Is the IRS behind on 2021 tax returns?

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. Taxpayers faced refund delays due to an unprecedented volume of returns requiring manual review—most with similar tax credit errors.

How far behind are federal tax refunds 2021?

The IRS says people filing electronically, and making no errors, should see a refund within 21 days or less after filing if they're supposed to get one. Those filing on paper or making a mistake should see an estimated wait that could stretch 90 to 120 days, if not longer. Most people file electronically.

How far behind is the IRS on refunds?

The IRS has generally been able to process a refund within two weeks for an electronically filed tax return and up to six weeks for a paper tax return. Hearing that something that once took six weeks can now take six months is simply shocking.

How backed up is the IRS 2021?

As of October 30, 2021, the IRS had a backlog of over 2.7 million unprocessed amended returns. The IRS is processing these returns in the order received, and the current processing time posted on its operational page is more than 20 weeks.

Why are 2021 tax returns taking so long?

The agency is still trying to catch up on a backlog because of the pandemic. “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,” the agency said.

Tax Refunds Delayed Ahead Of Upcoming Filing Season

Is the IRS still processing tax returns?

A number of these myths circulate on social media every tax season. The IRS continues to process 2021 tax returns and deliver refunds, with nine out of 10 refunds issued in less than 21 days.

Why is the IRS taking so long to process my refund?

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.

How backlogged is the IRS?

“IRS began the filing season with a backlog of 8 million individual and business returns from the prior year that it processed alongside incoming returns,” said the report. “IRS reduced the backlog of prior year returns, but as of late December 2021, had about 10.5 million returns to process from 2021.

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.

What does it mean when it says your tax return is still being processed 2021?

If your tax return status is "Still Being Processed" your tax return could be essentially on hold until the IRS corrects any issues and/or gets the additional information from you to continue processing your return.

Why haven't I received my federal tax refund?

Undelivered Federal Tax Refund Checks

If you were expecting a federal tax refund and did not receive it, check the IRS' Where's My Refund page. You'll need to enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact whole dollar amount of your refund. You may be prompted to change your address online.

How long does it take IRS to accept return 2021?

When you e-file, it typically takes 24 to 48 hours for the IRS to accept your return. Once your return is accepted, you are on the IRS' refund timetable. The IRS typically issues refunds in less than 21 days.

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 ...

Has the IRS started issuing refunds 2022?

2022 IRS refund schedule chart

The IRS started accepting 2021 tax returns on Jan. 24, 2022. The IRS has not yet released its 2022 refund schedule, but you can use the chart below to estimate when you may receive your tax refund via direct deposit or paper check.

Is IRS shut down 2021?

See Related Links for scheduled outages in addition to the annual maintenance period. The individual shutdown for tax year 2020 begins on Saturday, November 20, 2021.

Is there a backlog for tax returns?

Judy, while taxpayers still have to get their returns in on time, the Internal Revenue Service is warning that many refunds may be delayed this year due to budget constraints, staffing shortages and backlogs. The IRS started the year with a backlog of about 10 million unprocessed returns from last year's tax season.

Are IRS refunds delayed this year?

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.

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). But that won't fast-track your refund, according to the IRS.

What if it's been 21 days and no refund?

Though the chances of getting live assistance are slim, the IRS says you should only call the agency directly if it's been 21 days or more since you filed your taxes online, or if the Where's My Refund tool tells you to. You can call 800-829-1040 or 800-829-8374 during regular business hours.

Why is my refund still being processed after 21 days?

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 is my refund stuck in processing?

There are many different reasons why your refund may have not been processed yet, but the most common include: Your tax return included errors. Your tax return is incomplete. This could mean that all of the necessary forms were not sent to the IRS for processing.

How do I know if the IRS received my tax return by mail 2021?

Tracking the status of a tax refund is easy with the Where's My Refund? tool. It's available anytime on IRS.gov or through the IRS2Go App. Taxpayers can start checking their refund status within 24 hours after an e-filed return is received.

Is the IRS shutting down?

The IRS has reopened following the end of the government shutdown, and IRS employees are working hard to resume normal operations and help taxpayers as much as possible.