Why have I not received my 2020 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.

Why have I still not received my tax refund 2020?

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.

Why is my 2020 tax refund 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.

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.

Why are IRS refunds taking so long?

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.

12 Responds: Why have I not received my federal tax refund yet?

How long can the IRS hold your refund for review?

The IRS can go back through three years' worth of returns or review up to six years if they find a serious error.

What is taking so long for taxes?

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.

Are tax refunds delayed 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.

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 backed up is the IRS?

That's largely due to the IRS' sizable backlog of returns from 2021. As of December 31, the agency had 6 million unprocessed individual returns — a significant reduction from a backlog of 30 million in May, but far higher than the 1 million unprocessed returns that is more typical around the start of tax season.

Why is my refund taking longer than 21 days?

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).

Can I sue the IRS for withholding my refund?

Generally, if you fully paid the tax and the IRS denies your tax refund claim, or if the IRS takes no action on the claim within six months, then you may file a refund suit. You can file a suit in a United States District Court or the United States Court of Federal Claims.

How can I speak to a person at the IRS?

What to do if it's been more than 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.

What happens if I don't get my refund in 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 are refunds delayed?

Your refund may be delayed if you made math errors or if you forgot to sign your return or include your Social Security number. It may also be delayed if your dependents' information doesn't match IRS records, or if you left out a corresponding schedule or form to support a deduction or credit, says Pickering.

How long will my refund say processing?

WASHINGTON — Even though the Internal Revenue Service issues most refunds in less than 21 days for taxpayers who filed electronically and chose direct deposit, some refunds may take longer. Many different factors can affect the timing of a refund after the IRS receives a return.

Who do I call if my tax refund is late?

If you still aren't sure what happened with your refund, contact an IRS representative at IRS Tax Help Line for Individuals – 800-829-1040 (TTY/TDD 800-829-4059).

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

'Return being processed' means the IRS got your tax return — but your refund could still be delayed, says CPA. Typically, the IRS issues refunds in three weeks or 21 calendar days.

How do I get in touch with the IRS about my refund?

Call us at 800-829-1954 (toll-free) and either use the automated system or speak with a representative. If you filed a married filing jointly return, you can't initiate a trace using the automated systems.

How do I speak to a representative at IRS 2020?

Contact an IRS customer service representative to correct any agency errors by calling 800-829-1040. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, unless otherwise noted (see telephone assistance for more information).

Can I chat with IRS online?

Access the PTIN online chat if you are a tax professional.

Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. You can find out more information on how to contact this program here: https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/contact-the-return-preparer-program.

Are federal tax refunds delayed 2020?

The IRS' website states that some tax returns for the 2020 year are taking longer to process and refunds are taking longer than 21 days to be issued.

How far behind is the IRS in processing paper returns?

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.