How backlogged is the IRS with processing returns?

"The combination of more than 21 million unprocessed paper tax returns, more than 14 million math error notices, eight-month backlogs in processing taxpayer correspondence, and extraordinary difficulty reaching the IRS by phone made this filing season particularly challenging," Collins wrote.

Is the IRS behind in processing 2021 tax returns?

The IRS continues to work on the few remaining 2021 individual tax returns that have processing issues or require additional information from the taxpayer. As of June 10, the IRS had processed more than 4.5 million of the more than 4.7 million individual paper tax returns received in 2021.

Does the IRS still have a backlog?

The IRS is making progress on its backlog of unprocessed tax returns, but millions remain, the agency said Tuesday. As of June 10, there were 11 million pending individual returns, including filings received before 2022 and new 2021 returns, according to the IRS.

Are tax returns still being processed?

COVID-19 Processing Delays

It's taking us longer than normal to process mailed correspondence and more than 21 days to issue refunds for certain mailed and e-filed 2020 tax returns that require review. Thank you for your patience.

How many tax returns are still unprocessed?

More than 21 million paper tax returns are still waiting for processing by the Internal Revenue Service, as the tax agency struggles to swiftly disburse refunds to American households, according to a watchdog report released Wednesday.

Taxes 2022: How to check on your refund amid IRS backlog

How far behind is the IRS on processing returns?

Backlog of Unprocessed Paper Tax Returns

Before the pandemic, the IRS typically delivered refunds to paper-filers within four to six weeks. Over the past year, refund delays on paper-filed returns have generally exceeded six months, with delays of 10 months or more common for many taxpayers.

Is the IRS backlogged 2021?

IRS faced an unprecedented workload during the 2021 filing season. It began with a backlog of 8 million returns from the prior year. IRS reduced the backlog, but still had millions of new 2021 returns to process by year's end.

Why is my refund still processing after 3 months?

Reasons Your Tax Refund Can Be Delayed

Missing information. A need for additional review. Possible identity theft or tax fraud. A claim for an earned income tax credit or an additional child tax credit.

Is IRS behind on refunds 2022?

IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig in March told House lawmakers he expects the backlog to clear by the end of 2022.

Why is my tax refund taking so long?

What's Taking So Long? If you don't receive your refund in 21 days, your tax return might need further review. This may happen if your return was incomplete or incorrect. The IRS may send you instructions through the mail if it needs additional information in order to process your return.

Why is the IRS so far behind on refunds?

The COVID-19 pandemic, a backlog of returns from last year and a worker shortage may add up to long delays. PROCTORVILLE, Ohio (WSAZ) - According to the IRS, as of April 29, 2022, there were more than 9.6 million unprocessed individual returns which include returns received before 2022, and new tax year 2021 returns.

How far behind is the IRS on 2020 paper returns?

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRS has fallen nearly a year behind in processing paper tax returns. As of March 18, 2022, the paper return backlog stood at nearly 15 million. Most taxpayers receive refunds, so return processing delays generally mean refund delays.

How far behind is the IRS on 2021 paper returns?

Many taxpayers who filed paper returns in 2021 got caught in the backlog and reported waiting six months and longer to receive their refunds. The IRS acknowledged Tuesday: "To date, more than twice as many returns await processing compared to a typical year at this point in the calendar year."

Why is the IRS so slow this year?

As the deadline to file federal taxes approaches Monday in most states, questions remain for many about what to expect this tax season, and when to expect their refunds. The IRS is warning that refunds may be delayed for many this year due to budget constraints, staffing shortages and backlogs.

How long can the IRS hold your refund for review?

After 60 days, you'd need to file an amended return to reverse any errors and get your refund back.

Why is my refund still processing 2022?

In fact IRS recently confirmed that 2022 tax season delays are set to continue due to factors such as tax filer submission errors that require manual reviews, processing/validation of past year and amended returns, increase fraud/identity verification and ongoing agency staffing shortages.

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.

What year is IRS auditing now?

This is most easily observed by looking at Tax Year 2019 which is presented in the FY 2021 Data Book with audit results as of September 30, 2021. Tax returns for 2019 are filed in 2020 and may be filed on extension as late as October 15, 2020.

Why are refunds taking so long 2021?

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”).

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 ...

How long does it take for refund to be approved 2021?

The IRS issues more than 9 out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days. However, it's possible your tax return may require additional review and take longer. Where's My Refund? has the most up to date information available about your refund. The tool is updated daily so you don't need to check more often.

Is the IRS running behind?

Here, at last, is the real reason your tax return is delayed: It's not the pandemic. It's that the IRS handles too much paper and has failed to adopt scanning technology that could have significantly reduced the current backlog of returns.

Why does it say your tax return is still being processed a refund date will be provided when available?

"Tax returns are opened and processed in the order received. As the return is processed, whether it was filed electronically or on paper, it may be delayed because it has a mistake including errors concerning the Recovery Rebate Credit, missing information, or suspected identity theft or fraud," said the IRS.

How long does your tax return Say pending 2022?

That may make taxpayers nervous about delays in 2022, but most Americans should get their refunds within 21 days of filing, according to the IRS. And some taxpayers are already reporting receiving their refunds, according to posts on social media.