The IRS Keeps Delaying My Refund
Waiting for a tax return can be frustrating, but the more you know about IRS procedures and rules, the less time you can waste worrying. There are many reasons why the IRS would delay a tax return, and they usually have to do with errors on your return, or later emendations to it. These take time to process.
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Features
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If you file electronically, your return should be processed in three weeks. This is about six weeks for a paper return. If you do not see a return within that general time frame and you are certain you are owed money, then the return is being delayed. It is important that you are absolutely sure you owe no taxes and that you have correctly filled out the return, especially in the areas of withholding. If you owe the IRS money, then you will not get a return, since that money is being credited to your debt.
Effects
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If there are any errors on the return, then the return cannot be processed or will be delayed in processing. This is an important reason for a delayed return. Common errors include math errors, putting amounts on the wrong line, miswriting your Social Security number, or, a common error, putting a name on your account that does not exactly match your Social Security card. For example, if your name is Mary Anne Smith, and you put Mary E. Smith, this can cause a delay in processing.
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Problems
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If you are expecting your return to be directly deposited to your bank, the IRS reports that a common error is that you miswrote or mistyped the bank's routing number or your account numbers. Since many banks have similar names, it is easy to make a minor error that can lead to substantial bureaucratic delays.
Issues
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The IRS reports that it often takes more time to process an amended return than the plain return. If you are sending in extra documentation given the nature of your business, or are sending in paperwork to fix previous errors, then your check will be delayed. In general, the more complex your return, the better chance an error crept in. Therefore, the better chance your check will be delayed.
Significance
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IRS forms must be completed perfectly. Even small errors can delay processing and force time consuming emendations that will delay your check. A simple error like not writing "United States Treasury" in the "Pay to the Order of" line on your check can cause delays in processing.
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