Yes, the IRS (.gov) will contact you by mail (not by phone, email, or social media) if there is a problem with your tax return or if your refund amount is different than expected. They will send a notice or letter explaining the adjustment, such as a math error or missing information, to your address of record.
Where's My Refund has the latest information on your return. If you don't have internet, call the automated refund hotline at 800-829-1954 for a current-year refund or 866-464-2050 for an amended return. If you think we made a mistake with your refund, check Where's My Refund or your online account for details.
If there's a mistake and the IRS sent you a notice or returned the form. If information is missing, the IRS will either return the form or send you a notice asking for specific information it needs to finish processing your tax return.
A letter or notice is the first way the IRS will contact a taxpayer. There are a few ways a taxpayer can check to see if it's really the IRS: Log in to their secure IRS Online Account to see if the letter or notice is in their file. Review common IRS letters and notices: Understanding Your IRS Notice or Letter.
If it is a math mistake, a wrong number is pulled from a chart, or a supporting form is missing, the IRS will send you a notice.
The IRS is understaffed and unprepared to take on the daily volume of phone calls they receive. Unfortunately, this has caused callers to struggle with navigating the menu maze and being put on hold for hours only to have the line drop.
If the IRS is reviewing your return, it may have questions about your wages and withholding, or credits or expenses shown on your tax return. The review process could take anywhere from 45 to 180 days, depending on the number and types of issues the IRS is reviewing.
If the IRS made changes to your tax return during processing, you can submit an amended tax return. If the IRS made changes to the tax return because of an audit or an IRS assessment, you may need to request an audit reconsideration.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will send a notice or a letter for any number of reasons. It may be about a specific issue on your federal tax return or account, or may tell you about changes to your account, ask you for more information, or request a payment.
You generally shouldn't worry if your refund is "still being processed," as it means the IRS is working on it, but it might take longer than the typical 21 days due to common issues like errors, incomplete information, or claiming credits like the EITC/ACTC. Worry only becomes necessary if you receive an IRS letter requesting more information or if the "Where's My Refund?" tool shows a specific problem like fraud, but typically, it just means a longer wait, not no refund at all.
Should your account be selected for audit, we will notify you by mail. We won't initiate an audit by telephone. Assistance is available to help you understand the letter/notice received: Understanding your IRS notice or letter.
Use Where's My Refund, call us at 800-829-1954 (toll-free) and use the automated system, or speak with a representative by calling 800-829-1040 (see telephone assistance for hours of operation).
If the IRS decides that your return merits a second glance, you'll be issued a CP05 Notice 1 . This notice lets you know that your return is being reviewed to verify any or all of the following: Your income. Your tax withholding.
Key takeaways. Most people receive refunds within three weeks if they e-file and choose direct deposit; paper returns can take six weeks or more. Filing accurately — especially when claiming credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit— helps prevent refund delays.
The IRS says wait times average 15 minutes during filing season (January to April), with Mondays and Tuesdays being the busiest days. After filing season (May to December), waits can be even longer, averaging 27 minutes. The IRS processes your federal tax return, but your state return is processed by your state.
Fact 1: The IRS Never Initiates Contact Via Phone
The IRS initiates most contacts through regular mail delivered by the United States Postal Service.
Double-check you entered the correct Social Security Number, filing status, and exact refund amount (excluding fees). Review your tax return and re-enter information carefully. If you recently changed your name, address, or employment, the IRS might not have it updated. Contact the IRS and update your information.
Your refund may also be delayed if numbers on your return don't match documents the IRS received about your income. Common mistakes can also cause delays, such as math errors or typos on your Social Security number, or if the direct deposit account doesn't match the filing status on your return.
Getting a letter from the IRS can make some taxpayers nervous – but there's no need to panic. The IRS sends notices and letters when it needs to ask a question about a taxpayer's tax return, let them know about a change to their account or request a payment.