Why is my refund delayed beyond normal time frame?

While tax returns are opened and processed in the order received by the IRS, they have also said that paper filed returns, filings with errors or missing information, or where is suspected identity theft or fraud, will also face longer than normal delays because of special/manual handling required to resolve issues.

Why is my refund taking longer than usual?

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.

Why does my 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 refund taking longer than 21 days 2022?

A tax refund could be delayed because it needs a correction or is incomplete, needs further review or is suspected of identity fraud, includes a claim filed for an Earned Income Tax Credit or an Additional Child Tax Credit or includes an injured spouse allocation form which may take up to 14 weeks for the IRS to ...

Are 2021 tax refunds delayed?

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.

IRS Delay Status: “Processing Delayed Beyond Normal Time Frame?” What It Means

Why is my 2021 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”).

Is IRS behind on refunds?

The report expresses concern about continuing delays in the processing of paper-filed tax returns and the consequent impact on taxpayer refunds. At the end of May, the agency had a backlog of 21.3 million unprocessed paper tax returns, an increase of 1.3 million over the same time last year.

What if it's been more than 21 days and no refund?

The IRS is taking 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. You should only contact the IRS if: It's been 21 days or more since you e-filed.

Who do I call if my refund is over 21 days?

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 my refund still processing after 3 months?

Reasons Your Tax Refund Can Be Delayed

Missing information. A need for additional review. Possible identity theft or tax fraud. A claim for an earned income tax credit or an additional child tax credit.

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. Thank you for your patience.

How long can the IRS hold your refund for processing?

If you file a missing or late return, the IRS will process your returns and issue your refunds (generally within 90 days).

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

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.

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.

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.

Why is my tax return still not here?

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.

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

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.

Are tax refunds delayed?

Taxpayers face "unprecedented" delays getting their refunds, IRS watchdog says. The Internal Revenue Service is facing an even bigger backlog for this tax season than it did a year ago, with delays creating "unprecedented financial difficulties" for taxpayers, according to a report released Wednesday.

How long is the IRS taking to process electronic returns 2022?

The IRS issues most refunds in fewer than 21 days for taxpayers who file electronically and choose direct deposit. However, some returns have errors or need more review and may take longer to process.

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.

Why are 2022 refunds taking so long?

Additional factors could slow down the processing of your tax refund, such as errors, incomplete returns or fraud. Taxpayers who claim the earned income tax credit (EITC) or the additional child tax credit (ACTC) may see additional delays because of special rules that require the IRS to hold their refunds until Feb.

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

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.

Can I sue the IRS for delaying my refund?

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

Can you sue the IRS for late tax return?

You can file a suit in a United States District Court or the United States Court of Federal Claims. However, you generally have only two years to file a refund suit from the date the IRS mails you a notice that denies your claim.