Well we are about to embark on the 2021 income tax filing season. The IRS, as of late December, the IRS had backlogs of 6 million unprocessed original individual returns (Forms 1040), 2.3 million unprocessed amended individual returns (Forms 1040-X), and about 5 million pieces of taxpayer correspondence – with some of these submissions dating back at least to April and many taxpayers still waiting for their refunds nine months later. Are you included in the unprocessed tax returns? Unopened mail?
How frustrating!!!
The IRS website tool “Where’s My Refund?” does not provide information on unprocessed returns, and it does not explain any status delays, the reasons for delays, where returns stand in the processing pipeline, or what actions taxpayers need to take, if any. For taxpayers who experienced significant refund delays, the tool often did not do its job.
Even more frustrating!!!
Telephone service was the worst it has ever been. Customer service representatives only answered 11 percent, of calls. As a result, most callers could not obtain answers to their tax law questions, get help with account problems.
So what shall we do? We recommend you
- e-file wherever possible. This definitely speeds up processing times
- create an online account at www.irs.gov where you can see your account as the IRS sees it
- be patient (hahaha!) and keep calling, eventually you will be part of the 11% and someone will answer
- be kind to the IRS agent who eventually does respond. They are people too, working hard and doing their jobs.
AND we are launching our 8 week Program That’s deductible on January 26th. Don’t miss it! This is a MUST for all business owners who want to learn how to find more tax deductions. Wendy teaches you her tips and tricks from 25 years in the tax business. www.wendybarlin.com