Are IRS refunds delayed 2020?

If a taxpayer files a return on April 15 in Year 1, the IRS generally may issue a refund until April 15 in Year 4. In 2020, the IRS postponed the filing deadline for tax year 2019 tax returns from April 15 to July 15 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why are IRS refunds taking longer this year?

Tens of millions of taxpayers experienced prolonged delays in the processing of their returns last year, as the IRS continued to work through challenges exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, like staffing shortages and tax law changes.

Why is my tax refund still being processed?

REASONS TAX RETURN MAY TAKE LONGER TO PROCESS:

Is affected by identity theft or fraud. Includes a claim filed for an Earned Income Tax Credit or an Additional Child Tax Credit using 2019 income. Includes a Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation, which could take up to 14 weeks to process. Needs further review in general.

How long can the IRS hold your refund for Review 2020?

How long can IRS legally hold refund? There is no statutory limit. However, after 45 days from the filing deadline they must pay interest on the refund, and after six months you can sue them in the Court of Claims.

Are tax refunds delayed 2021?

The Treasury Department warned this week that this year’s tax season will be a “frustrating” one, and that tax refunds will likely be delayed due to a massive backlog of unprocessed returns from 2021.

Why haven’t I received my federal tax refund?

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).

Why would the IRS hold my refund for 60 days?

There are many reasons why the IRS may be holding your refund. You have unfiled or missing tax returns for prior tax years. … The IRS is reviewing your tax return. Your refund was applied to a debt you owe to the IRS or another federal or state agency.

Can I sue the IRS for holding my refund?

Generally, if you fully paid the tax and the IRS denies your tax refund claim, or if the IRS takes no action on the claim within six months, then you may file a refund suit. You can file a suit in a United States District Court or the United States Court of Federal Claims.

What is the longest a tax refund can take?

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.

Will the IRS contact me if there is a problem with my refund?

Remember: The IRS will never call you if it has issues with your return – that’s usually a scam – but will send you a letter instead. If you do receive a letter from the IRS about your return, take action right away.

How backlogged is the IRS?

A new report issued by the National Taxpayer Advocate found the IRS had a backlog of 6.2 million unprocessed individual tax returns and 2.3 million amended returns as of mid-December 2021.

Is anyone still waiting on their tax refund?

Millions of Americans are still waiting on their tax refunds from the tax return they filed for 2020. Right now there is a record number of 6.2 million unprocessed returns that need to be completed by the IRS. So far this year the IRS has issued 11.7 million refunds worth a collective $14.4 billion dollars.

How long does your refund stay in processing?

When to expect your IRS refund

About 90% of electronically filed tax returns are processed within 21 days. Paper returns are processed six to eight weeks after they arrive at the IRS. If you electronically file and provide bank account information to the IRS for direct deposit, you’ll see your refund the quickest.

Why is my refund still processing after 21 days?

The IRS will issue most refunds in less than 21 calendar days. This could mean that all of the necessary forms were not sent to the IRS for processing. … Your return has been flagged for identity theft or fraud.

Can I chat with IRS online?

Chat with the Website Help Desk for help navigating the IRS site. Online agents can answer questions regarding where to find forms or other information on the site, but not questions regarding your tax return or refund. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

Who can I call about my tax refund?

Call us at 800-829-1954 (toll-free) and either use the automated system or speak with a representative.

Where’s my refund telling me my information is wrong?

Look at your actual Federal return to get the Federal refund amount, i.e., your Form 1040, Line 35a. You can also try phoning the IRS refund hotline. I’ve seen it work for some users when the WMR tool didn’t. 800-829-1954.

Does being processed mean approved?

Refund has been processed means that they have approved and are ready to send you your refund. Your return being processed mean that your tax return is being processed. Your status should change from being processed to accepted and then a date given for your refund.

Can’t get IRS on the phone?

The main IRS phone number is 800-829-1040, but that’s not the only IRS number you can call for help or to speak to a live person.
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How to contact IRS customer service.
TOPIC IRS PHONE NUMBER
Self-employed taxpayers with account or tax law questions 800-829-4933 Learn more about this topic

How do I talk to an IRS person on the phone?

Contact an IRS customer service representative to correct any agency errors by calling 800-829-1040. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, unless otherwise noted (see telephone assistance for more information).