Many Americans have filed their tax returns with the IRS and are now using the Where’s My Refund Tool to track the status of their refund.
Unfortunately, some Americans could see a wait time of up to 4 months.
Other people haven’t even seen their 2020 tax refunds yet.
The IRS reported in Oct. 2021 that 9 million people were still waiting due to backlogs.
IRS: What dates will tax refunds be sent out?
Why does the Where’s My Refund Tool still say ‘processed?’
Many are saying if you see a long delay it’s probably because you reported inaccurate information.
This could be an issue with your stimulus checks if you claimed them, the child tax credit, or earned income tax credit.
The IRS is already facing a large backlog, and this means any returns that get flagged with issues end up in that backlog.
IRS: Child tax credit explained
Between short staffing and the 2020 backlog, getting through it will take months.
Many IRS offices closed and had their staff go remote at the start of the pandemic.
The IRS has stated that this year the hope is to have refunds be processed within the usual 21 days, but they added that waiting 4 months isn’t unrealistic.
IRS: $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit in 2022
Why your refund is in limbo on the Where’s My Refund Tool
Electronic tax returns are filed first because its done in the order received.
If there are mistakes or identity theft is suspected, there will be a delay.
If the errors are fixable without the IRS contacting the taxpayer, they will do it. When they need more information they’ll send a letter.
This could add 90-120 days depending on response time of the taxpayer.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected]