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. (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.
If you are concerned you can contact the IRS, to see if they can give you any information on your refund status.
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, do NOT choose Option 1 (refund info). Choose option
2 for "personal income tax" instead.
Then press 1 for "form, tax history, or
payment".
Then 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.
