E-file status is "Pending" but the IRS or State has no record of your tax return

After e-filing, your federal return may sit in "Pending" status 24-48 hours before its status changes. And if you e-filed before January 30, when the IRS starts processing the backlog of early-filed 2012 returns, your return will likely remain in "Pending" status through February 1 or even later.

But it's been more than 48 hours. What should I do?  Be patient. There is nothing further you should do until your return is reviewed by the IRS.

If you contact the IRS or try to look up your return or refund status on their site while your return is in "Pending" status, don't be alarmed if they tell you they have no record of your return. This is normal; once the IRS acknowledges your return, they will update your status to "Accepted" or "Rejected."

Also, if you're looking up your federal tax refund status, wait at least 72 hours after your return has been accepted before going to the IRS Get Refund Status tool or contacting the IRS. Otherwise, you may be told – incorrectly – that you never filed a return.

Note: The IRS Customer Service Centers will be expanding their business hours on April 15th to midnight (your local time) to answer any questions you might have.

It's not unusual for state returns to sit in "Pending" status for up to 5 days, sometimes even longer during peak filing times (the current record is 19 days). In the meantime, periodically check its status and visit TurboTax Community to find out if other filers in your state are experiencing the same problem.

Like the IRS, your state tax authority won't have a record of your return until your e-file status is updated to "Accepted" or "Rejected."