topic Is it normal to wait for over a year on your return taxes? and if not, what should I do to get my return back? in After you file

Is it normal to wait for over a year on your return taxes? and if not, what should I do to get my return back?

ardorley — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:09:32 GMT

Re: Is it normal to wait for over a year on your return taxes? and if not, what should I do to get my return back?

DoninGA — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 19:11:24 GMT

No, a year is not normal for a federal tax refund unless the IRS is holding the refund due to very specific reasons.

Is there a status on the IRS website?

If accepted by the IRS use the federal tax refund website to check the refund status - https://www.irs.gov/refunds

After the tax return has been Accepted by the IRS (meaning only that they received the return) it will be in the Processing mode until the tax refund has been Approved and then an Issue Date will be available on the IRS website.
See this IRS website for federal tax refund FAQ's - https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions

Call 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.
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.

Press 2 for personal or individual tax questions.
Then press 3 for all other inquiries
It should then transfer you to an agent.

Re: Is it normal to wait for over a year on your return taxes? and if not, what should I do to get my return back?

Opus 17 — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 19:14:19 GMT

The IRS normally pays tax refunds in about 3 weeks for e-filed returns and 6 weeks for mailed returns. If it will take longer, they sometimes send a letter. Amended returns can take up to 9 months.

What year are we talking about? How did you file (e-file or mail)? When did you file? Have you recently moved, and does the IRS have your current address if they need to mail a document to you?

You can also log into your IRS account and use Get Transcript to see if there is anything on file for that year.

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript

It's possible if you e-filed, that it was rejected and you never submitted a corrected version. Or if you mailed your return, it could have gotten lost in the mail. Or there could be other issues.