Are Tax Returns Backlogged?

A few weeks ago the IRS faced an historic backlog of individual tax returns. Now that backlog is 8.5 million. The IRS says delays could be 120 days before Americans receive returns or payments for 2020 taxes. For reference, the IRS says that refunds normally take around 21 days to process.

Why are IRS refunds taking so long?

What's Taking So Long? If you don't receive your refund in 21 days, your tax return might need further review. This may happen if your return was incomplete or incorrect. ... You may also experience delays if you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit.

Is the IRS holding refunds for 2020?

For 2020, the first refunds (if you claimed the EITC or ACTC) aren't available in taxpayer bank accounts until the first week of March. If the hold is because you filed before mid-February, there is no need to worry. The hold is not a result of mistakes or problems with your return.