Where’s My Tax Refund? – What May Have Gone Wrong

When a Pennsylvanian works with a PA accountant or CPA, tax refund delays are rare. Accountants know how to complete the forms so that no mistakes can hinder the timely processing of refunds. However, other issues out of the accountant’s control can sometimes occur. 

There are a number of common mistakes people make when they file their own tax returns, such as:

• Incomplete form

• Not filing certain addenda to support a claim on the return

• Inconsistency between W-2 and the completed form, or other careless errors

• Mismatched Social Security numbers

• Incorrect direct deposit information

• Filed too early (at the beginning of January) – last-minute changes in tax law might still be being updated in the systems

• Filed too late (last minute or after the deadline) – greater volume and greater risk of identity theft, as someone may already have filed using your Social Security number

• Filing a paper return – still permitted but causes a significant delay, even if there are no errors on the return itself, as the returns need to be manually entered into the IRS computer system

This is why it’s so important to work with a tax professional who can avoid such problems. An accountant can also recommend additional tax deductions and tax credits that can amount to significant tax savings and an increase in refunds for many tax filers. 

There is no standard time frame in which one can expect a tax refund, but if filed electronically, most people see a refund within three weeks. If you have been waiting longer than expected, there could be a few causes other than an error on the tax return. 

If you have any major changes from the previous year, such as a significant increase or decrease of income from the previous year, or if you are taking a new deduction or too many deductions, this may flag the return for additional scrutiny. Everything may be correct and on the up-and-up, especially if you worked with an accountant, but a closer examination is going to delay your refund. 

If you have an outstanding audit or have back taxes due, your return may also be flagged for review by an agent. If you have been the unfortunate victim of identity theft, the IRS may flag your return as they investigate possible fraud. If this is the case, you should hear from them, but this, too, would take time.

Finally, there may have been problems at the IRS, the post office (if sent by mail), or with the electronic transmission. It may have been somehow delayed in delivery, not arrived at all, or have reached the IRS but gotten lost. Though these situations are rare, they can happen because human beings make mistakes and technology glitches. 

If your tax refund seems delayed, you can check the IRS’s online portal, irs.gov/refund or irs.gov/wheres-my-refund. If there is a problem, you may be directed to call a number to speak to an IRS agent directly, who may be able to tell you what the problem is and what you can do to resolve it. If you work with an accountant or CPA, however, he or she would handle this for you.

PSTAP is an association of highly qualified Pennsylvania accountants and CPAs. Contact us to find a tax professional in your area to help you with your returns.