After two delayed tax seasons, you might be wondering what the tax refund timeline for 2022 holds. Here’s what to expect when filing your 2021 taxes in 2022. (spoiler: more delays, probably).
Tax Refund Delays
In 2021, taxpayers who submitted their tax returns early had to wait a little longer than anticipated to receive their tax refund. In fact, the IRS is still processing last year’s returns, according to the Treasury Department.
“As of late December, the IRS had backlogs of 6 million unprocessed original individual returns (Forms 1040),” National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins told Congress. It also had ” 2.3 million unprocessed amended individual returns (Forms 1040-X), more than 2 million unprocessed employer’s quarterly tax returns (Forms 941 and 941-X), and about 5 million pieces of taxpayer correspondence – with some of these submissions dating back at least to April.”
Collins said many taxpayers are still waiting for their refunds nine months later.
The IRS anticipates delays could continue during the 2022 tax season.
When can I file my taxes for 2021 in 2022?
The IRS announced it will begin processing 2021 tax returns Jan. 24.
It has not issued a statement on whether the 2022 tax schedule will be extended. It issues most refunds within 21 days.
This tax refund table can give you a rough idea of when you may be able to expect your tax refund.
Who is Affected by Tax Refund Delays?
There are several factors that can cause a delay in your tax return:
Claiming Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit
A 2015 tax law called the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act created built-in certain rules to help protect against tax fraud and identity theft. Part of this law includes a section that requires the IRS to withhold tax refunds for taxpayers who file a tax return claiming either the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC).
By law, the IRS must withhold these returns until at least Feb. 15th of the tax filing year. However, that date represents the earliest possible date, not the expected date. Many returns that include the EITC or ACTC take slightly longer to process than returns without those.
Keep in mind it can take another week or so to receive the funds after being released by the IRS. Returns claiming the EITC or ACTC filed after this date may not be delayed.
Tax Fraud Prevention
Additional delays may apply to certain taxpayers who have previously been victims of identity theft or tax fraud. These delays can also apply to taxpayers if their return has been flagged for potential fraud or for further review.
Additional Causes for Tax Refund Delays
Additional delays may apply to filers with incomplete tax returns, tax returns with errors, or returns that require additional reviews.
The IRS plans to issue 9 out of 10 returns within 21 days, but some returns could take longer.
The IRS’s new safeguards help screen electronic returns better and combat identity theft fraud and other scams. Such incidents cost the government hundreds of millions of dollars each year, sometimes tying up tax refunds for months while the IRS investigates the fraud (yet another reason why identity theft protection is a good idea).
What About State Tax Refund Delays?
Many states reported delays in tax refunds last year due to the government shut down.
Most tax software companies will still allow you to complete the state tax forms. However, they will let you know if there are any delays that will impact you being able to file your taxes with your state of residence. If there are delays, you will simply need to wait. If you can file your state tax return, you may still need to wait for your state to process your return and send your refund.
Most tax software companies will still allow you to complete the state tax forms. However, they will let you know if there are any delays that will impact you being able to file your taxes with your state of residence. If there are delays, you will simply need to wait. If you can file your state tax return, you may still need to wait for your state to process your return and send your refund.
What to Do if Your Tax Refund is Delayed
First, verify the date the IRS received your tax return electronically. If you filed your tax return manually, then you may or may not be affected since it takes a while for the IRS to enter returns into the computer. This is done by hand and can take some time depending on the backlog of returns the IRS is working through.
Next, visit the IRS’s “Where’s my refund” page, to determine whether or not your tax return will be late. You may also be able to check on your refund date via your tax return software. Or, if you used an accountant, check with them. If you still can’t find an answer, contact the IRS.
Avoid Promises That Sound Too Good to Be True
If any of the above delays apply to you, then there isn’t much you can do except wait. No tax preparer or accountant will be able to push your tax refund through more quickly. Anyone who promises they can is most likely pushing a Tax Refund Anticipation Loan, which is an advance on your tax return.
In most cases, you receive your tax refund upfront and sign over the return to the company – usually in exchange for a hefty fee. In almost every case you will be much better off waiting for your return instead of taking an advance and paying the excessive fees.
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worried says
I filed electronically may 15th and today is august 3rd and it’s “still being processed” 🙁 it’s never been this late before. what should i do – try calling the IRS?
still worried says
I hope they haven’t lost my file :\ anyway my accountant said sometimes it even takes 4-5 months. If anyone has the same problem please share ~ thanks
varsha says
same here
s says
filed in april still not updated but was sent a letter saying it would be done by nov 27th. its almost Christmas still nothing
carol gallagher says
Ryan,
I paper filed my return on 4/12/21 and the online irs website shows no acknowledgement of having received it and i cannot get a live person.
Ryan Guina says
I’m sorry to hear this, Carol. I don’t have any insight into the IRS process. I recommend seeing you have a receipt showing you filed your tax return. That will at least verify you have done your part. You should be able to get confirmation through the tax software program or your tax preparer if you used either of them. Unfortunately, if you filed a paper return, you may not get confirmation and the IRS may also not provide confirmation online. Best wishes!
Arlynwilliams says
Still no refund it’s almost July who to contact ???? Besides irs
Ryan Guina says
Arlynwilliams, the IRS is the only agency that will have any insight into your tax return. I am not aware of any other agency to contact. Best wishes.
Tabitha says
I filed the first of February then corrected my taxes the first of March and I am still waiting. I don’t trust my tax person on the sending the information the irs requested and I have not heard they received it.