topic I checked my refund status on the IRS protocol and it says my process has been delayed.. what does that mean? in After you file

I checked my refund status on the IRS protocol and it says my process has been delayed.. what does that mean?

malarjacor03 — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 06:09:36 GMT

I claimed the child tax credit.

Re: I checked my refund status on the IRS protocol and it says my process has been delayed.. what does that mean?

xmasbaby0 — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 16:17:46 GMT

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901548-why-do-some-refunds-take-longer-than-others

Re: I checked my refund status on the IRS protocol and it says my process has been delayed.. what does that mean?

malarjacor03 — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 16:27:01 GMT

But I file's my taxes on Jan 27. This week will be the 3rd week. Will the IRS let me know why it's been delayed?

Re: I checked my refund status on the IRS protocol and it says my process has been delayed.. what does that mean?

xmasbaby0 — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 16:33:50 GMT

@malarjacor03 21 days is not a promise or guarantee--- it is only an estimate. If you are getting EIC or child tax credit the IRS cannot issue your refund until February 15 at the earliest. There could be other reasons for the delay----if the IRS needs any additional information from you they will contact you by mail. The messages they put on the refund site tend to be generic, so it is not going to tell you the specific reason for the delay there. TurboTax does not get any information from them after you file. You filed on January 27---you do not need to panic about this. Watch the IRS site for information.

Re: I checked my refund status on the IRS protocol and it says my process has been delayed.. what does that mean?

malarjacor03 — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 16:36:58 GMT

Ok thanks!!!

Re: I checked my refund status on the IRS protocol and it says my process has been delayed.. what does that mean?

malarjacor03 — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 16:38:12 GMT

Ok thanks!!

Re: I checked my refund status on the IRS protocol and it says my process has been delayed.. what...

Vanessa A — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 16:39:19 GMT

It means they are taking a deeper look at your return for some reason. It could be something simple like you entered a number that doesn't match their records (ex. you entered that you received $1,200 for the Advanced Child Tax Credit Payments when you actually received $1,500) so they are making adjustments to your refund or something less simple as you owe back child support and they are looking at garnishing your return.

If they are making any changes to your return they will send you a letter in the mail. The only other thing you can do is try contacting the IRS at 800-829-1040 to see what they say.