Even though the IRS issues 9 out of 10 tax refunds within 21 days, it's possible your return may require additional review and take longer to process.
For some taxpayers, PATH Act requirements and other identity-protection safeguards implemented by the IRS may account for longer wait times. (EIC or Additional Child Tax Credit)
Other things that can delay your refund include but are not limited to:
- Liens, back taxes, or refund offsets;
- Errors, inconsistencies, or missing information;
- Identity fraud;
- Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation, which can take 11-14 weeks to process.
Also, if you chose direct deposit, your financial institution may need another day or two to post the refund to your account, so keep that in mind.
Here is the general timeline of e-filed returns:
Transmission > Acceptance > Processing > Approval > Refund.
You can contact the IRS directly, to see if they can give you any additional information on your tax return.
To contact the IRS call 800-829-1040
1. press 1 for English listen to the recorded message
2. press 2 for answers about personal income taxes listen to the recorded message
3. press 1 for questions about a form you already submitted
4. press 3 for all other questions
5. press 2 for all other questions
6. enter your social or ein
confirm type (social or ein) and confirm if the number is right by pressing 1
7. Listen to all options then it will say if you have not heard your topic please hold
8. Next, it will say if you owe money and agree with the amount press 1
You will then be transferred to a representative after a general message from the IRS
(Note: If call volume is too high they will ask you to call back)
