What's the longest the IRS can hold your refund?

How can I get the IRS to release my refund?

Request an expedited refund by calling the IRS at 800-829-1040 (TTY/TDD 800-829-4059).

1. Explain your hardship situation; and.
2. Request a manual refund expedited to you.

What is the maximum time for refund processing?

The maximum time for a refund request to reflect in a customer's account is usually 7-14 business days, as it depends on the bank used for the payment.

What is the $600 rule in the IRS?

In 2021, Congress lowered the threshold for reporting income on payment apps from $20,000 and 200 transactions annually to $600 for a single transaction. Implementation is being phased in over three years.

How long is it acceptable to wait for a refund?

Legal Requirements for Refund Timelines

In the U.S., while there's no federal mandate for refund timelines, your state might require you to process returns within 14 to 30 days.

Why is my refund taking so long?

If you're still waiting after a month, your refund might be considered delayed. PAYE refunds typically take longer - up to 12 weeks in some cases. This is because they often result from end-of-year reconciliations or P800 calculations.

What happens if you haven't got your refund from 3 years ago?

When is the IRS deadline to claim an undelivered tax refund? The IRS is required to keep the filing open and hold on to unclaimed income tax refunds for three years. If you don't file for the tax refund after three years, the money becomes property of the US Treasury, and you won't be able to get it back.

How long can the IRS collect?

The IRS generally has 10 years from the assessment date to collect unpaid taxes. The IRS can't extend this 10-year period unless the taxpayer agrees to extend the period as part of an installment agreement to pay tax debt or a court judgment allows the IRS to collect unpaid tax after the 10-year period.

What to do if IRS has not processed my return?

If you still aren't sure what happened with your refund, contact an IRS representative at IRS Tax Help Line for Individuals – 800-829-1040 (TTY/TDD 800-829-4059).

What to do if a refund is taking too long?

At that point, you would have to amend your return and follow up with the IRS to get your refund. If you made an error or need to make changes to the information on your return after you've filed, you'll need to file an amended return.

Does IRS pay interest on delayed refunds?

If you're getting a tax refund, the IRS might owe you interest if you don't get your refund within 45 days. In most cases, the interest starts accruing from the tax filing deadline. If you owe interest because of an IRS error or delay, you can file Form 843 to request a reduction of the interest.

How long does it usually take for the IRS to approve your refund?

Processing your refund usually takes: Up to 21 days for an e-filed return. 6 weeks or more for returns sent by mail. Longer if your return needs corrections or extra review.

What's the longest a refund can take?

Key takeaways. Most people receive refunds within three weeks if they e-file and choose direct deposit; paper returns can take six weeks or more. Filing accurately — especially when claiming credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit— helps prevent refund delays.

How long is too long for a tax refund?

The latest date, by law, you can claim a credit or federal income tax refund for a specific tax year is generally the later of these 2 dates: 3 years from the date you filed your federal income tax return, or. 2 years from the date you paid the tax.

What are the common reasons for refund delays?

Most IRS refunds are issued within 21 days of e-filing, but some taxpayers will experience delays in 2025. Common causes for refund delays include errors on returns, identity verification, and claims for certain credits. The fastest way to receive your refund is to file electronically and choose direct deposit.

What is the 20k rule?

TPSO Transactions: The $20,000 and 200 Rule

Under the guidance in IRS FS-2025-08, a TPSO is required to file a Form 1099-K for a payee only if both of the following conditions are met during a calendar year: Gross Payments exceed $20,000. AND. The number of transactions exceeds 200.

Does PayPal report to the IRS?

For questions about your specific tax situation, please consult a tax professional. Payment processors, including PayPal, are required to provide information to the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) about customers who receive payments for the sale of goods and services above the reporting threshold in a calendar year.

What is the minimum income you don't have to report?

Do I have to file taxes? Minimum income to file taxes

• Single filing status: $15,750 if under age 65. ...
• Married Filing Jointly: $31,500 if both spouses are under age 65. ...
• Married Filing Separately — $5 regardless of age.
• Head of Household: $23,625 if under age 65. ...
• Qualifying Surviving Spouse: $31,500 if under age 65.

What if my refund is stuck in processing?

You can check the status of your tax refund using Track My Refund. If your refund details state that it's still processing, you can check your tax return to see if you catch any errors. If your refund status instructs you to contact the IRS, you can speak to an agent to get clarification by calling 1-800-829-1040.

Why is the refund delayed this year?

ITR refunds in FY 2024–25 are facing longer delays due to stricter verification, AIS mismatches, and CPC processing slowdowns. High-value claims, aggressive deductions, and frequent ITR form changes are triggering additional scrutiny and extended review cycles.

Is there a time limit for the IRS to issue a refund?

Generally, you must file a claim for a credit or refund within three years from the date you filed your original tax return or two years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later.