You filed your tax return well before the deadline, eagerly anticipating your refund. But weeks have passed with no IRS deposit into your bank account. If the IRS is holding up your tax refund money, there are several potential reasons why.
Past-Due Tax Debt
If you owe back taxes to the IRS from previous years, they can keep your current refund to pay toward that outstanding tax debt. This is called a “refund offset,” a tactic the IRS uses to chip away at unpaid tax liabilities. If you believe you have past-due taxes, take our brief Tax Survey to understand your resolution options and next steps.
Tax Return Under Review
One of the most common reasons the IRS holds refunds is they identified a potential error on your tax return. This could range from an innocent mistake to a questionable deduction claimed. The IRS should contact you to correct the error, but if not, call 800-829-1040 to learn why your return is under review.
Unfiled Returns
Do you have unfiled tax returns from prior years? The IRS can withhold your refund until those delinquent returns are properly filed and processed. Not filing returns leads to growing penalties and interest charges, so file missing returns with a tax professional’s assistance as soon as possible. Our easy Tax Survey can help you understand your tax situation and explore the potential resolution options available to you.
Identity Theft Concerns
The IRS may hold your refund while investigating if your return is potentially the result of identity theft involving your information. If you suspect identity theft, contact the IRS’s Identity Protection unit immediately at 800-908-4490.
Don’t Panic. Take Action.
A refund hold doesn’t necessarily mean you made a mistake. The IRS routinely reviews certain returns.
However, if your refund is being held due to outstanding tax debt or unfiled returns, it’s crucial to take action as soon as possible. More penalties and interest charges will accrue each month, compounding the amount you owe. This can quickly spiral into a cycle of debt that becomes difficult to escape on your own.
Instead of trying to navigate these tax issues alone, get expert assistance from professionals specializing in IRS tax relief. Take our brief Tax Relief Survey to have the experts at Fresh Start Info evaluate your tax debt situation. They can determine if you may qualify for IRS Fresh Start Programs that can potentially save you thousands.
Don’t continue struggling needlessly! Take the first step with this free, no-obligation survey. Reclaiming your refund and resolving your tax debt starts here.