Are Tax Refunds Being Delayed?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Are tax refunds being delayed?

Taxpayers face “unprecedented” delays getting their refunds

, IRS watchdog says. The Internal Revenue Service is facing an even bigger backlog for this tax season than it did a year ago, with delays creating “unprecedented financial difficulties” for taxpayers, according to a report released Wednesday.

Is IRS behind on refunds?

The report expresses concern about continuing delays in the processing of paper-filed tax returns and the consequent impact on taxpayer refunds.

At the end of May, the agency had a backlog of 21.3 million unprocessed paper tax returns, an increase of 1.3 million over the same time last year.

Is there a delay in tax refunds for 2020?

During the pandemic,

IRS postponed the filing season deadline in 2020 and 2021

, which meant IRS paid interest on more refunds. Not all of the increase in interest was due to the pandemic, however.

Why are tax refunds taking so long?

Things that can delay a refund:


The return has a claim filed for an earned income tax credit, additional child tax credit, or includes a Form 8379, Injured Spouse AllocationPDF

. The time it takes a taxpayer’s bank or credit union to post the refund to the taxpayer’s account.

Is there a delay on tax refunds 2022?

No money is in sight in late June — and, frankly, the wait will take longer. The Internal Revenue Service has essentially been unable to process the paper 1040 returns that individuals filed in 2022 until it’s finished processing the pileup of paperwork filed in 2021.

Why is my refund still processing 2021?

If you’re still waiting on your tax refund, it’s possible that

your tax return is taking longer for the IRS to process because it requires additional review

. There are several reasons why your tax return may be delayed: Errors such as an incomplete filing status. Missing information.

Why are 2021 refunds taking so long?

Some returns are taking longer because of

corrections needed that are related to the earned-income tax credit and the pandemic-related stimulus payments

(officially termed a “Recovery Rebate Credit”).

Is the IRS behind on refunds 2021?

But

the IRS is still processing paper returns

and has an “unprecedented” backlog of over 21 million returns, as well as returns with suspected errors or identity theft to get through, reports Erin Collins, the national taxpayer advocate.

How soon can I get my 2021 tax refund?

Overall, the IRS anticipates most taxpayers will receive their refund

within 21 days of when they file electronically if they choose direct deposit and there are no issues with their tax return

. The IRS urges taxpayers and tax professionals to file electronically.

When can I expect my 2021 tax refund?

2021 IRS Tax Refund Calendar Date Accepted Direct Deposit Sent Paper Check Mailed
Apr 18 – Apr 24, 2021

May 7, 2021 May 14, 2021
Apr 25 – May 1, 2021 May 14, 2021 May 21, 2021 May 2 – May 8, 2021 May 21, 2021 May 28, 2021

Why have I still not gotten my tax return?

An incomplete return, an inaccurate return, an amended return, tax fraud, claiming tax credits, owing certain debts for which the government can take part or all of your refund, and sending your refund to the wrong bank due to an incorrect routing number are all reasons that a tax refund can be delayed.

Why have I not received my tax refund 2021?

If you haven’t received your tax refund after at least 21 days of filing online or six weeks of mailing your paper return,

go to a local IRS office or call the federal agency

(check out our list of IRS phone numbers that could get you help faster).

Are 2021 tax returns delayed?


Taxpayers face “unprecedented” delays getting their refunds

, IRS watchdog says. The Internal Revenue Service is facing an even bigger backlog for this tax season than it did a year ago, with delays creating “unprecedented financial difficulties” for taxpayers, according to a report released Wednesday.

Why is my 2022 refund taking so long?

You should also expect to wait longer for your refund

if the IRS determines that your tax return needs further review

. Refunds for returns that have errors or that need special handling could take up to four months, according to the IRS.

Why is my refund still processing after 3 months?


Your refund may be delayed if you made math errors or if you forgot to sign your return or include your Social Security number

. It may also be delayed if your dependents’ information doesn’t match IRS records, or if you left out a corresponding schedule or form to support a deduction or credit, says Pickering.

Why is my refund still being processed after 2 months?

Some of the reasons are:

you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit and/or an Additional Child Tax Credit

(if you claim either of these credits, the PATH Act requires processing to be delayed), you filed Form 8379 (Injured Spouse Allocation), you have a refund offset, the IRS found errors, inconsistencies, or missing …

Where is my 2021 federal tax refund?

Whether you owe taxes or you’re expecting a refund, you can find out your tax return’s status by:

Using the IRS Where’s My Refund tool

. Viewing your IRS account information. Calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (Wait times to speak to a representative may be long.)

How caught up is the IRS with refunds?

As the IRS continues to work through the backlog, the agency is also dealing with this year’s tax filing season. To date, the IRS has processed more than 143 million returns with

nearly 98 million refunds worth more than $298 billion being issued

.

How long can the IRS hold your refund for processing?

After

60 days

, you’d need to file an amended return to reverse any errors and get your refund back.

How long will it take to get tax refund 2020?

If you file a complete and accurate paper tax return, your refund should be issued in about

six to eight weeks

from the date IRS receives your return. If you file your return electronically, your refund should be issued in less than three weeks, even faster when you choose direct deposit.

Why is my federal refund delayed?

The IRS can delay your tax refund

until it completes any audits

. This is most common when the IRS is conducting a mail audit on your EITC or ACTC return from a prior year. Normally, you’ll receive IRS Letter CP88 indicating that your refund is frozen until the IRS completes the audit.

Why have I not received my 2022 refund?

You can also

call the IRS TeleTax System at 1-800- 829-4477

to check the status of your refund over the phone.

Why is the IRS holding my refund?

There are many reasons why the IRS may be holding your refund.

You have unfiled or missing tax returns for prior tax years

. The check was held or returned due to a problem with the name or address. You elected to apply the refund toward your estimated tax liability for next year.

Why I still didn’t get my tax refund?

An incomplete return, an inaccurate return, an amended return, tax fraud, claiming tax credits, owing certain debts for which the government can take part or all of your refund, and sending your refund to the wrong bank due to an incorrect routing number are all reasons that a tax refund can be delayed.

How Long Can IRS hold your refund?

1 Most years, tax returns are due by April 15. That means you would have until April 15 three years later to file a return and claim your refund.

Your refund expires and goes away forever if you wait longer than the deadline because the statute of limitations for claiming a refund will have closed

.

How long will the IRS take to process my tax refund 2021?

The IRS issues more than 9 out of 10 refunds in

less than 21 days

. Get your tax refund up to 5 days early: When it’s time to file, have your tax refund direct deposited with Credit Karma MoneyTM, and you could receive your funds up to 5 days early.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.