Why is my tax return still being processed?

Asked by: Kirsten Walter DDS  |  Last update: August 9, 2022
Score: 4.9/5 (63 votes)

The answer: not much yet! The prompt means that the IRS has received your return, but due to Covid-19 delays, the IRS is experiencing a considerable backlog, slowing processing times and disbursements. Typically the IRS processes tax returns and issues refunds within 21 calendar days of receipt.

How long can your taxes say still processing?

'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.

What does it mean when the IRS says your tax return has been received and is being processed?

This means the IRS has your tax return and is processing it. Your personalized refund date will be available as soon as the IRS finishes processing your return and confirms that your refund has been approved. Most refunds are issued in less than 21 days.

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 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.

Refund Status: Your Tax Return is Still Being Processed| What to do if it's more than 21 days?

44 related questions found

Why is my 2020 refund still processing?

If you're still waiting on your tax refund, it's possible that your tax return is taking longer for the IRS to process because it requires additional review. There are several reasons why your tax return may be delayed: Errors such as an incomplete filing status. Missing information.

What does your tax return is still being processed mean 2021?

⋆ RefundTalk.com. 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 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.

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.

Does still being processed mean approved?

"Being processed", means the IRS must first process your return and then approve your refund. Even though the IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days after they receive your tax return, it's possible your tax return may require additional review and take longer.

Why is my refund still processing after 21 days?

What To Do Next? If it has been over 21 days since your return was being accepted by the IRS (or 6 weeks if you filed a paper return) and the tax refund status has not changed or WMR has no updated message for delays, you can call the IRS and speak with an agent concerning your tax refund.

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 are IRS refunds taking so long?

Things that can delay a refund:

The return has errors, is incomplete or is affected by identity theft or fraud. The return needs a correction to the child tax credit or recovery rebate credit amount.

Is the IRS currently processing tax returns?

We're open and processing mail, tax returns, payments, refunds and correspondence. However, COVID-19 continues to cause delays in some of our services. Our service delays include: Live phone support.

How far behind is the IRS in processing paper returns?

Americans who file paper forms tend to have an average wait of about six months, and these returns often provide thousands of dollars in refunds to low-income workers that can be critical for supplementing their incomes.

Is the IRS taking longer to process returns 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 pileup of paperwork filed in 2021. It's a first in, first out process for paper returns.

Is IRS still processing 2021 tax returns?

But the IRS is still processing paper returns and has an "unprecedented" backlog of over 21 million returns, as well as returns with suspected errors or identity theft to get through, reports Erin Collins, the national taxpayer advocate.

Why is my tax refund still being processed after 21 days 2022?

A tax refund could be delayed because it needs a correction or is incomplete, needs further review or is suspected of identity fraud, includes a claim filed for an Earned Income Tax Credit or an Additional Child Tax Credit or includes an injured spouse allocation form which may take up to 14 weeks for the IRS to ...

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.

Is there a difference between being processed and still being processed 2020?

Processed means exactly what it is being processed if it switches to still being processed is completely different. They found something that didnt add up. A mistake or further review for a variety of reasons. You should get a letter but it would be best to call them because it could take.

How will I know if I am being audited?

In most cases, a Notice of Audit and Examination Scheduled will be issued. This notice is to inform you that you are being audited by the IRS, and will contain details about the particular items on your return that need review. It will also mention the records you are required to produce for review.

How do you tell if IRS is investigating you?

Signs that You May Be Subject to an IRS Investigation:
  1. (1) An IRS agent abruptly stops pursuing you after he has been requesting you to pay your IRS tax debt, and now does not return your calls. ...
  2. (2) An IRS agent has been auditing you and now disappears for days or even weeks at a time.

What triggers an 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 year is IRS auditing now?

This is most easily observed by looking at Tax Year 2019 which is presented in the FY 2021 Data Book with audit results as of September 30, 2021. Tax returns for 2019 are filed in 2020 and may be filed on extension as late as October 15, 2020.