Why does my refund say still being processed?

Asked by: Alessandra Homenick  |  Last update: February 9, 2022
Score: 5/5 (51 votes)

There are many different reasons why your refund may have not been processed yet, but the most common include: Your tax return included errors. Your tax return is incomplete. This could mean that all of the necessary forms were not sent to the IRS for processing.

Why does my tax return say still being processed?

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 2020 return still being processed?

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. ... “If you don't report the correct amount, again it's going to hold up the tax return processing to who knows when,” McCarron said.

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

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

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.

Being Processed vs. Still Being Processed

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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.

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 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 is my tax refund still processing After 21 Days 2020?

It is taking the IRS more than 21 days to issue refunds for some 2020 tax returns that require review including incorrect Recovery Rebate Credit amounts, or that used 2019 income to figure the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC).

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.

Is still being processed meaning?

Still being processed simply means that the final outcome of an initial action is not yet complete. For example, you make an online purchase, pay a Bill via credit card, or file a building permit.

How long will my refund say processing?

The IRS says: It should take 21 days to issue a refund once it has been processed. If it has been longer than this, several factors may be holding it up. Before you start to panic, take into consideration the process and what is going on with your paperwork.

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.

How long does it take for IRS to approve refund after it is accepted 2022?

Most taxpayers who file electronically and choose direct deposit will get their refund within 21 days, assuming there are no problems with the return, according to the IRS.

Has 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.

Are 2021 taxes going to be delayed?

Taxpayers don't have to wait for their 2020 returns to be processed to file their 2021 returns. The IRS delayed the filing deadline in 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. This year, there are no plans to do so, Treasury officials said on Monday.

When can I expect my 2021 tax refund?

The IRS does not release a calendar, but continues to issue guidance that most filers should receive their refund within 21 days. They also remind filers that many tax software programs allow you to submit your taxes before the start of tax season.

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.

What does your tax return is still being processed a refund date will be provided when available 2020?

It means exactly what it says. They're processing your return and when they're done they'll post the date your refund will be available, or a message about a problem with your return.

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).

How will I know if there is a problem with my tax refund?

To check on regular tax refund status via automated phone, call 800-829-1954. (This line has no information on Economic Impact Payments.) ... If accepted by the IRS use the federal tax refund website to check the refund status as it moves through the process here.

How many tax returns are still being processed?

Out of the nearly 168 million 2020 tax returns we received, as of December 4, 2021, we had 6.7 million unprocessed individual returns and 2.6 million unprocessed Forms 1040-X. We are processing these returns in the order received and working hard to get through the inventory.

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.

What time do the IRS update where's my refund?

Note that the IRS only updates tax return statuses once a day during the week, usually between midnight and 6 a.m. They do not update the status more than once a day, so checking throughout the day will not give you a different result.

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.).