What if my IRS refund is taking longer than 21 days?

SOLVED•by TurboTax•14070•Updated March 06, 2024

First, check the IRS Where's My Refund? site to get the most updated status of your 2023 refund. If you paper-filed, wait at least 4 weeks before checking Where's My Refund?.

The IRS is taking more than 21 days (and up to 90 to 120 days), to issue refunds for tax returns with the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.

You should only contact the IRS if:

It's been 21 days or more since you e-filed
Where's My Refund? tells you to contact them

Call the IRS using these numbers:

For individuals: 800-829-1040
For businesses: 800-829-4933
For those with hearing impairments: 800-829-4059

To have an efficient call, here's what you need to prepare.

Once the IRS has accepted your return, TurboTax can’t provide updates on where your refund is at.

What makes refunds late?

Administrative requirements

Earned Income Tax Credit and/or a Child Tax Credit: If you claim either of these credits, processing will be delayed
Form 8379 (Injured Spouse Allocation): If you included this form on your return, it can take up to 14 weeks to process
Form 1040-X (Amended Return): Amended returns can take 12–16 weeks to process
Refund offset: The IRS may have discovered you have delinquent debts, which they're legally required to deduct from your refund. You'll receive a notice about the offset

Missing, inconsistent, or suspect information

The IRS found errors, inconsistencies, or missing info on the return. For example, you and a former spouse both claimed the same child as a dependent
The return is under review, which can happen randomly
The IRS suspects identity theft or fraud

Delivery glitches

Your refund check could be delayed in the mail
Electronic payments may be delayed by bank transfer and posting issues

What if the IRS website says my return can't be found?

In some cases, the IRS website indicates that the return can't be found. In that case, TurboTax can provide you with your unique Modern E-filing Number (MEF) to make sure your e-filed return has been filed and processed by the IRS.

Related Information:

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