If you’re encountering incorrect information when using the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund” tool for the 2020 tax year, there are several potential reasons and solutions to consider:
Incorrect Input:
- Double-check your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): Ensure that you have entered your SSN or ITIN accurately, without any errors or transpositions.
- Verify your filing status: Make sure that you have selected the correct filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.) for your 2020 tax return.
- Confirm your refund amount: Compare the refund amount displayed on “Where’s My Refund” with the amount you calculated on your tax return or received from your tax preparer. If there is a discrepancy, it may indicate an error in your input or a change made by the IRS during processing.
Processing Delays:
- Recent tax return filing: If you filed your 2020 tax return recently, it may take some time for the IRS to process your return and update the “Where’s My Refund” system. Allow a few days or even weeks for the information to become available.
- IRS backlog: The IRS may be experiencing a backlog in processing tax returns, especially during peak filing season. This can lead to delays in updating the “Where’s My Refund” tool.
- Identity verification: In some cases, the IRS may need to verify your identity before releasing your refund information. This can involve sending you a letter or requiring you to visit a local IRS office.
System Issues:
- Technical glitches: The “Where’s My Refund” tool may occasionally experience technical issues that can result in incorrect information being displayed. Try accessing the tool again later or on a different device.
- Website maintenance: The IRS may perform scheduled maintenance on its website, which can temporarily affect the availability or accuracy of the “Where’s My Refund” tool. Check the IRS website for any announcements regarding maintenance.
Other Factors:
- Offset for debts: If you owe money to the IRS, state agencies, or other government entities, your refund may be offset to cover those debts. This can result in a lower refund amount or no refund at all.
- Tax return errors: If the IRS discovers errors on your tax return during processing, it may delay the issuance of your refund or require you to file an amended return.
- Fraudulent activity: If the IRS suspects fraudulent activity related to your tax return, it may place a hold on your refund until the issue is resolved.
Steps to Resolve Incorrect Information:
- Contact the IRS: If you have tried the troubleshooting steps above and are still encountering incorrect information, you can contact the IRS directly by phone at 1-800-829-1954. Be prepared to provide your SSN or ITIN, filing status, and the refund amount you expected.
- Visit an IRS office: You can also visit a local IRS office to speak with a representative in person. Bring a copy of your tax return and any relevant documents to support your claim.
- File an amended return: If you believe that your tax return contains errors that may be affecting your refund, you can file an amended return using Form 1040-X. Make sure to include an explanation of the changes you are making.
Additional Tips:
- Use the IRS2Go app: The IRS2Go mobile app provides access to the “Where’s My Refund” tool and other IRS services.
- Check your bank account: Even if “Where’s My Refund” is not showing your refund, it may have already been deposited into your bank account. Contact your bank to inquire about any recent deposits.
- Be patient: The IRS is working to process tax returns and issue refunds as quickly as possible. However, it may take some time, especially during peak filing season.
Refund Status Error on IRS app “Information Does Not Match” – what does it mean? Is it a glitch?
What does ‘we can’t provide information about you refund’ mean?
You’ll see the ‘We Can’t Provide Information about You Refund’ message on your WMR account if you check your return’s status too soon. The IRS needs between 24 and 48 hours to approve and add an e-filed return to its IMF system or a couple of weeks if you file a return on paper. This message will be displayed on your WMR account during this time.
When will I receive my 2020 tax refund?
If you filed a 2020 tax return and are expecting a refund from the IRS, you may want to find out the status of the refund or at least get an idea of when you might receive it. You can start checking on the status of your refund within 24 hours after the IRS has received your electronically-filed return or 4 weeks after you mailed a paper return.
Why is my tax refund delayed?
The IRS is overwhelmed with tax returns during the filing seasons, so your refund could be delayed because the IRS lacks the workforce to process all returns within a three-week timeframe. Paper tax returns take longer to process, and you’ll have to wait six to eight weeks for your refund if you opt for this filing method.
Do I need to call the IRS to check refund status?
There’s no need to call the IRS to check on refund status unless it has been more than 21 days since the return was filed or the tool says the IRS can provide more information. If the IRS needs more information to process the return, the taxpayer will be contacted by mail.