Contact the IRS and research your IRS account. After you understand more about why the IRS delayed your tax refund, and how to respond to the IRS, do so right away to avoid further problems. Your H&R Block tax professional can also help you investigate the cause of a refund delay and communicate with the IRS for you.

Can a tax refund be delayed by identity theft?

In that case, the refund may be delayed and the IRS may send a paper check. “IRS identity theft filters sometimes delay returns and tax refunds until taxpayers verify their identities,” says Pickering.

How long does it take to get a tax refund from the IRS?

How Long It Takes the IRS to Process a Tax Refund. Typically, the IRS issues a refund within 21 days of “accepting” a tax return. If you file electronically, the IRS can take up to three days to accept your return. If you mail in your return, it can take three additional weeks (the IRS has to manually enter your return into the system first).

What happens if you owe taxes on a past due tax return?

“When the IRS pursues back tax returns, the IRS can freeze any refunds you may be due until you file the old return,” says Pickering. “The only way to fix this issue and get your refund is to file the past-due return. If you owe taxes on the old return, the IRS will take that amount out of your current year refund.”

If your IRS income tax refund is delayed, ask your tax professional, or simply use the ” Where’s My Refund ?” tool on the IRS website. Or download the IRS2Go app to check your refund status. The below dates are only an estimate.

How to check the status of your income tax refund?

Income Tax Refund Information Income Tax Refund Information You can check the status of your current year refund online, or by calling the automated line at (410) 260-7701 or 1-800-218-8160. Be sure you have a copy of your return on hand to verify information.

When do I have to pay my tax refund?

However, if a person will owe taxes, it is still their obligation to pay those taxes by April 15, even if they have requested an extension to file. A tax professional can assist with this. Those who are due a refund generally only need to file the extension request by April 15.

When to file an extension for tax refund?

A tax professional can assist with this. Those who are due a refund generally only need to file the extension request by April 15. Any tax professional and most do-it-yourself tax programs can perform this task.