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tax refund

Q&A: Where’s my refund?

June 1, 2020 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: I filed a paper 2019 federal tax return in mid-February. It’s been more than nine weeks, and they haven’t electronically deposited my refund yet. Last week, I called the “Where’s My Refund” IRS number and got an automated response that basically they couldn’t help me. I then called the taxpayer advocate number listed in the IRS booklet, and they couldn’t help me but transferred me to the IRS’ toll-free number. After taking my information, the service person couldn’t find my return and suggested I resubmit my forms. The whole process took over two hours. Then my brother told me IRS offices are closed or have limited staff and they aren’t processing the tax returns. Why don’t they just say that at the beginning of all of their messages, instead of saying you should get it within six weeks of filing?

Answer: Over the last decade, Congress has cut the IRS’ budget by more than 20% after factoring in inflation, even as the population grew and tax law got ever more complicated. The agency was limping along with ancient technology and too few people to help the public even before the pandemic sent most of its workers home, without the ability to telecommute.

The agency has been trying to recall its workforce as quickly as it can, but there is a truly massive backlog of paper returns that has yet to be processed. Sending out stimulus relief checks has taken priority, and that Herculean effort is still in process.

You may be frustrated by what you perceive as poor customer service, but this situation didn’t develop overnight and taxpayers are reaping what they sowed, or at least reaping what their lawmakers sowed. You should let those lawmakers know how you feel if you want this to change.

And you should change, as well. It is not smart to send a tax return through the U.S. mail. Electronic filing is a much more secure alternative, and it’s quicker. With direct deposit, you can get your refund within days. Even with the pandemic, most e-filers have gotten their refunds promptly.

Filed Under: Q&A, Taxes Tagged With: IRS, q&a, tax refund

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

February 13, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: How to navigate your most dangerous decade. Also in the news: 5 questions to ask before you share a credit card, how to use your tax refund to polish your credit, and how to save on your cell phone bill without a family plan.

How to Navigate Your Most Dangerous Decade
Your fifties can be daunting.

5 Questions to Ask Before You Share a Credit Card
Preventing future disagreements.

How to Use Your Tax Refund to Polish Your Credit
Giving your credit a little boost.

How to Save on Your Cell Phone Bill Without a Family Plan
Discounts aren’t just for families.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: 50's, cell phone bill, credit card sharing, Credit Cards, Credit Score, fifties, job loss, life changes, tax refund

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

March 28, 2019 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: How your tax refund could improve your credit. Also in the news: What to buy (and skip) in April, 8 warning signs it’s time to course correct in college, and 7 last-minute tax tips to lower your 2018 bill.

How your tax refund could improve your credit
Using your refund strategically.

What to Buy (and Skip) in April
Good time for a vacuum upgrade.

8 Warning Signs It’s Time to Course Correct in College
Change course if you want to graduate.

7 Last-Minute Tax Tips to Lower Your 2018 Bill
There’s still time to save money.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: April shopping, college, Credit Score, tax refund, tax tips

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

February 5, 2019 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: 5 tips for cutting the cost of having your taxes done. Also in the news: How to find the dirt on your tax preparer, making the most of a gig economy to pay down debt, and 11 smart ways to spend your tax refund.

5 Tips for Cutting the Cost of Having Your Taxes Done
How to rein in the costs.

How to Find the Dirt on Your Tax Preparer
Don’t give your info to just anyone.

How I Ditched Debt: Making the Most of a Gig Economy
A woman pays down over $25K in three years.

11 smart ways to spend your tax refund, according to personal finance experts
Don’t think of it as a windfall.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: debt, gig economy, tax preparation, tax preparers, tax refund, Taxes, tips

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

January 29, 2019 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Could you live on your retirement savings for 23 years? Also in the news: How a new pilot manages $116,000+ in loans, what your tax refund will look like this year, and the top 10 colleges for financial aid.

Could You Live on Your Retirement Savings for 23 Years?
How long will your money last?

Debt Diary: How a New Pilot Manages $116,000+ in Loans
A payoff strategy.

What Your Tax Refund Will Look Like This Year
It might not be as much as you think.

The top 10 colleges for financial aid
Some colleges are quite generous.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: debt diary, financial aid, retirement savings, tax refund, Taxes

Monday’s need-to-know money news

January 28, 2019 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: How to prepare for the next recession. Also in the news: How to grow your tax refund, everything you need to know to file your 2018 taxes, and how to wean grown kids off of your payroll.

There’s Always a Next Recession, so Be Prepared
Soften the blow of the next economic downturn.

If You’re Expecting a Tax Refund, Make a Plan to Grow It
Invest your refund instead of blowing it.

Everything You Need to Know to File Your 2018 Taxes
A handy list.

How to wean grown kids off your payroll, freeing up more retirement cash
Cutting the purse strings.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: 2018 taxes, adult children and money, recession, tax refund, tips

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