What does it mean when it says your tax return is still being processed 2020?

Asked by: Joseph Cruickshank  |  Last update: February 9, 2022
Score: 4.3/5 (36 votes)

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.

Why is my tax return still being processed 2020?

He said the IRS is still processing $9.8 million tax returns from 2020. The delays are mostly due to errors in filing, some having to do with the economic stimulus payments. ... This year, parents should keep an eye out for a letter from the IRS that will help them accurately report the amount of money they received.

What does it mean when your refund status says still being processed?

Even though the IRS will issue most refunds in less than 21 days, it's possible that your refund has been delayed because it is stuck in processing. ... This could mean that all of the necessary forms were not sent to the IRS for processing. Your return has been flagged for identity theft or fraud.

Is IRS still processing 2020 tax returns?

People can still file 2021 returns. ... As of December 3, 2021, the IRS has processed nearly 169 million tax returns. All paper and electronic individual 2020 refund returns received prior to April 2021 have been processed if the return had no errors or did not require further review.

Why are tax returns taking so long?

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. ... You may also experience delays if you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit.

IRS Refund Status "Your tax return is still being processed." Expect delays. Filed mine 5/7/21,....

18 related questions found

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.

How long does your refund stay in processing?

When to expect your IRS refund

About 90% of electronically filed tax returns are processed within 21 days. Paper returns are processed six to eight weeks after they arrive at the IRS. If you electronically file and provide bank account information to the IRS for direct deposit, you'll see your refund the quickest.

Does being processed mean approved?

Refund has been processed means that they have approved and are ready to send you your refund. Your return being processed mean that your tax return is being processed. Your status should change from being processed to accepted and then a date given for your refund.

Does still being processed mean audit?

If my refund on the IRS website says still processing does it mean I will be audited? There's absolutely no reason to necessarily think that you're under review or that an audit is pending, so please don't worry. The "processing" message you see is perfectly normal. In fact, the messages and bars on the IRS.

Is the IRS behind on refunds 2022?

Although the IRS says most refunds will be sent within 21 days, experts warn that delays are likely, noting that the agency is still working through 2020 tax returns. ... Donald Williamson, an accounting and taxation professor at American University in Washington, said he expects "weeks and weeks" of IRS delays in 2022.

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

This means the IRS has processed your return and has approved your refund. The IRS is now preparing to send your refund to your bank or directly to you in the mail if you requested a paper check.

Can I sue the IRS for 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.

Does processed mean completed?

That has completed a required process.

What does currently processing mean?

It only means that they have it and are working on it.

Is the IRS still backlogged?

"Paper is the IRS's Kryptonite, and the agency is still buried in it." As of late December, the IRS had backlogs of 6 million unprocessed original individual returns (Forms 1040), 2.3 million unprocessed amended individual returns (Forms 1040-X), more than 2 million unprocessed employer's quarterly tax returns (Forms ...

Is the IRS currently processing amended returns?

Status of Processing Form 1040-X, Amended Individual Tax Return: As of January 8, 2022, we had 2.3 million unprocessed Forms 1040-X. We are processing these returns in the order received and working hard to get through the inventory. The current timeframe can be more than 20 weeks instead of up to 16.

How long does it take for IRS to accept return?

When you e-file, it typically takes 24 to 48 hours for the IRS to accept your return. Once your return is accepted, you are on the IRS' refund timetable. The IRS typically issues refunds in less than 21 days.

Why would the IRS hold my refund for 60 days?

There are many reasons why the IRS may be holding your refund. You have unfiled or missing tax returns for prior tax years. ... The IRS is reviewing your tax return. Your refund was applied to a debt you owe to the IRS or another federal or state agency.

What is the longest a tax refund can take?

Typically, the IRS issues a refund within 21 days of “accepting” a tax return. If you file electronically, the IRS can take up to three days to accept your return. If you mail in your return, it can take three additional weeks (the IRS has to manually enter your return into the system first).

What does it mean when your refund bars disappear?

This can happen while the return is being processed. It will come back when the processing is complete. You would just want to continue checking the status of your return using the Where's My Refund?

Can the IRS come to your house?

IRS revenue officers will sometimes make unannounced visits to a taxpayer's home or place of business to discuss taxes owed or tax returns due. ... IRS criminal investigators may visit a taxpayer's home or place of business unannounced while conducting an investigation.

How do I know if my tax return was approved?

Find out if Your Tax Return Was Submitted
  1. Using the IRS Where's My Refund tool.
  2. Viewing your IRS account information.
  3. Calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (Wait times to speak to a representative may be long.)
  4. Looking for emails or status updates from your e-filing website or software.

Why has my refund been accepted but not approved?

Accepted means your tax return is now in the government's hands and has passed the initial inspection (your verification info is correct, dependents haven't already been claimed by someone else, etc.).

Is there a delay in tax refunds?

Just like in 2021, the IRS is again expecting numerous delays in processing tax returns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency recommends filing electronically and setting up direct deposit this year, as it can help get your refund issued within 21 days, assuming there are no errors.