How Long Can the IRS Hold Your Refund for Review?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is responsible for processing tax returns and issuing refunds to taxpayers. In some cases, the IRS may hold a refund for review. This can be frustrating for taxpayers who are expecting a refund, but it is important to understand why the IRS may take this action.

There are several reasons why the IRS may hold a refund for review. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Errors on the tax return. If the IRS finds an error on your tax return, they may hold your refund until the error is corrected. This could include errors in your Social Security number, filing status, or income.
• Unpaid taxes. If you owe taxes from a previous year, the IRS may use your refund to offset the debt. This is known as a tax levy.
• Identity theft. If the IRS believes that your identity has been stolen, they may hold your refund to protect you from fraud.
• Other debts. The IRS may also use your refund to offset other debts that you owe to the government, such as student loans or child support.

If the IRS holds your refund for review, you will receive a notice in the mail explaining the reason for the delay. The notice will also provide instructions on how to correct any errors or provide additional information.

The IRS typically has up to 90 days to review your refund. However, in some cases, the review process may take longer. If you have not received your refund within 90 days, you can contact the IRS to inquire about the status of your refund.

There are several things you can do to help avoid having your refund held for review. These include:

• File your tax return accurately and on time.
• Make sure that your Social Security number and filing status are correct.
• Report all of your income and deductions accurately.
• File your tax return electronically.
• Use a tax preparation software program.
• Keep a copy of your tax return and all supporting documents.

If you have any questions about the IRS refund process, you can contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

What to Do If Your Refund Is Held for Review

If your refund is held for review, you should receive a notice from the IRS explaining the reason for the delay. The notice will also provide instructions on how to correct any errors or provide additional information.

You can take the following steps if you receive a notice that your refund is being held for review:

1. Review the notice carefully. The notice will explain the reason for the delay and provide instructions on how to correct any errors or provide additional information.
2. Gather the necessary documents. If the IRS is requesting additional information, gather the necessary documents and send them to the IRS.
3. Respond to the IRS promptly. The IRS will typically give you a deadline to respond to their request. Respond to the IRS promptly to avoid further delays.
4. Keep a copy of your correspondence. Keep a copy of all correspondence with the IRS, including the notice that your refund is being held for review and any responses that you send to the IRS.

How Long Will the IRS Hold My Refund?

The IRS typically has up to 90 days to review your refund. However, in some cases, the review process may take longer. If you have not received your refund within 90 days, you can contact the IRS to inquire about the status of your refund.

The IRS may hold your refund for longer than 90 days if:

• The IRS needs additional time to review your return. This could be due to complex issues on your return or if the IRS is conducting an audit.
• The IRS has determined that you owe additional taxes. The IRS may use your refund to offset the amount of taxes that you owe.
• The IRS has placed a hold on your refund due to identity theft or fraud.

If the IRS has placed a hold on your refund due to identity theft or fraud, you will need to contact the IRS to verify your identity and provide additional information.

Can I Appeal the IRS’s Decision to Hold My Refund?

Yes, you can appeal the IRS’s decision to hold your refund. You can file an appeal by submitting a written request to the IRS. The request should include the following information:

• Your name, address, and Social Security number
• The tax year for which the refund is being held
• The amount of the refund
• The reason why you are appealing the IRS’s decision

You can mail your appeal to the following address:

Internal Revenue Service
Appeals Office
201 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

You can also fax your appeal to 1-800-829-0975.

The IRS will review your appeal and make a decision within 30 days. If the IRS upholds its decision, you can file a lawsuit in federal court.

The IRS may hold your refund for review for a variety of reasons. If your refund is held for review, you will receive a notice from the IRS explaining the reason for the delay. The notice will also provide instructions on how to correct any errors or provide additional information.

You can take the following steps if you receive a notice that your refund is being held for review:

1. Review the notice carefully.
2. Gather the necessary documents.
3. Respond to the IRS promptly.
4. Keep a copy of your correspondence.

If you have not received your refund within 90 days, you can contact the IRS to inquire about the status of your refund. You can also appeal the IRS’s decision to hold your refund by submitting a written request to the IRS.