So I e-filed my 2020 Federal Tax return exactly 7 weeks ago and the status is STILL "Your tax return is still being processed", holding up a large refund. I called two weeks ago and they told me they didn't know why it was held up, didn't know if interest would apply at 6 weeks, and told me to call back at 10 weeks (which is crazy). There were two examples why it might be held up, but neither applied to my return (one was asking for a different stimulus amount). They just said keep checking and look for anything in the mail. Nothing in the mail after 7 weeks, getting a bit worried here. I had set this up for a direct deposit, same as last year.
According to this IRS update as of May 7th:
The IRS is now opening mail within normal timeframes. The IRS has also made significant progress in processing prior year returns. As of April 30, 2021, we had 1 million individual tax returns received prior to 2021 in the processing pipeline. Including current year returns, as of April 30, 2021, we had 17.1 million unprocessed individual returns in the pipeline. Unprocessed returns include those requiring correction to the Recovery Rebate Credit amount or validation of 2019 income used to figure the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). This work does not require us to correspond with taxpayers but does require special handling by an IRS employee so, in these instances, it is taking the IRS more than 21 days to issue any related refund. If, as a result, a correction is made to any RRC, EITC or ACTC claimed on the return, the IRS will send taxpayers an explanation. Taxpayers are encouraged to continue to check Where’s My Refund? for their personalized refund status and can review Tax Season Refund Frequently Asked Questions.
How long you may have to wait: The IRS understands the importance of timely processing of tax returns and refund issuance. We are processing returns received over the summer and fall in 2020 due to the extended July 15, 2020 tax filing due date. While the majority of 2019 refund returns have been processed, in some cases, we are processing tax returns that were mailed with a payment even though payment associated with these returns have been processed by the IRS. However, we are rerouting tax returns and taxpayer correspondence from locations that are behind to locations where more staff is available, and we are taking other actions to minimize any delays. Tax returns are opened in the order received. As the return is processed, it may be delayed because it has a mistake including errors concerning the Recovery Rebate Credit, is missing information, or there is suspected identity theft or fraud. If we can fix it without contacting you, we will. If we need more information or need you to verify that it was you who sent the tax return, we will write you a letter. The resolution of these issues depends on how quickly and accurately you respond, and the ability of IRS staff trained and working under social distancing requirements to complete the processing of your return.
What you should do: If you filed electronically and received an acknowledgement, you do not need to take any further action other than promptly responding to any requests for information. If you filed on paper, check Where’s my refund? If it tells you we have received your return or are processing or reviewing it, we are processing your return, but it may be under review. We’re working hard to get through the backlog. Please don’t file a second tax return or contact the IRS about the status of your return.
You will need to wait until the IRS completes its process. They will notify you if they make any changes.
Please see the links below for additional information if you were getting a refund, or how you can view the latest changes to your account with the IRS.
Why is my refund taking longer to process
I too exiled in February, still processing, what's the next step I should take?
@mommarad wait patiently. If your return was not processing, that would be a concern. Processing mean the IRS has it and is working on it.
The IRS is having a hard time this year. Each return must be cross checked for the normal and now with the new laws:
The IRS is also processing returns mailed in last year and handling the current stimulus. They have scheduled this summer to adjust unemployment on returns.
The more items on your return, the more complicated the processing. Some people are getting their refund in two parts.
See Why do some refunds take longer than others? and Where's My Refund? Top 5 Reasons It's Been Delayed
Thanks for the details--that does help to explain what is happening. I'm at 8 weeks now waiting while 'processing'. I'll give it a few more weeks and then try to call them again. Still worried it could drag out a while, when we need the refund money.
The IRS is full of crap. I e-filed on 3/10. they say 21 days for efiling refund. Most f my friends got their refund and they filed later. My return is vanilla. Got hold of the IRS today and they said it will take up to 10 weeks from filing....Man they suck. they should give me interest on the refund.
Hi there @AmyC thanks for your details! So at TEN weeks of waiting and no update with my e-file return, I called the IRS:
This is completely unacceptable. The IRS is holding the refund hostage and gives no way to fix the issue. If I owed money, they wouldn't let me wait months to pay it. Any options? Thanks!
According to this IRS update as of May 7th:
The IRS is now opening mail within normal timeframes. The IRS has also made significant progress in processing prior year returns. As of April 30, 2021, we had 1 million individual tax returns received prior to 2021 in the processing pipeline. Including current year returns, as of April 30, 2021, we had 17.1 million unprocessed individual returns in the pipeline. Unprocessed returns include those requiring correction to the Recovery Rebate Credit amount or validation of 2019 income used to figure the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). This work does not require us to correspond with taxpayers but does require special handling by an IRS employee so, in these instances, it is taking the IRS more than 21 days to issue any related refund. If, as a result, a correction is made to any RRC, EITC or ACTC claimed on the return, the IRS will send taxpayers an explanation. Taxpayers are encouraged to continue to check Where’s My Refund? for their personalized refund status and can review Tax Season Refund Frequently Asked Questions.
How long you may have to wait: The IRS understands the importance of timely processing of tax returns and refund issuance. We are processing returns received over the summer and fall in 2020 due to the extended July 15, 2020 tax filing due date. While the majority of 2019 refund returns have been processed, in some cases, we are processing tax returns that were mailed with a payment even though payment associated with these returns have been processed by the IRS. However, we are rerouting tax returns and taxpayer correspondence from locations that are behind to locations where more staff is available, and we are taking other actions to minimize any delays. Tax returns are opened in the order received. As the return is processed, it may be delayed because it has a mistake including errors concerning the Recovery Rebate Credit, is missing information, or there is suspected identity theft or fraud. If we can fix it without contacting you, we will. If we need more information or need you to verify that it was you who sent the tax return, we will write you a letter. The resolution of these issues depends on how quickly and accurately you respond, and the ability of IRS staff trained and working under social distancing requirements to complete the processing of your return.
What you should do: If you filed electronically and received an acknowledgement, you do not need to take any further action other than promptly responding to any requests for information. If you filed on paper, check Where’s my refund? If it tells you we have received your return or are processing or reviewing it, we are processing your return, but it may be under review. We’re working hard to get through the backlog. Please don’t file a second tax return or contact the IRS about the status of your return.
Update--after 11 weeks, I did check status and finally got the 'bars' status showing the refund payment would pay on Friday. The refund appears to include some interest. So hang in there anyone else waiting!
Thanks for the update dudeman! Was your refund deposited? I’m sitting at 8 weeks and just trying to figure out how much longer!!
Hi there @PatientlyWaiting41 -- everything happened for me on the 11th week of waiting for my refund. On that Wednesday, the online tool showed the 'bars' with approved status with a Friday direct deposit date. It then did appear that Friday in my bank account. Whew, the waiting was hard on this one and calling them didn't produce any results. Good luck and I hope yours comes through soon!
I am sitting at 12 weeks since being accepted by TT and it still says return being processed
It is july 20 2021, my taxes were in on time. No refund yet. Do I get interest from01/2021 ?
@Mfdonohoe wrote:
It is july 20 2021, my taxes were in on time. No refund yet. Do I get interest from01/2021 ?
The IRS adds interest to refunds on timely-filed refund claims issued more than 45 days after the return due date.
16 weeks since I e-filed and I'm getting "Your tax return is still being processed". I've tried calling IRS but get an electronic message that says they are too busy and hang up. Does someone have an IRS number I can use to talk to a human?
@tfhagen The IRS only answers a small percent of the calls made to them. There is not a "magic" way to get through.
Millions of people are waiting for the severely backlogged IRS to process their tax returns and send their refunds. You are not the only one.
The IRS is backlogged —-they are still trying to process millions of 2019 returns; they received millions of e-files on the day they opened for 2020 returns, and now they are burdened with sending out another round of stimulus checks. Congress changed the tax laws in the middle of the tax season so millions of returns need to be recalculated; and now on top of all that, they have had to gear up to make monthly child tax credit payments.
Some delays are resulting from incorrect amounts that folks entered for stimulus checks they received. Many people have been confused by the recovery rebate credit and completed it incorrectly. The IRS may delay your refund while they cross-check to see what you received. Some refunds are delayed because of the tax law changes that went into effect recently. If your return has unemployment or the premium tax credit on it, that may be delaying it.
From this IRS website - https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations-during-covid-19-mission-critical-functions-continue
The IRS is opening mail within normal timeframes and all paper and electronic individual returns received prior to April 2021 have been processed if the return had no errors or did not require further review. As of July 31, 2021, we had 13.8 million unprocessed individual returns. Unprocessed individual returns include tax year 2020 returns such as those requiring correction to the Recovery Rebate Credit amount or validation of 2019 income used to figure the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). This work does not require us to correspond with taxpayers but does require special handling by an IRS employee so, in these instances, it is taking the IRS more than 21 days to issue any related refund and in some cases this work could take 90 to 120 days. If, as a result, a correction is made to any RRC, EITC or ACTC claimed on the return, the IRS will send taxpayers an explanation. Taxpayers are encouraged to continue to check Where’s My Refund? for their personalized refund status and can review Tax Season Refund Frequently Asked Questions.
How long you may have to wait: The IRS understands the importance of timely processing of tax returns and refund issuance. We have processed all error free returns received prior to April 2021 and continue to work the returns that need to be manually reviewed due to errors. We are continuing to reroute tax returns and taxpayer correspondence from locations that are behind to locations where more staff is available, and we are taking other actions to minimize any delays. Tax returns are opened and processed in the order received. As the return is processed, whether it was filed electronically or on paper, it may be delayed because it has a mistake including errors concerning the Recovery Rebate Credit, is missing information, or there is suspected identity theft or fraud. If we can fix it without contacting you, we will. If we need more information or need you to verify that it was you who sent the tax return, we will write you a letter. The resolution of these issues could take 90 to 120 days depending on how quickly and accurately you respond, and the ability of IRS staff trained and working under social distancing requirements to complete the processing of your return.
What you should do: In most instances, no further action is needed but you may check Where’s my refund or you can view your account. If you filed electronically and received an acknowledgement, you do not need to take any further action other than promptly responding to any requests for information. If you filed on paper, check Where’s my refund? If it tells you we have received your return or are processing or reviewing it, we are processing your return, but it may be under review. We’re working hard to get through the backlog.
Please don’t file a second tax return or contact the IRS about the status of your return.
I recently got an update on where’s my refund & it says my return has been sent to my bank on the 9th of September. I was suppose to get it on a check mailed to my address. Now another thing, when I look back at my 2020 tax return I see in the direct deposit area that the account number does have my social security number in it , do you know anything about this ?
I filed 2/14/21. Next day said accepted and 'where's my refund' since 2/15 has said STILL PROCESSING. Today is 9/22/21. Over SEVEN months. A f ew months ago I received a letter from the IRS saying that someone is trying to claim my refund as a beneficiary and to let them know who I am. NO FORM NUMBERS ON THE LETTER - SIMPLE LETTER. I write back I AM NOT DEAD. I'm ME and ALIVE so NOBDY other than ME should be inquiring about My refund. I have literally called the IRS over 105 times since April and have been hung up on, waited for more than 9 hours to get a LIVE person on the line, have contacted My state congressional representatives in Washington to see if they could get some kind of answer as to where my refund is and WHY DID I GET THAT LETTER???? Answer - NONE. NO ANSWERS WHATSOEVER even to people in Congress. THIS IS BEYOND UNACCEPTABLE. This is CRIMINAL!!! Behind or not, there is NO LOGICAL ANSWER TO PURPOSELY DENY PEOPLE THEIR RIGHTFUL RETURNS. Close to 200 MILLION already processed and I STILL have to hear the stupidest answer yet of 'it's still being processed'. GET OFF YOUR LAZY BUTTS AND DO YOUR JOB!!!! At the VERY least, give Us ALL TRUTHFUL ANSWERS and COMMUNICATE!!! You owe me THOUSANDS from my refund and stimulus checks that I AM ENTITLED TO. NO MORE EXCUSES PLEASE. That moment passed MONTHS ago!!!!
@landerpiano Have you tried setting up an appointment with your local IRS office? Or contacted a Taxpayer Advocate?
See this IRS website for local IRS offices - http://www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-Your-Local-IRS-Office-1
or call 1-844-545-5640 to set up an appointment
See this IRS website for Taxpayer Advocate in your area and a toll free number - http://www.irs.gov/Advocate/Local-Taxpayer-Advocate
Tax Advocate has been ZERO help. It's like the IRS says I don't exist according to them.
Same here can’t get through to anyone at the IRS they send you right to a voicemail that says they are not taking calls and it hangs up on you! Seriously! My refund large as well
I filed mine but I have a concern with it. 2020 tax return was filed under my original name but I got a legal name change in 2021 around October. So one of my tax forms has my dead name on it but obviously I can't change that. From my understanding it shouldn't change anything because I have the same social security number but with my new full legal name. Would this cause any extended wait for my filing to be finished? I filed through turbo tax and I have emails saying everything checks out and it's been accepted but it's still been over 7 weeks.