A tax return "under review" means the IRS (.gov) is verifying information for accuracy, such as income, credits, or deductions, which typically delays refunds for 45 to 180 days. It is not necessarily an audit, but rather a routine check for discrepancies, suspected identity theft, or, in some cases, a random selection.
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.
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.
Why is my return being reviewed? (updated Aug. 7, 2024) While we accept most tax returns as filed, we select some for review. The IRS reviews some federal tax returns to determine if income, expenses, and credits are reported accurately.
Unreported income
The IRS receives copies of your W-2s and 1099s, and their systems automatically compare this data to the amounts you report on your tax return. A discrepancy, such as a 1099 that isn't reported on your return, could trigger further review.
You know the IRS might be investigating you through official mail (first contact), phone calls (often with automated messages to IRS.gov), or in-person visits, but signs of a criminal probe include contact with IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) agents, subpoenas to you or your bank, questions to your accountant/bank, unusual account activity (freezing/refusing transactions), or agents suddenly going silent after an audit. Key indicators are official IRS letters, contact from CI special agents, third-party inquiries, and formal summonses for records, signaling serious scrutiny beyond a simple audit.
We'll find a professional perfectly matched to your needs. Getting started is easy, fast and free. So, what does your tax return being reviewed mean? If your tax return is under review, the IRS is examining it to ensure that it is accurate and in accordance with tax laws.
A review does not automatically mean you are being audited. The IRS may only want to verify some details. If concerns persist, they might request more information. Most reviews end without a full audit.
See our Held or Stopped Refund page or the TAS video for more information. If the IRS is reviewing your return, the review process could take anywhere from 45 to 180 days, depending on the number and types of issues the IRS is reviewing. Follow these steps if you know you made a mistake, before the IRS contacts you.
– Receiving a paper refund check in the mail may take longer than choosing direct deposit. Most e-filed returns are processed within 21 days. – Paper-filed returns generally take 6 to 8 weeks for the IRS to process and send your refund.
The IRS has no maximum time limit when it comes to processing tax refunds, but after 45 days, it is required to pay interest on your refund. In most cases, you can expect the IRS to issue your tax refund within 21 days of filing your tax return.
District offices select returns randomly sometimes for special research programs, but generally the returns are selected because they have good audit potential. The potential is discovered by a computerized system called the Discriminant Function System (DIF). In most cases, the decisionmaker is not the auditor.
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.
You may face an IRS audit after an IRS review. If the IRS reviews your information and detects inaccuracies in your tax returns, it may conduct a comprehensive audit to look into the matter further.
Why is my return being reviewed? We select some returns to review so we can determine whether income, expenses, and credits are reported correctly. This doesn't mean you made an error or were dishonest.
The most convenient way to check on a tax refund is by using the Where's My Refund? tool on IRS.gov. Taxpayers can start checking their refund status within 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of the taxpayer's e-filed return.
The IRS uses a combination of automated and human processes to select which tax returns to audit. Not reporting all of your income is an easy-to-avoid red flag that can lead to an audit. Taking excessive business tax deductions and mixing business and personal expenses can lead to an audit.
Common IRS audit triggers
Even if everything on your return is accurate, it may still be pulled for a closer look simply due to statistical sampling. Additionally, certain types of income or deductions, such as large business expenses or complex investment activity, can naturally draw more scrutiny.
Under Review: Your application is in the pre-screen phase, which could include recruiter review, hiring manager review, and/or initial phone interview. Interview: You have been invited to and are participating in the formal interview process.
The report after a review is not considered to provide a professional opinion about the nonprofit's financial statements as a whole. The key difference between an audit and a review is that conducting an audit requires the auditor to obtain independent confirmation or verification of the financial information examined.
Once the IRS completes the examination, it may accept your return as filed or propose changes. These changes may affect the amount of tax you owe or the amount of your refund.
We could take up to 60 days to complete this review. Please don't contact us prior to 60 days from the date of this notice since we won't be able to provide you any additional information. You can check your refund status at www.irs.gov/refunds or the IRS2Go mobile app for smart phones.
Refunds lower because of mathematical errors
Your tax refund may be lower because of a mistake on your tax return. If that happens, the IRS will correct the return. The agency should send you a letter explaining why the amount is different from what you expected.