What is taking the IRS so long?

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.

What is taking the IRS so long to process 2020 returns?

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 federal tax return 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 it taking the IRS so long to process my 2019 tax return?

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 and the Child Tax Credit, is missing information, or there is suspected identity theft or fraud.

How long are IRS refunds really taking?

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.

Why is your tax return taking so long?

Why is my refund still processing 2021?

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.

Why does my tax return say still being processed?

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.

Is the IRS behind on processing taxes?

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.

Is the IRS still behind?

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.

Are there delays in processing 2020 tax returns?

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 taxes to be approved 2021?

The IRS issues more than 9 out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days. Get your tax refund up to 5 days early: When it's time to file, have your tax refund direct deposited with Credit Karma Money™, and you could receive your funds up to 5 days early.

Is the IRS behind on 2021 tax returns?

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.

Why is my refund still being processed after 4 weeks?

Typically, the IRS processes most returns and issues refunds within three weeks or 21 calendar days of receipt. “Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, the IRS is overwhelmed,” Samuels says. Refunds will probably be delayed this year because of understaffing issues and tax law changes as a result of Covid-19, Samuels says.

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 ...

Why is my refund still being processed after 30 days?

There a various reasons that can cause delays in receiving your refund. Please take a look at the information below. Your federal refund can take longer than 21 days to process for the following reasons: You claimed an Earned Income Tax Credit and/or an Additional Child Tax Credit and filed before February 15, 2018.

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.

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.

Why is my tax return still being processed after a month?

It always takes longer for the IRS to process paper returns – especially now. “If you file a paper return, it's going to go in that backlog file,” says Lauridsen. It can take even longer if there are errors or inconsistencies on the paper return.

Is the IRS slow on refunds this year?

There are lots of reasons tax refunds are taking longer than 21 days. Tax returns are piling up at the Internal Revenue Service, and millions of taxpayers are experiencing refund delays beyond the typical 21 days or fewer for e-filed returns electing a direct deposit refund.

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.

What does it mean when IRS says your refund is being processed 2022?

The answer: not much yet! 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.

What day of the week does IRS deposit refunds?

IRS Refund Schedule for Direct Deposits and Check Refunds

They now issue refunds every business day, Monday through Friday (except holidays). Due to changes in the IRS auditing system, they no longer release a full schedule as they did in previous years.

How long after return is accepted is it approved?

Once that part's done, the government approves your refund, which means it's ready to be deposited or sent. It can take up to 21 calendar days after acceptance for the IRS to issue your refund, although most refunds go more quickly than that, while a small handful may take a bit longer.

Why are 2022 refunds 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.