This year, 2020, gave American taxpayers an extra three months to file and pay your taxes. But with that, many Americans that filed before April 15th are still waiting for their refunds.
An IRS spokesperson, Eric Smith said, “Yes, some paper returns filed early in the season have not yet been processed.”
Check the status of your refund
Use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool at irs.gov/refunds or by calling 800-829-1954. Check once a day, since the refund portal is only updated once a day.
Over 21 Days
If its been longer than 21 days since you e-filed, you should call the IRS. If you received a letter or the refund portal reads to contact the IRS. You should call the IRS. Expect long waits. I learned that the best time to call is on Wednesday’s. They tend to be the slowest days and hold time can range from 2 hours to they are no longer receiving calls. Yes, you read that right. I have called at 11 am and got the message that said they are no longer taking calls for the day.
Keep in mind that if you’re due a refund, you’ll get the full amount. There’s no penalty assessed by the IRS even if the return is late. There is only a late-filing penalty if you owe.