Is the IRS having problems with refunds?

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. The IRS issues more than 9 out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days.

Is the IRS behind on refunds?

Right on schedule, the IRS is behind on processing millions of tax returns from 2021. That's frustrating for taxpayers waiting on their refunds, which have averaged over $3,000 this year.

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.

Why hasn't the IRS issued refunds yet?

It is taking the IRS more than 21 days to issue refunds for some tax returns that require review including incorrect Recovery Rebate Credit amounts, or that used 2019 income to figure the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC).

Is the IRS holding refunds for 2021?

Remember, Congress passed a law that requires the IRS to HOLD all tax refunds that include the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) until February 15, 2022, regardless of how early the tax return was filed.

Reasons Why IRS Tax Refunds Delayed For Millions Of Americans | NBC News NOW

Why is my 2021 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 my refund 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 are 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”).

Why is my refund still processing?

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.

Are tax returns taking longer this year?

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. The IRS issues more than 9 out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days.

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.

Is the IRS behind on processing 2020 tax 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 are tax 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.

What do I do if I haven't received my refund 2020?

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.

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 ...

What does it mean when the IRS says we have received your tax return and it is being processed?

The prompt means that the IRS has received your return, but due to Covid-19 delays, the IRS is experiencing a considerable backlog, slowing processing times and disbursements. Typically the IRS processes tax returns and issues refunds within 21 calendar days of receipt.

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 refunds delayed for 2020?

The IRS said it's taking longer to process tax returns for the 2020 tax year, and up to a month longer to process amended returns. "It's taking us more than 20 weeks (instead of up to 16 weeks) to process amended returns," the agency said on its site. "Do not file a second tax return or call the IRS," the agency said.

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

The IRS reports that most returns are processed and approved within a few days of when they are received, and most refunds are issued less than 21 days after the return is received. If you filed weeks ago and still haven't received your return, there could be several reasons why you're experiencing a delay.

Why has my refund been accepted but not approved?

First, they look for things like back taxes and unpaid child support. If they find any debts, they'll offset (reduce) your refund to cover the outstanding amount. Once they are satisfied that you have no outstanding debts, they will approve and then issue your refund.

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 refund taking longer than 21 days 2022?

Tax Refund Payment Delays Expected to Continue in 2022

As seen last year, delays are continuing this tax season with the IRS and Taxpayer Advocate Service already reporting (see video) that the IRS is continuing to deal with a significant pandemic staffing and budget constraints.

Are IRS refunds delayed 2022?

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