Millions of taxpayers are waiting for their 2021 tax returns to be processed so that will be able to receive a federal tax refund.
If accepted by the IRS use the federal tax refund website to check the refund status - https://www.irs.gov/refunds
Go to this IRS website for the status of filed tax returns - https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations-during-covid-19-mission-critical-functions-continue
As of September 9, 2022, we had 7.2 million unprocessed individual returns received this year. These include tax year 2021 returns and late filed prior year returns. Of these, 1.6 million returns require error correction or other special handling, and 5.6 million are paper returns waiting to be reviewed and processed. This work does not typically 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.
How long you may have to wait: We continue to process tax returns that need to be manually reviewed due to errors. For returns received in the current year, we process individual tax returns for which refunds are due first. Tax returns reflecting tax owed are processed last, but if a payment is mailed with the tax return, the payment is separated upon receipt and deposited to ensure the taxpayer account is credited for the payment.
As the return is processed, whether it was filed electronically or on paper, it may be delayed because it has a mistake, 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 you sent the tax return, we will send you a letter. The resolution of these issues could take more than 120 days depending on how quickly and accurately you respond, and how quickly we can complete the processing of your return. Taxpayers are encouraged to check Tax Season Refund Frequently Asked Questions.
What you should do: In most instances, no further action is needed. Whether you filed electronically or by paper, we will contact you by mail if we need more information or if we made a change to your return. 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 are due a refund, filed on paper more than six months ago, and Where’s My Refund? does not have any information about the status of your return, you should resubmit your tax return, electronically if possible. Make sure it includes an original signature, and include all documents submitted with the original return. Otherwise, please do not file your tax return again. Check Where’s My Refund?, or view your account for possible updates.
