How do I get the IRS to release my refund?

Asked by: Braxton Jenkins  |  Last update: February 23, 2024
Score: 4.5/5 (30 votes)

What should I do? Request an expedited refund by calling the IRS at 800-829-1040 (TTY/TDD 800-829-4059). Request a manual refund expedited to you.

What if the IRS has not released my refund?

Use Where's My Refund, call us at 800-829-1954 and use the automated system, or speak with an agent by calling 800-829-1040 (see telephone assistance for hours of operation). However, if you filed a married filing jointly return, you can't initiate a trace using the automated systems.

How long can the IRS hold your refund for processing?

If the IRS is reviewing your return, it may have questions about your wages and withholding, or credits or expenses shown on your tax return. The review process could take anywhere from 45 to 180 days, depending on the number and types of issues the IRS is reviewing.

How long does it take IRS to release funds?

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.

How do I get my refund from the IRS?

You can get your refund by:
  1. Direct deposit: This is the fastest way to get your refund. ...
  2. Paper check: We'll mail your check to the address on your return. ...
  3. Prepaid debit card: Check with your bank or card provider to see if your card will work and which account numbers to use.

IRS Refund Status - How to Check On Your Refund!

25 related questions found

How do I talk to a live person for IRS refund?

Use Where's My Refund, call us at 800-829-1954 (toll-free) and use the automated system, or speak with a representative by calling 800-829-1040 (see telephone assistance for hours of operation).

How do I talk to a real person at the IRS without waiting?

How to speak directly to an IRS representative
  1. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 during their support hours. ...
  2. Select your language, pressing 1 for English or 2 for Spanish.
  3. Press 2 for questions about your personal income taxes.
  4. Press 1 for questions about a form already filed or a payment.
  5. Press 3 for all other questions.

Why is the IRS holding my refund?

The IRS can delay your tax refund until it completes any audits. This is most common when the IRS is conducting a mail audit on your EITC or ACTC return from a prior year. Normally, you'll receive IRS Letter CP88 indicating that your refund is frozen until the IRS completes the audit.

Why is the IRS taking so long to approve my refund?

The return has errors, is incomplete or is affected by identity theft or fraud. The return needs a correction to the child tax credit or recovery rebate credit amount. The return has a claim filed for an earned income tax credit, additional child tax credit, or includes a Form 8379, Injured Spouse AllocationPDF.

Why is my federal refund taking so long?

A tax refund could be delayed weeks or even months in some cases. The length of the delay may depend on how backed up the IRS is on processing tax returns, whether you turn around requested documentation quickly, and whether you need to file an amended return.

Can I sue the IRS for delaying 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.

Why is my refund stuck on still processing?

Some tax returns take longer to process than others for many reasons, including when a return: Is sent by mail. Contains errors or is incomplete. Needs further review in general.

Can I speed up my tax refund?

Request an expedited refund by calling the IRS at 800-829-1040 (TTY/TDD 800-829-4059). Request a manual refund expedited to you.

Is the IRS delayed with refunds 2023?

Tax Refund Delays in 2023

While most people have had their income tax returns processed successfully, many are still waiting for much-needed refunds to be delivered.

What does frozen refund mean?

Unfortunately TC 810 means the IRS has found an issue with the tax filers return and has frozen any additional refund payments. Your IRS account is on hold and any scheduled refund payment will be held up until this is resolved.

Why has my refund been accepted but not approved?

"IRS Accepted Return But Not Approved" Meaning

If a taxpayer receives the status update that their tax return was accepted but not approved, this means that the IRS has received their tax return, but they have not yet evaluated the information. Therefore, the taxpayer must wait to see if more action is required.

Should I be worried if my refund is delayed?

There are several reasons why you could experience a tax refund delay. Some reasons won't require any additional work on your part. This is the case if you claim certain credits or if you file at certain times. Filing a paper return or receiving your refund as a paper check will also slow things down.

How do you know if the IRS doesn't approve your refund?

It will generally mail you a notice if there is a problem with your return. An IRS agent may call you or visit your home, but usually only after sending several letters first.

What happens when your refund is under review?

Tax Topic 151 means your tax return is now under review by the IRS. The agency either needs to verify certain credits or dependents, or it has determined that your tax refund will be reduced to pay money that it believes you owe.

How do I know if my tax return has been flagged?

Taxpayers whose tax returns have been flagged for possible IDT should receive one of the following letters: Letter 5071C, Potential Identity Theft during Original Processing with Online Option – Provides online and phone options and is issued most widely.

What is the best time to call the IRS?

Call at the best time.

A good rule of thumb: Call as early in the morning as possible. Phones are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (your local time) Monday to Friday, except: Residents of Hawaii and Alaska should follow Pacific time. Puerto Rico hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time.

How hard is it to call the IRS?

IRS customer service hours

You're welcome to call the main IRS phone number Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. The agency's average telephone service wait time is four minutes during filing season (January through April) and 13 minutes during the off-season (May through December).

What number is 800 829 0922?

Your refund amount may include interest. Keep in mind that any interest you receive on tax refunds is considered taxable income during the year you receive it. Call us at 1-800-829-0922 to review your account with a representative. Be sure to have your account information available when you call.

What to do if you can't get through to the IRS?

If you still need help, visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs). You can make an appointment to avoid long wait times. Find the closest office with our Taxpayer Assistance Locator tool. Once you find your local office, see what services are available.

What do I press to talk to a representative at the IRS?

Call (800) 829-1040. Choose your language (Press 1 for English) Press 2 to speak with a live IRS person about your personal income tax. At the next prompt press 1.