8 Months and Still No Tax Refund 2020: What to Do

If you're one of the many people who haven't received their tax refund yet, you're not alone. As of August 2020, there were still 13 million unprocessed returns from the 2019 tax year. This means that some people have been waiting over 8 months for their refund.

There are a number of factors that can contribute to a delayed refund, including errors on your tax return, missing documentation, and identity theft. However, even if there's no problem with your return, you may still have to wait a long time for your refund. This is because the IRS is currently experiencing a backlog of returns due to a number of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you've been waiting over 21 days for your refund, you can take steps to check on the status of your return. You can do this by visiting the IRS website or calling the IRS customer service line. If you find out that there's a problem with your return, you'll need to take steps to correct it before you can receive your refund.

8 months and still no tax refund 2020

Long wait times, millions affected.

• Delays due to errors, missing docs, identity theft.
• COVID-19 pandemic caused backlog.
• Check refund status online or by phone.
• Correct any errors on tax return.
• Contact IRS if refund not received after 21 days.
• Consider filing a formal complaint with the Taxpayer Advocate.
• Be patient, refunds may take extra time to process.

Remember, you are not alone. Many people are experiencing delays in receiving their tax refunds this year. By following these steps, you can help to ensure that you receive your refund as soon as possible.

Delays due to errors, missing docs, identity theft.

There are a number of errors that can cause your tax refund to be delayed. Some of the most common errors include:

• Math errors: Even a small math error on your tax return can cause your refund to be delayed. This is because the IRS will need to manually review your return to correct the error.
• Incorrect information: If you enter incorrect information on your tax return, such as your Social Security number or bank account number, your refund may be delayed. This is because the IRS will need to verify the information before they can process your refund.
• Missing documentation: If you don't include all of the required documentation with your tax return, your refund may be delayed. This is because the IRS will need to request the missing documentation before they can process your refund.

In addition to errors, missing documentation, and identity theft, there are a number of other factors that can contribute to a delayed refund. These factors include:

• The complexity of your tax return: If you have a complex tax return, it may take longer for the IRS to process your refund.
• The number of dependents you claim: If you claim a lot of dependents, it may take longer for the IRS to process your refund.
• The time of year you file your tax return: If you file your tax return early in the year, you are more likely to receive your refund quickly. However, if you file your tax return later in the year, you may have to wait longer for your refund.

If you've made an error on your tax return, you can correct it by filing an amended return. You can also file an amended return if you have missing documentation. If you're the victim of identity theft, you should contact the IRS immediately.

COVID-19 pandemic caused backlog.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant backlog in the IRS's processing of tax returns. This is due to a number of factors, including:

• Reduced staff: The IRS has been operating with a reduced staff due to the pandemic. This means that there are fewer employees available to process tax returns.
• Increased workload: The IRS has received a higher number of tax returns this year than in previous years. This is due to a number of factors, including the economic impact of the pandemic and the extension of the tax filing deadline.
• New procedures: The IRS has implemented a number of new procedures to protect its employees and taxpayers from COVID-19. These procedures have slowed down the processing of tax returns.

As a result of these factors, the IRS is experiencing a significant backlog in the processing of tax returns. This means that many people are having to wait longer than usual for their refunds.

The IRS is working to reduce the backlog and process tax returns as quickly as possible. However, it is important to be patient during this time. If you have not received your refund yet, you can check the status of your refund online or by calling the IRS customer service line.

If you are experiencing financial hardship due to the delay in your refund, you may be able to get help from the IRS. The IRS offers a number of programs to help taxpayers who are struggling to pay their taxes. You can learn more about these programs on the IRS website.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant backlog in the IRS's processing of tax returns. This means that many people are having to wait longer than usual for their refunds. However, the IRS is working to reduce the backlog and process tax returns as quickly as possible. If you have not received your refund yet, you can check the status of your refund online or by calling the IRS customer service line.

Check refund status online or by phone.

If you have been waiting over 21 days for your refund, you can check the status of your refund online or by phone.

To check your refund status online:

1. Go to the IRS website.
2. Click on the "Where's My Refund?" link.
3. Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the amount of your refund.
4. Click on the "Submit" button.

You will then see the status of your refund. If your refund has been processed, you will see the date that it was deposited into your bank account or mailed to you.

To check your refund status by phone:

1. Call the IRS customer service line at 1-800-829-1954.
2. Follow the prompts to speak to a customer service representative.
3. Provide the customer service representative with your Social Security number, filing status, and the amount of your refund.

The customer service representative will then tell you the status of your refund.

If you are having trouble checking the status of your refund online or by phone, you can contact the Taxpayer Advocate. The Taxpayer Advocate is an independent office within the IRS that helps taxpayers who are experiencing problems with the IRS. You can contact the Taxpayer Advocate by calling 1-877-777-4778.

Correct any errors on tax return.

If you discover that there is an error on your tax return, you can correct it by filing an amended return. You can file an amended return by using the following steps:

1. Get a copy of Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
2. Fill out the form according to the instructions.
3. Attach any necessary documentation to the form.
4. Mail the form to the IRS.

You can also file an amended return electronically. However, you can only do this if you filed your original return electronically.

Once you have filed an amended return, the IRS will review it and make any necessary adjustments to your tax refund. It is important to note that it may take several months for the IRS to process an amended return.

If you are not sure if there is an error on your tax return, you can contact the IRS for assistance. You can also contact a tax professional for help.

If you have already filed your tax return and you discover that there is an error, it is important to correct the error as soon as possible. The sooner you file an amended return, the sooner you will receive your refund.

Contact IRS if refund not received after 21 days.

If you have not received your refund after 21 days, you can contact the IRS to inquire about the status of your refund. You can contact the IRS by phone or by mail.

• Call the IRS customer service line:

You can call the IRS customer service line at 1-800-829-1954. The customer service line is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Eastern Time. You will need to provide the customer service representative with your Social Security number, filing status, and the amount of your refund.

You can write to the IRS at the following address:

Internal Revenue Service

P.O. Box 12159

Covington, KY 41012

You will need to include your Social Security number, filing status, the amount of your refund, and a copy of your tax return with your letter.

If you have been unable to resolve your refund issue with the IRS, you can contact the Taxpayer Advocate. The Taxpayer Advocate is an independent office within the IRS that helps taxpayers who are experiencing problems with the IRS. You can contact the Taxpayer Advocate by calling 1-877-777-4778.

If you are still not satisfied with the IRS's response, you can file a formal complaint with the Taxpayer Advocate. You can file a formal complaint online or by mail. You can also file a formal complaint by calling the Taxpayer Advocate at 1-877-777-4778.

It is important to be patient when contacting the IRS. Due to the high volume of calls and letters that the IRS receives, it may take some time for you to get a response. However, if you have not received a response from the IRS after a reasonable amount of time, you should follow up with the IRS.

Consider filing a formal complaint with the Taxpayer Advocate.

If you have been unable to resolve your refund issue with the IRS, you can file a formal complaint with the Taxpayer Advocate. The Taxpayer Advocate is an independent office within the IRS that helps taxpayers who are experiencing problems with the IRS. You can file a formal complaint with the Taxpayer Advocate online or by mail.

To file a formal complaint online, you will need to create an account on the Taxpayer Advocate website. Once you have created an account, you can submit your complaint online. You will need to provide the Taxpayer Advocate with your Social Security number, filing status, the amount of your refund, and a detailed explanation of your issue.

To file a formal complaint by mail, you will need to write a letter to the Taxpayer Advocate. In your letter, you will need to include your Social Security number, filing status, the amount of your refund, and a detailed explanation of your issue. You can also include copies of any correspondence that you have had with the IRS regarding your refund.

The Taxpayer Advocate will review your complaint and determine if they can help you. If the Taxpayer Advocate is able to help you, they will contact the IRS on your behalf and try to resolve your issue.

Filing a formal complaint with the Taxpayer Advocate is a last resort. However, if you have been unable to resolve your refund issue with the IRS, filing a formal complaint with the Taxpayer Advocate may be your best option.

Be patient, refunds may take extra time to process.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors, the IRS is experiencing a significant backlog in the processing of tax returns. This means that many people are having to wait longer than usual for their refunds.

• The IRS is working hard to process refunds as quickly as possible.

The IRS is working hard to reduce the backlog and process refunds as quickly as possible. However, it is important to be patient during this time. If you have not received your refund yet, you can check the status of your refund online or by calling the IRS customer service line.

If you have not already filed your tax return, you may be able to get your refund faster by filing electronically. Electronic filing is faster and more accurate than paper filing. You can file your tax return electronically using a tax software program or through the IRS website.

If you have not already provided the IRS with your bank account information, you may be able to get your refund faster by using direct deposit. Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your refund. You can provide the IRS with your bank account information when you file your tax return.

If you have been waiting over 21 days for your refund, you can check the status of your refund online or by calling the IRS customer service line. The IRS customer service line is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Eastern Time.

It is important to be patient during this time. The IRS is working hard to process refunds as quickly as possible. If you have not received your refund yet, you can check the status of your refund online or by calling the IRS customer service line.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about tax refunds for the 2020 tax year:

Question 1: Why is my refund taking so long?

Answer 1: The IRS is experiencing a significant backlog in the processing of tax returns due to a number of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced staff, and increased workload.

Question 2: How can I check the status of my refund?

Answer 2: You can check the status of your refund online using the IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool or by calling the IRS customer service line at 1-800-829-1954.

Question 3: What should I do if I have not received my refund after 21 days?

Answer 3: If you have not received your refund after 21 days, you should contact the IRS to inquire about the status of your refund.

Question 4: Can I file an amended return if I made a mistake on my original return?

Answer 4: Yes, you can file an amended return to correct any errors on your original return. However, it is important to note that it may take several months for the IRS to process an amended return.

Question 5: What should I do if I am experiencing financial hardship due to the delay in my refund?

Answer 5: If you are experiencing financial hardship due to the delay in your refund, you may be able to get help from the IRS. The IRS offers a number of programs to help taxpayers who are struggling to pay their taxes. You can learn more about these programs on the IRS website.

Question 6: What can I do to avoid delays in receiving my refund next year?

Answer 6: To avoid delays in receiving your refund next year, you should file your tax return electronically and use direct deposit. You should also make sure that you have included all of the required documentation with your tax return.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ:

If you have any other questions about tax refunds, you can visit the IRS website or call the IRS customer service line.

In addition to the information provided in the FAQ section, here are some additional tips for getting your tax refund faster:

Tips

Here are some tips for getting your tax refund faster:

Tip 1: File your tax return electronically.

Electronic filing is faster and more accurate than paper filing. You can file your tax return electronically using a tax software program or through the IRS website.

Tip 2: Use direct deposit.

Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your refund. You can provide the IRS with your bank account information when you file your tax return.

Tip 3: Include all of the required documentation with your tax return.

Make sure that you have included all of the required documentation with your tax return. This includes things like your W-2 forms, 1099 forms, and any other receipts or documents that are necessary to support your tax return.

Tip 4: File your tax return early.

The earlier you file your tax return, the sooner you will receive your refund. If you can, try to file your tax return by the April 15th deadline.

Closing Paragraph for Tips:

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you receive your tax refund as quickly as possible.

If you have any other questions about tax refunds, you can visit the IRS website or call the IRS customer service line.

Conclusion

Summary of Main Points:

• The IRS is experiencing a significant backlog in the processing of tax returns due to a number of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced staff, and increased workload.
• Many people are having to wait longer than usual for their refunds.
• You can check the status of your refund online or by calling the IRS customer service line.
• If you have not received your refund after 21 days, you can contact the IRS to inquire about the status of your refund.
• You can file an amended return to correct any errors on your original return.
• If you are experiencing financial hardship due to the delay in your refund, you may be able to get help from the IRS.
• To avoid delays in receiving your refund next year, you should file your tax return electronically, use direct deposit, and make sure that you have included all of the required documentation with your tax return.

Closing Message:

Although the IRS is experiencing a backlog in processing tax returns, they are working hard to process refunds as quickly as possible. If you have not received your refund yet, you can check the status of your refund online or by calling the IRS customer service line.