Filing taxes can be a daunting task, and waiting for your refund can add to the stress. If you filed your 2020 tax return and haven’t received your refund yet, don’t panic. There are several reasons why your refund may be delayed.
Common Reasons for Refund Delays
- Errors or incomplete returns: If the IRS detects any errors or missing information on your return, it may delay processing your refund until the issues are resolved.
- Identity theft or fraud: If the IRS suspects that your return may be fraudulent or affected by identity theft, it will investigate before issuing your refund.
- Additional review: In some cases, the IRS may need to manually review your return to verify certain information. This can also delay your refund.
- Offset for past-due taxes or debts: If you owe back taxes or other debts to the government, the IRS may offset your refund to cover those obligations.
- Change of address: If you moved after filing your return, your refund check may have been mailed to your old address and returned to the IRS.
How to Check the Status of Your Refund
The fastest and most convenient way to check the status of your refund is through the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool. You can access this tool on the IRS website or through the IRS2Go mobile app. To use this tool, you will need to provide your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact amount of your expected refund.
What to Do if Your Refund is Delayed
If your refund is delayed, there are a few steps you can take:
- Wait 21 days after e-filing or 6 weeks after mailing your return: Most refunds are issued within this timeframe.
- Check the “Where’s My Refund?” tool regularly: This tool will provide you with the most up-to-date information on the status of your refund.
- Contact the IRS: If you have waited the appropriate amount of time and your refund is still not available, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Be prepared to provide your Social Security number, filing status, and the amount of your expected refund.
Unclaimed Tax Refunds
If you are eligible for a tax refund but do not file a return, your refund will go unclaimed. You may be eligible for a refund even if you are not required to file a return, such as if federal taxes were withheld from your pay or if you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). You have three years from the filing deadline to claim your refund.
State Tax Refunds
If you are expecting a state tax refund, you should contact your state’s revenue department for information on the status of your refund.
Additional Tips
- File your return electronically: E-filing is the fastest and most accurate way to file your taxes and receive your refund.
- Use direct deposit: Direct deposit is the fastest and most secure way to receive your refund.
- Keep a copy of your return: This will help you track the status of your refund and resolve any issues that may arise.
If you haven’t received your 2020 tax refund yet, don’t worry. There are several reasons why your refund may be delayed. By following the steps outlined above, you can check the status of your refund and take action if necessary.
IRS Tax Refund Update – Delays and Smaller Refunds
FAQ
What to do if i still haven t received my 2020 tax refund?
Why is my IRS refund still processing 2020?
Is it too late to get my 2020 tax refund?
How long can the IRS hold your refund for review?
Can I get a 2020 tax refund if I don’t file?
The IRS reminds taxpayers seeking a 2020 tax refund that their funds may be held if they have not filed tax returns for 2021 and 2022. In addition, any refund amount for 2020 will be applied to amounts still owed to the IRS or a state tax agency and may be used to offset unpaid child support or other past due federal debts, such as student loans.
What happens if you miss a tax return in 2020?
By missing out on filing a tax return, people stand to lose more than just their refund of taxes withheld or paid during 2020. Many low- and moderate-income workers may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). For 2020, the EITC was worth as much as $6,660 for taxpayers with qualifying children.
Why is my tax refund delayed?
According to the law, the IRS has to wait until Feb. 15 to issue a refund to taxpayers who claimed either of those credits. President’s Day and bank processing times can slow down your refund further. If the hold is because you filed before mid-February, there is no need to worry. The hold is not a result of mistakes or problems with your return.
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