, and they are using the old Legacy system. Thank goodness for new technology!

[Fuzzy Faced Leader]

This is sent from the e-file vendors:
We announced on Saturday, February 11th, that IRS had asked us to switch from new Mef format to the older legacy format for a few days, for federal returns. We made that transition at noon Saturday.

At 9:00 am ET on Thursday, February 16th, we will re-enable Mef for the vast majority of our federal returns. IRS has indicated that their issue has been resolved and their backlog has been cleared.

All legacy returns transmitted through 9:00 am ET tomorrow should be acknowledged by approximately 1:00 pm local service center time (typically your local time).

We will continue to monitor Mef performance and we are in contact with IRS daily.

[Possi]

Just One?

You think just One would call and say, "I GOT MY REFUND???"

No.

But a hundred will call and say they did not. I sent an email to my clients informing them of the delay. Still they call.

I'm with you, Rita. I'm going to put my phone where Ole and Sven won't even dig it up!

[AZ-Tax]

Finally, the IRS is displaying 1 but not AZ

As of this morning, the IRS is displaying one of my returns that was accepted on Feb 7 will direct deposit on Feb 28 (only 13 days later) unless the IRS changes their mind but AZ even though that same return was accepted by AZ on Feb 7th, AZ does not display within their where is my refund. What a mess.

[S T]

I believe AZ is still on Legacy as well - I filed one in and that is what my transmission said, was not being filed MeF

Federal returns I have filed in the last few days - unless real simple returns are all Legacy, so taking longer to receive the Ack's

Calif seems to be okay for MeF, NC is still antiquated and on Legacy - Piggyback, took 4 days!

It is a worse mess than the delayed efiling start date for 2010 Returns.

There is a prior post that also explains the delay on the refunds - due to extra Fraud/Identity Protection.

Sandy

[taxea]

I recently posted a reply on another post on this subject...maybe another forum. I tell the clients that call "I have no control over the return once it is filed. If you will look at my bill you will find the website and phone numbers to call. They would be able to answer your questions better than I could."

[RitaB]

Yeah

Yeah, the number and web address are right there on my client letter. They think we are gods, I guess. Like we have time to track transactions from the US Treasury, make sure the bank posts them at the right time, or follow the postman to their mailbox.

That would add at least $20 to their fee. They have just not thought it through, eh?

I told one of my callers that IRS figured out they were broke yesterday so they stopped issuing payments. She believed me until I told her I was just joshin.

[AZ-Tax]

Yahoo's perfect timing, HAH

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/where-s-my-tax-refund-.html

"According to the IRS, taxpayers who file electronically and select direct deposit can expect a refund the fastest, in about 10 days."

[taxmom34]

when did IRS start projecting when DD or mailed checks will be issued? aren't they the ones causing all this "where's my refund" stuff. i have never had a client call me about not getting their refunds (when i was working, i'm now retired).
IRS should go back to "you'll get it when i'm good and ready"

[RitaB]

The problem

The problem is refundable credits. People getting free money also think they are entitled to get it in a hurry and bug the crap out of us if they don't. Every one who has contacted me, now five, is getting money they did not pay in.

They also can't read a client letter.

Yes, I am really grouchy.

[thomtax]

You think just One would call and say, "I GOT MY REFUND???"

No.

But a hundred will call and say they did not. I sent an email to my clients informing them of the delay. Still they call.

I'm with you, Rita. I'm going to put my phone where Ole and Sven won't even dig it up!

Possi,

Not trying to pick on you or anything, just posting this for thought -

1. Do you really want all your customers calling you to say they got their refund?
2. If the refund comes in correctly, all is right with the world. For instance, if I buy a shirt, take it home and it fits, I am not going to call the store to tell them it fits. But, if it doesn't, then I take it back, so they only hear the problems.
3. They are complaining to you because you - to them - represent the expert in taxes. That is what keeps them coming back rather than becoming Turbo Tax users. So, even though it is inconvenient at the time, it may be a blessing in disguise.

Don't think this is criticism, because it is not. On some days when everything is going wrong and everybody is grouchy, it is easy to get discouraged. On those days, I just have to back off and keep the three things I listed in mind and it helps me to accept things better.

LT

[BP.]

Nice post, LT! I love that my clients call me for any and all things. You are right, it is part of the personal service aspect that sets us apart as the experts and the fixers in our clients' minds. I bet Donna feels the same too! It just sure is nice to gab around the cooler here as no one else in our lives can really get the hilarity of it.

The three who called me today about late refunds each started with "I forget when you said my refund would be in." (No, you forgot WHAT I said ... refunds are not on the chart schedule this year.) Not my actual response, but you get it!