Why does my refund say still being processed after 21 days?

Asked by: Mr. Mariano Howell V  |  Last update: February 9, 2022
Score: 4.2/5 (57 votes)

The IRS will issue most refunds in less than 21 calendar days. 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.

Why does my refund still say processing after 21 days?

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).

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

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.

Why have I not received my refund after 21 days?

If you haven't received your tax refund after at least 21 days of filing online or six weeks of mailing your paper return, go to a local IRS office or call the federal agency (check out our list of IRS phone numbers that could get you help faster).

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.

Why does my refund say still being processed after 21 days?

44 related questions found

Why is my 2021 refund 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.

Why does my taxes say still being processed?

As the return is processed, whether it was filed electronically or on paper, it may be delayed because it has a mistake including errors concerning the Recovery Rebate Credit, is missing information, or there is suspected identity theft or fraud.

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 still processing 2020 tax returns?

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.

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.

How soon can I get 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.

Has the IRS started processing returns?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Why are IRS refunds so late?

Tens of millions of taxpayers experienced prolonged delays in the processing of their returns last year, as the IRS continued to work through challenges exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, like staffing shortages and tax law changes.

What does it mean when tax Topic 152 disappear?

Tax Topic 152 means you're getting a tax refund. ... However, if you mail your tax return, your 21 days of processing starts when the IRS gets your actual paper documents into the system. As such, paper returns take up to 12 weeks or more to process. If you want a good estimate, check out our tax refund calendar for 2022.

Are 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.

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 is my refund being reviewed?

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.

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.

Can I sue the IRS for emotional distress?

According to the district court, the IRS cannot be sued for emotional distress because of sovereign immunity. As in the case of unauthorized collection activities, similar action can be taken if the IRS improperly fails to release a lien on your property (Code Sec. 7432).

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 day of the week does the IRS deposit refunds 2020?

The IRS only issued refunds once per week under the old system. They now issue refunds every business day, Monday through Friday (except holidays).

How can I speak to someone from the IRS?

How to speak directly to an IRS agent
  1. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 during their support hours. ...
  2. Select your language, pressing 1 for English or 2 for Spanish.
  3. Press 2 for questions about your personal income taxes.
  4. Press 1 for questions about a form already filed or a payment.
  5. Press 3 for all other questions.