How to Check Your Tax Refund Status
From Tax Guide.
Tax Guide · Arab, Alabama
Why Is My Tax Refund Delayed?
Refund taking longer than expected? Common reasons a federal or Alabama refund is delayed or on hold, and what to do next without panicking.
The short answer
Why is my tax refund taking longer than expected?
Most refund delays come from routine causes such as an error, missing information, a review or a credit that the law says must be held.
A delayed refund is frustrating, but it usually does not mean something serious is wrong. Both the IRS and the Alabama Department of Revenue review returns for accuracy, and anything that does not match their records can slow things down.
Start by checking the status of your refund. Our page on how to check your tax refund status shows where to look for both your federal and state refunds.
Common causes
What are the most common reasons a refund is delayed?
The usual causes are mistakes on the return, information that does not match agency records, and returns selected for review.
Some causes are simple to fix, and others just take time. Knowing which one applies is the first step.
- Math errors, wrong Social Security numbers or misspelled names
- Income reported on your return that does not match the forms sent to the IRS
- Claiming the earned income credit or certain other refundable credits, which are held by law until a set date
- A paper return, which is slower than e-filing
- Bank information that is missing or wrong for direct deposit
- A return picked for identity verification or review
- A return with a debt that can be taken from the refund
Federal vs state
Is only one of my refunds late, the federal or the state?
Your federal and Alabama refunds are handled separately, so one can be late while the other has already arrived.
The IRS and the Alabama Department of Revenue do not share a processing line. A state hold can happen because of a review, a mismatch or an offset for another debt. Read about refund offsets and past-due debts if your state refund looks reduced.
If the IRS has held your refund because it thinks someone else may have filed under your number, see identity theft and your tax return.
| What you see | Possible meaning |
|---|---|
| Status stays on "processing" | Often routine; no action unless a letter arrives |
| A letter asking to verify identity | A security check; follow its directions |
| A notice about a changed amount | The agency corrected or offset the refund |
| Refund paid smaller than expected | Correction or debt taken from it |
A general guide, not a diagnosis of your return.
What to do
What should I do if my refund is on hold?
Check the status tool, read any letter carefully, respond by the deadline printed on it and call us if it is not clear.
Do not ignore a notice. Every IRS or state letter has a response deadline, and missing it can cost you time and money. Keep a copy of everything, and see what to do when you receive an IRS notice.
Do not file a second return "to speed things up." A duplicate return generally slows things down. If you found a mistake, the fix is an amended return, covered in how to amend a tax return. Ignore anyone who calls, texts or emails claiming your refund is stuck unless you pay them. The IRS first contacts people by mail.
How we can help
Help with a delayed refund in Arab
Melton Tax Services prepares individual and family returns and can help you make sense of a delay or a letter.
If the delay is tied to an IRS or state notice, our tax representation service can review the notice, explain the options and respond to the agency on your behalf. For the return itself, see our income tax preparation service. Call 256-586-4635 or use the contact page. We serve Arab and the surrounding area.
Answers
Questions about delayed refund
How long should I wait before worrying about my refund?
Processing times vary, and both agencies post their current estimates. If the status tool tells you to contact them, or a letter arrives, act on it. Otherwise a wait is often routine.
Can the IRS keep my refund?
Yes, in some cases. Refunds can be reduced to pay certain past-due debts such as federal or state taxes, child support or student loans. The agency sends a notice when it happens.
Should I call the IRS about a delay?
Call only if the online tool or a letter tells you to, or if it has been longer than the agency's posted time frame. Otherwise, calling rarely speeds things up.
Does filing an extension delay my refund?
An extension gives you more time to file, but your refund cannot come until you file. Filing earlier generally means an earlier refund.
Could my delayed refund be identity theft?
It is possible, especially if you get a letter about a return you did not file. If that happens, do not ignore it. Call us and see our identity theft guide.
Read next
Related reading
Got a Letter From the IRS? What to Do
From Tax Guide.
Identity Theft and Your Tax Return
From Tax Guide.
How to Amend a Tax Return (Form 1040-X)
From Tax Guide.
Income Tax Services
A service Melton Tax Services provides.
Melton Tax Services
Questions about your taxes or your business?
Our team in Arab is just a phone call away, and we are glad to talk it through with you.