IRS "Where's my Refund" essentially useless

[Janitor Bob]

I have been assisting clients with checking IRS web site for refund status (Since IRS nixed the Refund chart). Here is an example that is typical of what I am seeing and hearing from clients:

Day 1: Return received and is being processed

Day 2-13: Return received and is being processed

Day 14: Refund approved will be deposited tomorrow

Client received refund on day 15......How is this helpful in any way aside from providing a reason to shout "about damn time" on day 14?

I have clients calling me after 4 or 5 days of the same useless status on the web site asking if something is wrong.

[neilbrink]

My answer this year is "The IRS is telling us that most refunds are received within 21 days. So don't be concerned if you don't see the refund until that time is up."

[imjulier]

My own tax retrun was e-filed last Friday (the 8th) and I received the refund today....7 days...not bad.

[jklcpa]

I efiled my sister's return on the evening of the 2nd and her refund was DD on the 11th.