For taxpayers who file early and choose direct deposit, refunds typically arrive in mid- or late February. However, returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit and additional child tax credit will be delayed due to the 2015 PATH Act law passed to help prevent fraud and identity theft.
Use the Where’s My Refund tool to check on your status.
January 23, 2023
As of December 3, 2021, the IRS has processed nearly 169 million paper and electronic individual tax returns. The agency is working hard to clear the backlog of earlier-year individual returns and is focused on improving customer service this year.
The IRS is encouraging people to file early this year and to have all their information ready before they submit their return. This will help them avoid errors and delays in processing their return. It will also ensure they get all the tax credits they are entitled to, including the Child Tax Credit.
In addition to filing electronically, the IRS recommends using direct deposit for refunds. This helps speed up the process and reduces the chance of fraud or identity theft.
It is important to remember that a refund can’t be issued before mid-February for any returns that include the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit. This is due to a 2015 law known as PATH.
February 18, 2023
The IRS is responsible for enforcing federal tax laws, processing returns and performing audits. It also manages a variety of social programs for low- and middle-income families. These include supplemental income payments made by some states and the Earned Income Tax Credit. Virtually all institutions that disburse funds – including employers paying salaries, banks paying interest, corporations paying dividends, state taxing agencies paying refunds, publishers paying royalties and city lottery organizations paying winnings – are required to send information about those payments to the IRS. The agency then uses simple math tests and more complex matching programs to check the accuracy of returns.
Typically, the IRS issues refunds within 21 days for people who file electronically and choose direct deposit. However, certain returns require manual review, and a few are delayed because of issues such as errors or identity theft. You can check the status of your refund by using the Where’s My Refund tool on the IRS website.
March 18, 2023
Most people who file electronically and choose direct deposit should see their refund in their bank account within 21 days. However, some returns require manual review and could take longer. These returns can include those that have errors or are suspected of identity theft or fraud.
Taxpayers can avoid delays by having all required documents before filing their return. This includes a Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number, birth dates, filing status and previous correspondence with the IRS.
Taxpayers who need help preparing and filing their taxes should call the IRS or visit a local Taxpayer Assistance Center. Before calling, taxpayers should have their basic information ready, including their refund amount, Social Security numbers or individual taxpayer identification numbers (ITIN), birth dates and the tax return they are calling about. This will help the IRS identify them and provide faster service. Taxpayers should also be prepared to explain their situation in detail. This will help the IRS provide accurate and helpful answers.
April 16, 2023
In addition to tax return processing, the IRS oversees many social programs that benefit low- and middle-income Americans, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, premium subsidies under Affordable Care Act and more. These programs require extensive record keeping and compliance checks and must be funded through taxes paid by all taxpayers.
Most e-filed returns with refunds are processed and their payments issued in 21 days or less, unless there is an issue that requires further review. In addition, the IRS has an online tool that gives a personalized estimate of your refund’s status.
Before calling the IRS, have on hand your social security number or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), birth date(s), filing status and previous correspondence. This information will help the IRS representative better answer your question. The IRS also has a list of frequently asked questions about refunds and child credits. The agency’s Twitter feed is also a good source of information on a variety of topics.
