The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has stated that the majority of tax refunds are issued within 21 days of filing. However, some returns may require additional review and take longer to process.
Factors that may delay your tax refund:
- Errors on your tax return: If there are any errors or inconsistencies on your tax return, the IRS may need to review it manually, which can delay the processing time.
- Missing or incomplete information: If your tax return is missing any required information or documents, the IRS may need to contact you for clarification, which can also delay the processing time.
- Complex tax situation: If your tax return is complex, involving multiple income sources, deductions, or credits, it may take longer for the IRS to process it.
- Paper filing: Paper-filed tax returns generally take longer to process than electronically filed returns.
- Backlog at the IRS: The IRS may be experiencing a backlog of tax returns, which can contribute to delays in processing.
What to do if your tax refund is delayed:
- Check the status of your refund: You can use the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool to track the status of your refund.
- Contact the IRS: If your refund is significantly delayed, you may want to contact the IRS by phone or mail to inquire about the status.
- Consider filing an amended return: If you believe there is an error on your tax return that may be causing the delay, you can file an amended return to correct it.
Tips to avoid tax refund delays:
- File electronically: Electronic filing is the fastest and most accurate way to file your tax return.
- Double-check your information: Carefully review your tax return before filing to ensure that all information is correct and complete.
- File on time: Filing your tax return on time helps to avoid potential delays.
- Use direct deposit: Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your refund.
While the IRS aims to issue most refunds within 21 days, some tax returns may take longer to process due to various factors. If your refund is delayed, you can check the status online or contact the IRS for assistance. By following the tips above, you can help to minimize the risk of delays and ensure a smooth tax filing process.
IRS Tax Refund Update – Delays and Smaller Refunds
FAQ
Why are tax refunds taking so long this year?
Why is my tax return taking so long 2024?
Why is my refund still processing?
Are IRS refunds less this year?
How many tax returns did the IRs receive this year?
The IRS received 80.7 million through March 24, down just 0.8% from a year ago. The agency processed 80.4 million returns during that time, up 2%. It’s important to note that individuals decide to file earlier or later in the game. And they can switch up how they do things any year. The tax filing deadline this year is April 18 for many taxpayers.
How long after tax return is approved?
Once the IRS approves your tax return, it typically takes less than **21 days** to receive your refund. However, the exact time it takes to receive your refund depends on several factors, such as
What happens when a tax return is accepted?
Acceptance marks the start: When your return passes this check, the IRS will officially accept it, kicking off the countdown to your refund. Once accepted, you’re officially on the IRS’s clock, and your refund is one step closer.
When does the IRS issue tax refunds?
To help avoid fraudulent claims for these credits, the IRS doesn’t issue refunds for tax returns claiming these credits until mid-February each year. The IRS has processed more than 91 million individual returns for tax year 2020 as of April 22, 2021, and more than 68 million refunds have already been issued to taxpayers.