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 the most up to date information on your refund, you can
track your federal refund here: Where's My Refund? which
provides your current status and a specific, personalized date for your tax refund once it is available. You
may also download the IRS2Go
app to check your Federal refund status.
Since it has been more than 21 days, you can contact the IRS directly. Please see their phone number and instructions on how to get through to a representative. I have also listed some information below on why your return my be taking a little bit longer to process.
For some taxpayers, PATH Act requirements and other identity-protection safeguards implemented by the IRS may account for longer wait times. (Earned Income Tax Credit (EIC) and/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.
To contact the IRS: 1-800-829-1040 hours 7 AM - 7 PM
local time Monday-Friday
When
calling the IRS do not choose the first option re:
"Refund", or it will send you to an automated phone line.
So
after first choosing your language, then do not choose Option
1 (refund info). Choose option 2 for "personal income tax"
instead.
Press
1 for "form, tax history, or payment".
Press
3 "for all other questions."
Then
press 2 "for all other questions."
-
When it asks you to enter your SSN or EIN to access your account information,
don’t enter anything.
-
After it asks twice, you will get another menu.
Then
press 2 for personal or individual tax questions.
It
should then transfer you to an agent.
