2019 RETURNS & REFUNDS MAY NOT YET BE PROCESSED BY THE IRS
We have received messages and calls from some clients indicating that their 2019 return has not been filed or they have not yet received their 2019 federal refund.
Rest assured if we efiled your return we have proof of filing from the IRS.
Due to Covid-19, the IRS was furloughed for some time and all mail was placed in containers to be dealt with later. Because of this furlough, the IRS is seriously behind in much of their work, including processing tax returns and refunds.
The latest news we’ve received is that the IRS is still trying to process more than one million paper filed tax returns.
In addition, although efiled returns have been acknowledged by the IRS, the system that then processes the returns for refunds and payments due is seriously backed up.
With all returns, including efiled returns, their computers can flag returns that require further review by the IRS. In past years, a quick review of the return determines a false positive and they then process the return. BUT this review of the return is also way behind and could be holding up processing your return.
Worse than that, the IRS was so focused on sending out the stimulus payments that it has delayed the payment of refunds. Once you do receive your refund, if you filed on time, expect the amount you receive to include interest from the IRS for missing their deadline for issuing payment.
If you are trying to get a mortgage and the bank is requesting proof of filing, we can send you an efiling confirmation document.
Unfortunately, there’s no way to expedite the processing of your tax return or refund. The IRS is not taking calls on this matter, even from CPAs, and even if you (or I) try to call them, you will likely be placed on hold and then disconnected after one hour without ever reaching a live person.