Why is my IRS refund delayed 2020?

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.

Are 2020 tax refunds taking longer?

Also, the IRS is taking longer to issue refunds for some returns filed for earlier years, the agency said. 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.

Why didn't I receive my 2020 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.

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 is my IRS refund taking so long?

Your return could have been flagged as fraudulent because of identity theft or fraud. 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”).

Tax Refunds Delayed Ahead Of Upcoming Filing Season

How far behind is the IRS on tax refunds?

COVID-19 Processing Delays

Thank you for your patience. 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.

Why is my refund still being processed?

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.

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.

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).

Why would the IRS hold my refund for 60 days?

Why the delay? While the delay could be simply due to IRS processing backlogs, the more likely reason is that your return got flagged for additional processing due to missing or incorrect information the IRS systems cannot automatically reconcile.

Can I sue the IRS for late refund?

No, you can't sue the IRS for failing to promptly refund an overpayment of tax.

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.

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 taking longer than 21 days 2022?

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.

What to do if it's been more than 30 days and no refund?

Call the IRS toll-free at (800) 829-1040, any weekday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. In the case that the IRS already sent the payment, you will need to contact the financial institution. If the institution can get the funds, it will return the refund to the IRS. The IRS will then issue your refund as a paper check.

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

This means the IRS has your tax return and is processing it. Your personalized refund date will be available as soon as the IRS finishes processing your return and confirms that your refund has been approved. Most refunds are issued in less than 21 days.

Are federal taxes being delayed?

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 does my tax refund say delayed?

Specifically, delays can happen if the return has errors, is incomplete, or if the filer is affected by identity theft or fraud. It's also possible for a return to get delayed if the 2021 child tax credit or recovery rebate credit aren't accounted for.

Why is my tax return taking so long after being accepted?

Many different factors can affect the timing of a refund after the IRS receives a return. A manual review may be necessary when a return has errors, is incomplete or is affected by identity theft or fraud.

How long are tax refunds taking this year?

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.

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 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.

What does it mean your tax return is still being processed a refund date will be provided when available?

A refund date will be provided when available." Exactly mean? After the tax return has been Accepted by the IRS (meaning only that they received the return) it will be in the Processing mode until the tax refund has been Approved and then an Issue Date will be available on the IRS website.

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.