Generally, the IRS processes 9 out of 10 returns within 21 days. If you have not yet received your return, you may need to review your return and contact the IRS.
Some returns take longer.
If you return has any of the following, it may take longer to process:
- Is filed on paper
- Includes errors, such as incorrect Recovery Rebate Credit
- Is incomplete
- Needs further review in general
- Is affected by identity theft or fraud
- Includes a claim filed for an Earned Income Tax Credit or an Additional Child Tax Credit. =
- Includes a Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation which could take up to 14 weeks to process
Return contains Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)
Due to the Path Act (Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes) the IRS cannot issue EITC or ACTCT refunds before mid -February. For 2022 returns (filed in 2023), the IRS has announced taxpayers with returns containing EIC and ACTC can expect to get their refund by February 28 if:
- the return is file online
- direct deposit was selected as the refund option
- no issues were found in the return
What should you do?
- Make sure you have the correct information in your return. If the IRS does not have all the information to process the return, your refund may be delayed.
- Check the IRS Where's My Refund? tool to see if the IRS has any information for you. Not only does the IRS post your expected refund date here, but also uses this to communicate if they need further information or wish you to contact them. If your refund has been reduced, this section can provide you with some information until you receive a letter from the IRS with a full explanation.
- The IRS has very high wait times and call volume. However, you may wish to contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 or your local IRS office. Due to the increasing number of fraudulent returns, the IRS waits for taxpayers to contact them rather than reach out to the taxpayer asking for information. If your return was submitted more than 21 days ago, you may wish to contact the IRS to see if more information is required. You may be asked to verify information contained on your return, your identity or your banking information. Please have your return available when you call. If asked to verify your banking information, please note that if you are having your tax preparation fees deducted from the refund or the refund is being deposited on a prepaid card, the banking information may not match your personal banking information. Contact us if you need to verify banking information for a third party bank or a prepaid card.