Why are refunds taking so long 2021?

Asked by: Shirley Nolan  |  Last update: February 9, 2022
Score: 4.9/5 (41 votes)

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.

Why have I not received my tax refund 2021?

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 contact the IRS. You can call 800-829-1040 or 800-829-8374 during regular business hours.

When can I expect my refund 2021?

In general, the IRS says that returns with refunds are processed and payments issued within 21 days.

Are tax refunds delayed 2021?

Tax Refund Delays

In 2021, taxpayers who submitted their tax returns early had to wait a little longer than anticipated to receive their tax refund. In fact, the IRS is still processing last year's returns, according to the Treasury Department.

Has the IRS started issuing refunds 2021?

The start of this year's tax season – which takes place earlier than last year's February 12 opening – signals the IRS is now accepting and processing 2021 tax returns. More than 160 million individual tax returns for the 2021 tax year are expected to be filed, with most before the April 18 tax deadline.

2022 IRS TAX REFUND - Important Update - Direct Deposit Schedule, Delays, EITC & CTC, Tax Refunds

31 related questions found

Is IRS shut down 2021?

The IRS Will Be Shutting Down Electronic Filing on Nov 20 Until January 2022. This is a standard operating procedure for the IRS as they perform annual maintenance in order to prepare the system for the upcoming Tax Year 2021 Filing Season.

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.

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.

Why are tax refunds taking so long?

Some tax returns take longer to process than others for many reasons, including when a return: Includes errors, such as incorrect Recovery Rebate Credit. ... Includes a claim filed for an Earned Income Tax Credit or an Additional Child Tax Credit.

Why are refunds delayed?

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.

Are tax returns taking longer this year?

Save IRS letters about stimulus, CTC

A major reason tax returns were delayed in 2021 was because taxpayers made mistakes in reporting their 2020 stimulus payment amounts on their returns, resulting in their tax filings getting flagged for manual review.

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.).

When can I expect My tax refund 2022?

The aforementioned backlog will make it difficult for the IRS to be efficient with their work on 2022 tax refunds, however the treasury is still confident that most Americans should get their refunds within 21 days of filing, although there are some caveats.

What does it mean when IRS says your refund is being processed 2021?

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.

Why haven't I received my federal tax refund?

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. The IRS may send you instructions through the mail if it needs additional information in order to process your return.

Why is Where's My Refund not available?

There are a few reasons why you may be getting the following message at Where's My Refund: We cannot provide any information about your refund. You must wait at least 24 hours after you get the acknowledgment e-mail that your tax return was received by the IRS.

How long does it take IRS to approve refund 2022?

In general, the agency aims to send refunds within 21 days. The simpler your return, the faster the IRS should theoretically be able to process it. The more credits you claim, the longer it might take to receive a refund.

What date does the IRS start issuing refunds?

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced that the nation's tax season will start on Monday, January 24, 2022, when the tax agency will begin accepting and processing 2021 tax year returns.

What does it mean when IRS accepts your return?

When you receive confirmation that the IRS accepted your return, it means that they have reviewed your return, and it has passed their initial inspection. They verify your personal information and other basic items, like if your dependents have already been claimed by someone else.

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 ...

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.

Can I sue the IRS for holding 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 am I getting a letter from the IRS 2021?

24. As you prepare to file your 2021 taxes, you'll want to watch for two letters from the IRS to make sure you get the money you deserve. This year, the IRS is mailing two letters – Letter 6419 and Letter 6475 – to qualifying Americans. The first applies to the Child Tax Credit Payments.

Why is my tax refund delayed 2022?

The processing and refund delays seen in 2021 and likely to be repeated in 2022 can be traced in part to pandemic-related challenges, as well as issues with IRS staffing and funding. ... If your tax refund is delayed, the IRS is required to pay interest on that refund if it not received within 45 days of filing.

How long after return is accepted is it approved?

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.