Why is it taking so long to approve my tax refund?

The agency is still trying to catch up on a backlog because of the pandemic. “It's taking us longer than normal to process mailed correspondence and more than 21 days to issue refunds for certain mailed and e-filed 2020 tax returns that require review,” the agency said.

Why is the IRS taking so long to approve my refund?

Things that can delay a refund:

The return has a claim filed for an earned income tax credit, additional child tax credit, or includes a Form 8379, Injured Spouse AllocationPDF. The time it takes a taxpayer's bank or credit union to post the refund to the taxpayer's account.

How long does it usually take for tax refund to be approved?

We issue most refunds in less than 21 calendar days. However, it's possible your tax return may require additional review and take longer.

How long does it take the IRS to approve an electronic return?

If you file a complete and accurate paper tax return, your refund should be issued in about six to eight weeks from the date IRS receives your return. If you file your return electronically, your refund should be issued in less than three weeks, even faster when you choose direct deposit.

What does it mean when the IRS says we have received your tax return and it is being processed?

"Being processed" means you are only that much closer to getting your refund. It means they must first process your return and then approve your refund. It can take anywhere from a few days to 3 weeks to go from acceptance to approval. Keep tracking your IRS return on the IRS website at

Here’s why your TAX REFUND is taking so LONG to PROCESS

Is IRS behind on refunds?

The report expresses concern about continuing delays in the processing of paper-filed tax returns and the consequent impact on taxpayer refunds. At the end of May, the agency had a backlog of 21.3 million unprocessed paper tax returns, an increase of 1.3 million over the same time last year.

Why is my refund still processing 2021?

If you're still waiting on your tax refund, it's possible that your tax return is taking longer for the IRS to process because it requires additional review. There are several reasons why your tax return may be delayed: Errors such as an incomplete filing status. Missing information.

How long can the IRS hold your refund for review?

After 60 days, you'd need to file an amended return to reverse any errors and get your refund back.

Are refunds taking longer this year?

The IRS said it's taking longer to process tax returns for the 2020 tax year, and up to a month longer to process amended returns. "It's taking us more than 20 weeks (instead of up to 16 weeks) to process amended returns," the agency said on its site. "Do not file a second tax return or call the IRS," the agency said.

Is IRS behind on processing 2021 returns?

The IRS continues to work on the few remaining 2021 individual tax returns that have processing issues or require additional information from the taxpayer. As of June 10, the IRS had processed more than 4.5 million of the more than 4.7 million individual paper tax returns received in 2021.

Are 2021 tax refunds delayed?

The COVID-19 pandemic, a backlog of returns from last year and a worker shortage may add up to long delays. PROCTORVILLE, Ohio (WSAZ) - According to the IRS, as of April 29, 2022, there were more than 9.6 million unprocessed individual returns which include returns received before 2022, and new tax year 2021 returns.

Are tax refunds delayed?

Taxpayers face "unprecedented" delays getting their refunds, IRS watchdog says. The Internal Revenue Service is facing an even bigger backlog for this tax season than it did a year ago, with delays creating "unprecedented financial difficulties" for taxpayers, according to a report released Wednesday.

How long does it take for refund to be approved 2021?

The IRS issues more than 9 out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days. However, it's possible your tax return may require additional review and take longer.

How do you know if there is an issue with your tax return?

Whether you owe taxes or you're expecting a refund, you can find out your tax return's status by:

• Using the IRS Where's My Refund tool.
• Viewing your IRS account information.
• Calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (Wait times to speak to a representative may be long.)

Why is my refund taking longer than 21 days 2022?

A tax refund could be delayed because it needs a correction or is incomplete, needs further review or is suspected of identity fraud, includes a claim filed for an Earned Income Tax Credit or an Additional Child Tax Credit or includes an injured spouse allocation form which may take up to 14 weeks for the IRS to ...

Is the IRS still behind?

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRS has fallen nearly a year behind in processing paper tax returns. As of March 18, 2022, the paper return backlog stood at nearly 15 million. Most taxpayers receive refunds, so return processing delays generally mean refund delays.

Why are my taxes still being processed?

If your tax return status is "Still Being Processed" your tax return could be essentially on hold until the IRS corrects any issues and/or gets the additional information from you to continue processing your return.

What if your refund takes longer than 21 days?

If it has been over 21 days since your return was being accepted by the IRS (or 6 weeks if you filed a paper return) and the tax refund status has not changed or WMR has no updated message for delays, you can call the IRS and speak with an agent concerning your tax refund.

Why is my refund taking longer than 21 days?

The IRS is taking more than 21 days (and up to 90 to 120 days) to issue refunds for tax returns with the Recovery Rebate Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit. You should only contact the IRS if: It's been 21 days or more since you e-filed.

Does processing mean approved?

Refund has been processed means that they have approved and are ready to send you your refund. Your return being processed mean that your tax return is being processed. Your status should change from being processed to accepted and then a date given for your refund.

Why is my refund still being processed after 2 months?

Some of the reasons are: you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit and/or an Additional Child Tax Credit (if you claim either of these credits, the PATH Act requires processing to be delayed), you filed Form 8379 (Injured Spouse Allocation), you have a refund offset, the IRS found errors, inconsistencies, or missing ...

How do you know if you're being audited?

In most cases, a Notice of Audit and Examination Scheduled will be issued. This notice is to inform you that you are being audited by the IRS, and will contain details about the particular items on your return that need review. It will also mention the records you are required to produce for review.

When should I be worried about my tax return?

If you haven't heard anything three weeks after filing your return, it's time to check in with the IRS. “After 21 days, that would be the only time you'd realize that something didn't go through as normal,” Ashcraft says, “and you can talk to an IRS representative.”