Return Being Processed Means the IRS Received Your Tax Return, But It Could Still Be Delayed - Brady Martz & Associates (2024)

FAQs

Return Being Processed Means the IRS Received Your Tax Return, But It Could Still Be Delayed - Brady Martz & Associates? ›

The prompt means that the IRS has received your return, but due to Covid-19 delays, the IRS is experiencing a considerable backlog, slowing processing times and disbursem*nts. Typically the IRS processes tax returns and issues refunds within 21 calendar days of receipt.

How long a refund is delayed depends on the issue with the return. The IRS often can correct math errors without involving taxpayers, so those refunds might be delayed just a few weeks. If there are concerns about possible identity theft, taxpayers could wait more than a year, according to the IRS.

If their refund status changes from “being processed” status to “still being processed” status, the issue detected in the tax forms was likely resolved and the refund may be released when it is approved for a future cycle date.

(updated December 22, 2023) We issue most refunds in less than 21 calendar days. However, if you mailed your return and expect a refund, it could take four weeks or more to process your return.

Received means your return is being processed. Approved indicates your return has been accepted and your refund amount is approved. Sent confirms that your refund is being direct-deposited into your bank account or mailed to you as a check.

If you provide the information the IRS requested, the IRS should correct your account and resolve the refund issue (generally within 60 days). If you file a missing or late return, the IRS will process your returns and issue your refunds (generally within 90 days).

Taxpayers whose tax returns have been flagged for possible identity theft should receive one of the following letters: Letter 5071C, Potential Identity Theft during Original Processing with Online Option – Provides online and phone options and is issued most widely.

Refund has been processed means that they have approved and are ready to send you your refund. Your return being processed mean that your tax return is being processed. Your status should change from being processed to accepted and then a date given for your refund. Keep checking each day for that.

In many contexts it means that something is being: developed, considered, made, or reviewed. Examples: Your graduate school application is being processed. Your loan application is being processed. Your order is being processed.

But, if you've seen Tax Topic 152, your refund will likely take longer than 21 days to process. It doesn't mean you've done anything wrong or you won't get your refund. It's just an indication that your return is still being processed and has yet to be accepted or rejected.

Is refund being processed a good thing? ›

tool says “Your return is being processed,” it might be worth a call to the IRS. If you don't receive a refund within 45 days of the tax filing deadline, the IRS is required to pay you interest on your refund.

This means they've officially decided you're entitled to a certain refund amount. This process, especially the approval of your refund, can take some time, usually within 21 days if you've e-filed, but possibly longer depending on various factors.

The most convenient way to check on a tax refund is by using the Where's My Refund? tool. Taxpayers can start checking their refund status within 24 hours after an e-filed return is received. The tool also provides a personalized refund date after the return is processed and a refund is approved.

When your application is being processed, it means that the organization or institution you submitted your application to is reviewing and evaluating it to determine your eligibility or suitability for the position or opportunity you applied for.

“Still being processed” means that something is not yet finished or completed, but it is undergoing a series of actions or steps to achieve a result. For example, you can say: Your application is still being processed. We will notify you when it is done.

Taxpayers who file electronically and choose direct deposit typically get their refund in less than 21 days. Taxpayers who don't have a bank account can find out how to open a bank account at a FDIC-insured bank or the National Credit Union Locator Tool.

It's natural to think the worst when your tax refund is delayed, but don't jump to the conclusion that you're getting audited. Fewer than 1% of tax returns get audited each year, so your chances aren't so high. It pays to check up on your refund to see what's going on.

There are a few reasons why your federal refund may be delayed. One of the most common culprits is submitting a return that contains an error, such as the wrong Social Security number or incorrect direct deposit information. The IRS could also be holding up your refund if it requires additional review or is incomplete.

An incomplete return, an inaccurate return, an amended return, tax fraud, claiming tax credits, owing certain debts for which the government can take part or all of your refund, and sending your refund to the wrong bank due to an incorrect routing number are all reasons that a tax refund can be delayed.

Why is my refund taking so long? A refund will take longer if you file by mail or don't select direct deposit. In addition, if the return is more complex or corrections are needed, it may slow the process down.