Tax Refund Desk

Still processing: what it means and what to do

Why a return sits at still processing, how long that is normal, and the point at which to act.

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Read the full guide: Tax Return Still Processing: What It Means and How Long

Transcript

Your return is still processing

Still processing means the IRS has your return but has not finished it, so no refund date exists yet.

Inside 21 days of e-filing, this is normal. Checking the tracker more often will not change it.

Past 21 days, the usual causes are a credit hold, an error the IRS is correcting, or an identity check.

The Taxpayer Advocate Service says reviews take 45 to 180 days, depending on how complex the return is.

If the IRS asked you for information, allow about 60 days after you send it.

Call after 21 days from e-filing, six weeks from mailing, or when the tracker tells you to.

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