Taxpayers who have yet to receive their 2021 tax refund may be wondering about the reasons for the delay. This guide will explore potential causes and provide guidance on how to check the status of your refund and resolve any issues.
Common Reasons for Refund Delays
- Errors on the tax return: Mistakes or omissions on your tax return can trigger delays while the IRS reviews and corrects the information.
- Incomplete or missing documentation: If you failed to include necessary supporting documents, such as Form W-2 or Schedule C, your refund may be delayed until the IRS receives the missing information.
- Tax return complexity: Complex tax returns involving multiple forms, schedules, or deductions may require additional processing time.
- Identity theft or fraud: If the IRS suspects that your tax return may be fraudulent or related to identity theft, they will investigate the issue, which can delay your refund.
- Offset for unpaid debts: If you owe money to other government agencies, such as unpaid taxes, student loans, or child support, the IRS may offset your refund to cover those debts.
- Bank account issues: If the bank account information provided on your tax return is incorrect or the account is closed, your refund may be delayed or returned to the IRS.
How to Check Your Refund Status
Online:
- IRS Where’s My Refund tool: Visit the IRS website (https://www.irs.gov/refunds) and enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact amount of your refund.
- IRS2Go mobile app: Download the IRS2Go app and use your smartphone to track your refund status.
Phone:
- Automated phone system: Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1954 and follow the automated prompts to check your refund status.
- IRS representative: If you need further assistance, you can speak to an IRS representative by calling 1-800-829-1040. Be prepared for long wait times.
Resolving Refund Delays
If you have checked your refund status and it is still delayed, you can take the following steps:
- Review your tax return: Double-check your tax return for any errors or missing information. If you find any mistakes, file an amended return using Form 1040-X.
- Gather supporting documentation: If you have not already done so, gather all necessary supporting documents and mail them to the IRS.
- Contact the IRS: If you have tried the above steps and your refund is still delayed, contact the IRS by phone or mail. Explain your situation and provide any relevant documentation.
- Consider using a tax advocate: If you have been unable to resolve the issue with the IRS directly, you can contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service at 1-877-777-4778.
Receiving your tax refund on time is important. By understanding the potential reasons for delays and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can check your refund status and resolve any issues that may be causing the delay. If you have any further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact the IRS for assistance.
6 Months And Still No Tax Refund From The IRS for 2020 or 2021 tax years – What To Do?
FAQ
What do I do if I still haven t received my 2021 tax refund?
Why are 2021 refunds taking so long?
Why is IRS not showing my refund status 2021?
How long does the IRS have to give me my refund 2021?
How long does it take to get a 2021 tax refund?
It may take the IRS more than the normal 21 days (for electronically filed returns) to issue refunds for some 2021 tax returns that require review, including but not limited to, ones that claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC).
How do I track my 2021 tax refund?
Follow these steps for tracking your 2021 federal income tax refund: Social security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) You will need this information to use the first two refund status tools below. Use one of these IRS refund status tools to check on the status of your return and refund: Where’s My Refund?
Why is my tax refund not coming?
Certain tax credits—including the earned income credit (EIC) and the additional child tax credit —often draw scrutiny from the IRS due to taxpayers claiming these credits fraudulently. If you claimed either credit, then that could be the reason why your refund hasn’t yet arrived. 6. You Amended Your Return
Why is my tax refund delayed?
An incomplete return, an inaccurate return, an amended return, tax fraud, claiming tax credits, owing certain debts for which the government can take part or all of your refund, and sending your refund to the wrong bank due to an incorrect routing number are all reasons that a tax refund can be delayed. How Do I Check My Refund Status?