How long does tax topic 152 take to process?

Processing Time for IRS Tax Refund (Tax Topic 152)

General Processing Timeframe

- The IRS typically issues more than 9 out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days. However, several factors can cause delays in the processing and issuance of tax refunds.

Factors That May Extend Processing Times

- Mailing your return instead of e-filing

- Expecting a refund from an amended return (up to 16 weeks for processing)

- Filing an injured spouse claim

- Requesting a refund of tax withheld on a Form 1042-S by filing a Form 1040-NR (up to 6 months to receive a refund)

- Filing a return with an application for an ITIN attached

- Claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), with refunds expected to be available in taxpayer bank accounts by February 27 if there are no other issues with the tax return

Direct Deposit for Faster Refund

- Taxpayers are encouraged to use e-file and direct deposit to receive refunds faster. Direct deposit is the quickest way to receive a refund and can be split into as many as three separate accounts.

Checking Refund Status

- Taxpayers can check the status of their refund using the "Where's My Refund?" tool on the IRS website or the IRS2Go mobile app. This tool provides the most up-to-date information available about the refund.

Special Considerations for Amended Returns

- Amended returns may take up to 16 weeks to process. Taxpayers can check the status of their amended return using the "Where's My Amended Return?" tool.

Additional Information

- For questions about refund offsets or changes to tax returns, [Tax Topic 203] provides more information on refund offsets for unpaid child support, certain federal and state debts, and unemployment compensation debts.

Note on Processing Delays

- If a tax return is affected by identity theft or fraud, or if it contains errors or is incomplete, the processing time may be longer. The IRS will contact taxpayers by mail if more information is needed to process their return.

Conclusion

- While most refunds are issued within 21 days, various factors can extend the processing time. Taxpayers should utilize the "Where's My Refund?" tool for the most current status of their refund and follow the guidelines provided by the IRS for specific situations that may affect their refund timing.

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Sources:

Topic no. 152, Refund information - Internal Revenue Service 2024-08-03

Tax Season Refund Frequently Asked Questions - Internal Revenue Service 2024-08-03

Amended return frequently asked questions | Internal Revenue Service 2024-08-02

Newsroom | Internal Revenue Service 2024-08-02

Helpful tips for effectively receiving a tax refund for taxpayers living abroad 2024-08-03

Held or Stopped Refunds - Taxpayer Advocate Service 2024-08-03

Notification that your tax return is being examined or audited- TAS 2024-08-03

2023 Publication 17 - Internal Revenue Service 2024-07-31