When the IRS says your refund is under review?

Asked by: Prof. Lisandro Ledner MD  |  Last update: July 26, 2023
Score: 4.5/5 (49 votes)

The review means that your return is pending because IRS is verifying information on your tax return. They may contact you before processing your return. Please see the link below since you are relying on your refund. The Taxpayer Advocate Service may be able to help once you have tried getting your refund.

How long does it take the IRS to review your refund?

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. Where's My Refund? has the most up to date information available about your refund. The tool is updated daily so you don't need to check more often.

Why would the IRS be reviewing my refund?

The most common reason for the IRS to review a tax return is something called the Discriminant Function System (or DIF) score. The IRS uses a computerized scoring model that evaluates your return and gives it a score based on the likelihood that it will need to be changed.

Why did I get a letter from the IRS saying they are reviewing my taxes?

A CP05 notice is a letter from the IRS telling you that your tax return is being reviewed. The goal of the letter is to let you know that your refund may be delayed and that the IRS may request more information from you. A CP05 notice doesn't mean that you've done something wrong or that you've made an error.

Is it bad when your taxes are under review?

Tax Audits

However, there are times when a review can lead to an audit. As long as your business was accurate in the earnings and withholdings it reported to the IRS, with errors that were unintentional, then you have nothing to worry about and the audit will be uneventful.

IRS REVIEW VS. AUDIT: Understanding the difference.

35 related questions found

Does the IRS actually review every tax return?

The IRS does check each and every tax return that is filed. If there are any discrepancies, you will be notified through the mail.

Does it really take 60 days for IRS review?

You will get an initial IRS notice which will state the additional delay (E.g a letter 2645C) and extra time for the IRS to review and respond (normally 60 days). If they need something from you they will send a follow-up letter (e.g. CP05 or or 4464C) that will likely provide more details and actions to take.

How long is a IRS review?

Now for the answer to the all too familiar question every tax attorney gets: “How long does a tax audit take?” The IRS audit period itself should generally take no more than five to six months. Sometimes with proper preparation, they can be resolved faster.

Why is my tax review taking so long?

The agency is still trying to catch up on a backlog because of the pandemic. “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,” the agency said.

How do you know if you are being audited by the IRS?

If the IRS has shortlisted you for an audit, then you will be informed of this through a written notification that will be sent to your last recorded address. The IRS usually doesn't notify you of an audit via phone or email, so be wary of any email that claims to be about an IRS audit.

What are red flags for the IRS?

While the chances of an audit are slim, there are several reasons why your return may get flagged, triggering an IRS notice, tax experts say. Red flags may include excessive write-offs compared with income, unreported earnings, refundable tax credits and more.

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

'Return being processed' means the IRS got your tax return — but your refund could still be delayed, says CPA. Typically, the IRS issues refunds in three weeks or 21 calendar days.

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 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 refund 2020 review?

The review means that your return is pending because IRS is verifying information on your tax return. They may contact you before processing your return. Please see the link below since you are relying on your refund. The Taxpayer Advocate Service may be able to help once you have tried getting your refund.

Why is my refund still being processed?

The following are some of the reasons why tax returns take longer than others to process: Your tax return includes errors, such as incorrect Recovery Rebate Credit. Your tax return Is incomplete. Your tax return needs further review in general.

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 ...

Whats the longest the IRS can hold your refund?

After 60 days, you'd need to file an amended return to reverse any errors and get your refund back. If the IRS thinks you claimed erroneous deductions or credits, the IRS can hold your refund.

What's the longest the IRS can take to refund?

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 long does a 4464c review take?

Receiving this letter, usually, means that your tax return will be delayed by 60 days (between 45-180 days). If there are instructions in the letter, act on them. Don't just throw the letter away or ignore it.

Can the IRS reject a return after it has been accepted?

No. Once your return is accepted by the IRS, it can't be rejected. If anything, they may send a letter or notice requesting additional support if needed. The IRS operations are limited during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Do you get your tax refund if you get audited?

Most audits end with adjustments to reported income. That generally means you'll owe more tax, but occasionally you'll even get a refund.

What triggers IRS audit?

You Claimed a Lot of Itemized Deductions

It can trigger an audit if you're spending and claiming tax deductions for a significant portion of your income. This trigger typically comes into play when taxpayers ​itemize.

What's the difference between accepted and approved IRS?

Once your return has been “Accepted” its status will remain the same until it has been “Approved.” This would mean it has been processed and that the IRS has approved the release of your refund.

How many days does it take to get approved?

Once accepted, it can take anywhere from a few days to 3 weeks (21 days) to go from acceptance to approval, and this timeframe is unrelated to how, where, or when you filed, nor is it connected to how quickly you got your refund last year.