Tax Refund Check Delay Information
Once you submit your return, you generally have a mental timeframe for how long it will take before your refund arrives. Returns filed electronically usually take a couple of weeks to complete processing, while mailed returns could take up to two months. However, there are circumstances that could cause your refund check to be delayed. Some of these reasons are easily resolved with a call to the Internal Revenue Service, while others are out of your hands.
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Rejects
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If you filed e-filed your return and haven't received your refund, it is possible that your return was rejected by the IRS. Simple mistakes such as entering an incorrect Social Security number or date of birth for yourself or a dependent can result in your return being rejected. Once your return is rejected, you will receive an e-mail informing you of the reason for the rejection. Check your spam folder for the email if you do not see it in your inbox.
Investigation
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Often, the IRS will delay processing of an income tax return if there are questionable items listed on the return. In these cases, the IRS will send you a notice requesting substantiating documentation before your return can complete processing. Once you receive the notice in the mail from the IRS, you should follow the instructions in the notice. Also, follow up with the IRS by calling 800-829-1040 to confirm that your documentation has been received.
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Lost or Stolen Refund
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If it has been at least 28 days since the issuance of your refund and you still have not received it, then you can initiate a trace on the IRS "Where's My Refund" page or by completing IRS form 3911 and mailing it to the IRS. Form 3911 can be downloaded at the IRS website or ordered by calling 800-TAX-FORM. Allow 10 days for mailing. If you receive the refund after you have already initiated the trace, then you should call the IRS to determine if you're allowed to cash the check. Sometimes the IRS stops payment on a check once it has been reported stolen or lost, so it is important that you call the IRS as soon as possible.
Volume
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Often, IRS refund check delays are due to volume. When the IRS receives a return, they automatically assign it a process completion date. However, if there is heavier than anticipated volume, then the IRS will delay your refund check release date.
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