Why do I still not have my tax refund?

An incomplete return, an inaccurate return, an amended return, tax fraud, claiming tax credits, owing certain debts for which the government can take part or all of your refund, and sending your refund to the wrong bank due to an incorrect routing number are all reasons that a tax refund can be delayed.

Why is 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.

Is the IRS still processing 2020 tax returns?

But the IRS is still processing paper returns and has an "unprecedented" backlog of over 21 million returns, as well as returns with suspected errors or identity theft to get through, reports Erin Collins, the national taxpayer advocate.

Is 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.

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 to Do If You Still Have Not Received Your 2019 or 2020 Tax Refund

How far behind is the IRS on refunds 2020?

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.

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.

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.

What if my 2020 taxes have not been processed?

People whose tax returns from 2020 have not yet been processed should still file their 2021 tax returns by the April due date or request an extension to file. Those filing electronically in this group need their Adjusted Gross Income, or AGI, from their most recent tax return.

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 is my 2020 refund taking 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.

Why are 2021 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 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's the longest a tax refund can take?

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.

Will the IRS contact me if there is a problem with my refund?

Remember: The IRS will never call you if it has issues with your return – that's usually a scam – but will send you a letter instead. If you do receive a letter from the IRS about your return, take action right away.

How do I know if my refund is under review?

If the IRS decides that your return merits a second glance, you'll be issued a CP05 Notice. This notice lets you know that your return is being reviewed to verify any or all of the following: Your income. Your tax withholding.

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.

Why have I not received my federal tax refund 2021?

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 IRS holding my refund?

There are many reasons why the IRS may be holding your refund. You have unfiled or missing tax returns for prior tax years. The check was held or returned due to a problem with the name or address. You elected to apply the refund toward your estimated tax liability for next year.

Why does it say my refund is still being processed?

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.

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.

When can I expect my 2021 tax refund?

It's taking us more than 21 days (and up to 90 to 120 days) to issue refunds for tax returns with the Recovery Rebate Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit.

Is the IRS behind on refunds 2022?

The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration estimates that, as of the week of March 12, 2022, the IRS had about 4.5 million paper tax returns awaiting processing. Delays in processing returns have meant that some taxpayers have waited months to get their refund checks.

How do I find out where my tax refund is?

Who do I call if I haven't received my tax refund?

If you lost your refund check, you should initiate a refund trace: Call us at 800-829-1954 (toll-free) and either use the automated system or speak with an agent. However, if you filed a married filing jointly return, you can't initiate a trace using the automated systems.