As the start of the 2023 tax filing season approaches, millions of people are still waiting for their federal tax refund from last year. This is causing concern and frustration among taxpayers, as many rely on their refunds to pay bills and make important purchases.
One reason for the delay in refunds is the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The IRS has had to adjust its operations to ensure the safety of its employees and taxpayers, which has led to delays in processing and issuing refunds. Additionally, the IRS has been dealing with a large volume of stimulus payments and unemployment benefits, further slowing down the process.
Another reason for the delay is that the IRS has been cracking down on fraud and identity theft. To prevent fraud, the IRS has implemented stricter verification processes for tax returns, which has led to longer processing times. This is an important step to protect taxpayers from fraud, but it can also cause delays in refunds.
Taxpayers who are waiting for their refund can check the status of their refund on the IRS website. The IRS also recommends that taxpayers sign up for its “Where’s My Refund” tool, which allows taxpayers to check the status of their refund and receive updates on when it will be issued.
While the delay in refunds can be frustrating, it is essential to remember that the IRS is working to ensure the safety of its employees and taxpayers, as well as to prevent fraud. Taxpayers should also keep in mind that the start of the tax filing season is approaching, so it’s essential to file their taxes as soon as possible to avoid any further delays.
In conclusion, many taxpayers are still waiting for their federal tax refund from last year, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the IRS’s efforts to prevent fraud. Taxpayers can check the status of their refund on the IRS website, and are encouraged to file their taxes as soon as possible to avoid any further delays.
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