If my tax refund is late, how will I know if there is a problem with my tax return? It says my return is still being processed. What does that mean?

[MichelleLO]

The IRS is experiencing a delay in processing returns. Until the IRS starts processing your return the Where's My Refund site may not have any information about your return or it may tell you that you haven't entered your information correctly.  As your return moves through the system the status will be updated accordingly. Keep checking the Where’s My Refund?  site for updates. The IRS updates the site daily, usually in the overnight hours. Also, make sure you are entering the exact amount of your tax return refund (not combined with your state refund), your tax return filing status, and your Social Security number when tracking your refund. If you previously had a status on Where's My Refund? check back later as high volume can cause an issue of the tracking site giving incorrect status results. You can also try calling the WMR Hotline at 800-829-1954 for updated status as well.

@lblaylock9

[lblaylock9]

So if they don’t contact me with a letter saying if  there are any issues then it’s just a waiting game basically? I just wish I could know that it’s coming even if later than usual.

[JeanneLO]

Yes, you will need to wait to hear about the status on your refund as the IRS is working on backlogs and as well as recently filed tax returns.

@lblaylock9

[kidderz]

Did you ever get your return and if so how long did it actually take?

[SweetieJean]

The IRS has been (and remains) seriously backlogged due to all the new tax laws and extra stimulus filings, as well as unprocessed 2019 returns still left over from the COVID shutdown.  Lots of other folks are still waiting (some since mid-February), so please continue to be patient.  Also see:

Tax refund delays could continue as backlog of tax returns is growing, tax advocate says - CBS News

[ar12315]

I have tried calling [phone number removed], 1, 652: however automated response assumes re: amended return....wrong subject.  Received your confirmation that return was accepted by IRS, however, when I respond to questions re tax return info, it doesn't seem to recognize my personal info re the return!!!  What is the problem???