Why are tax refunds taking so long?

Some tax returns take longer to process than others for many reasons, including when a return: Includes errors, such as incorrect Recovery Rebate Credit. Is incomplete. Needs further review in general.

Why are 2021 refunds taking so long?

As in 2021, the IRS is again expecting numerous delays in processing tax returns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency recommends filing electronically and setting up direct deposit this year, as it can help get your refund issued within 21 days, assuming there are no errors.

Are tax refunds taking longer this year?

The IRS advises that tax refunds in 2022 are taking longer

This tax season, like the last one, will be challenging as the IRS deals with a historic backlog of around 24 million individual and business 2020 tax returns that still need to be processed that were filed last year.

Is the IRS holding refunds for 2021?

“Weeks and weeks” of IRS delays. Although the IRS says most refunds will be sent within 21 days, experts warn that delays are likely, noting that the agency is still working through 2020 tax returns. … The IRS answered only about 1 in 9 taxpayer calls during fiscal year 2021, Collins reported.

Why is the IRS behind on tax refunds?

The Treasury Department is warning that tax refunds and other services may be delayed this year because of “enormous challenges” including the coronavirus pandemic and previous budget cuts made at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

How long can the IRS hold your refund for review?

The IRS can go back through three years’ worth of returns or review up to six years if they find a serious error.

Can I call the IRS to see where my refund is?

Where’s My Refund? at IRS.gov. If you do not have internet access, call IRS’s Refund Hotline at 1-800-829-1954.

When can I expect my 2021 tax refund?

Most taxpayers receive their refunds within 21 days of filing. If you choose to have your refund deposited directly into your account, you may have to wait five days before you can gain access to it. If you decide to request a refund check, you might have to wait a few weeks for it to arrive.

How long after your tax return is processed will I get my refund?

They will provide an actual refund date as soon as the IRS processes your tax return and approves your refund. Most refunds will be issued in less than 21 days. You can start checking the status of your refund within 24 hours after you have e-filed your return.

What to do if it’s been more than 21 days and no refund?

If it has been over 21 days since your return was being accepted by the IRS (or 6 weeks if you filed a paper return) and the tax refund status has not changed or WMR has no updated message for delays, you can call the IRS and speak with an agent concerning your tax refund.

Why haven’t I got my federal refund yet?

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).

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.

Why is my tax return still being processed 2020?

He said the IRS is still processing $9.8 million tax returns from 2020. The delays are mostly due to errors in filing, some having to do with the economic stimulus payments. … “If you don’t report the correct amount, again it’s going to hold up the tax return processing to who knows when,” McCarron said.

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.

What does it mean when IRS says your refund is being processed?

This means the IRS has processed your return and has approved your refund. The IRS is now preparing to send your refund to your bank or directly to you in the mail if you requested a paper check.

Why have I not gotten my tax refund yet 2020?

There are many reasons your tax refund could be delayed. Perhaps your numbers and your employer’s numbers didn’t match. … This year, however, the mostly likely reason your tax refund is delayed is that you filed a paper return. There was an additional backlog of tax returns created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Does still being processed mean audit?

If my refund on the IRS website says still processing does it mean I will be audited? There’s absolutely no reason to necessarily think that you’re under review or that an audit is pending, so please don’t worry. The “processing” message you see is perfectly normal. In fact, the messages and bars on the IRS.