Why is my federal return taking so long?

Asked by: Mr. Derrick Orn I  |  Last update: November 30, 2022
Score: 4.4/5 (25 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. The IRS may send you instructions through the mail if it needs additional information in order to process your return.

Why are 2021 refunds taking so long?

Some returns are taking longer because of corrections needed that are related to the earned-income tax credit and the pandemic-related stimulus payments (officially termed a “Recovery Rebate Credit”).

Why are some federal refunds taking so long?

Things that can delay a refund:

The return has a claim filed for an earned income tax credit, additional child tax credit, or includes a Form 8379, Injured Spouse AllocationPDF. The time it takes a taxpayer's bank or credit union to post the refund to the taxpayer's account.

Why is my 2020 federal tax refund taking so long?

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, missing information, or suspected identity theft or fraud. If we can fix it without contacting you, we will.

Are federal refunds taking longer?

Taxpayers face "unprecedented" delays getting their refunds, IRS watchdog says. The Internal Revenue Service is facing an even bigger backlog for this tax season than it did a year ago, with delays creating "unprecedented financial difficulties" for taxpayers, according to a report released Wednesday.

Why is your tax return taking so long?

17 related questions found

Why is my refund still processing after 3 months?

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.

Is IRS behind on refunds?

The report expresses concern about continuing delays in the processing of paper-filed tax returns and the consequent impact on taxpayer refunds. At the end of May, the agency had a backlog of 21.3 million unprocessed paper tax returns, an increase of 1.3 million over the same time last year.

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 ...

Why are my taxes still processing after 21 days?

Most tax processing systems have automated checks looking for common red flags and are then flagged for more further (manual) processing. The could add weeks to your tax return processing and subsequent delays to your refund payments.

Why have I not gotten my tax refund yet 2020?

An incomplete return, an inaccurate return, an amended return, tax fraud, claiming tax credits, owing certain debts for which the government can take part or all of your refund, and sending your refund to the wrong bank due to an incorrect routing number are all reasons that a tax refund can be delayed.

Why is my refund taking longer than 21 days 2022?

It is also taking the IRS more than 21 days to issue refunds for some 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).

Are tax refunds delayed 2021?

Many taxpayers who filed paper returns in 2021 got caught in the backlog and reported waiting six months and longer to receive their refunds. The IRS acknowledged Tuesday: "To date, more than twice as many returns await processing compared to a typical year at this point in the calendar year."

Why is my tax 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 have I not received my 2021 refund?

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).

Is the IRS behind on 2021 tax returns?

The IRS is making progress on its backlog of unprocessed tax returns, but millions remain, the agency said Tuesday. As of June 10, there were 11 million pending individual returns, including filings received before 2022 and new 2021 returns, according to the IRS.

How long can the IRS hold your refund for processing?

After 60 days, you'd need to file an amended return to reverse any errors and get your refund back.

What to do if it's been more than 21 days and no refund?

The IRS is taking more than 21 days (and up to 90 to 120 days) to issue refunds for tax returns with the Recovery Rebate Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit. You should only contact the IRS if: It's been 21 days or more since you e-filed.

Why is my tax return still being processed after a month?

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.

How long will the IRS take to process my tax refund 2021?

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.

What's the longest a tax refund can take?

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.

Are refunds taking longer 2022?

The Internal Revenue Service has essentially been unable to process the paper 1040 returns that individuals filed in 2022 until it's finished processing the pile up of paperwork filed in 2021. It's a first in, first out process for paper returns.

Who do I call if my refund is over 21 days?

If it has been longer than 21 days and your return is still processing, please contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 to check on your return.

Are tax returns delayed 2020?

There are lots of reasons tax refunds are taking longer than 21 days. Tax returns are piling up at the Internal Revenue Service, and millions of taxpayers are experiencing refund delays beyond the typical 21 days or fewer for e-filed returns electing a direct deposit refund.

Why are 2022 refunds taking so long?

The COVID-19 pandemic, a backlog of returns from last year and a worker shortage may add up to long delays. PROCTORVILLE, Ohio (WSAZ) - According to the IRS, as of April 29, 2022, there were more than 9.6 million unprocessed individual returns which include returns received before 2022, and new tax year 2021 returns.

Can I sue the IRS for delaying my refund?

You can file a suit in a United States District Court or the United States Court of Federal Claims. However, you generally have only two years to file a refund suit from the date the IRS mails you a notice that denies your claim.