Tax Topic 152 Refund Information

In general, and of course, depending on your preferred refund method, the IRS processes your refund within 21 days. On the other hand, depending on your tax return or refund method choice, sometimes, the refund may take longer than 21 days and can take up to ten weeks.

If you would like to get information about the status of your refund, you can always contact the IRS representatives. You can always click on the Where’s My Refund button on the IRS website to contact the IRS. However, you need to meet one of the two following conditions:

• 6 weeks must be past the time you mailed your paper return,
• 21 days must be past the time you got the e-file acceptance notification.

What May Be the Reasons for Your Extended Refund Process Time?

Although a wide range of reasons may cause your refund process time to extend, we have compiled some of the most common ones in the following for you:

• If you are expecting a refund from an amended return, its processing time is generally 16 weeks. However, due to the pandemic conditions, sometimes it can take up to 20 weeks.
• If you have filed a claim for an injured spouse.
• If you submitted an Individual Taxpayer Identification application while filing.
• If you have filed a refund for your tax withholding with Form 1042-S by submitting Form 1040-NR. Your refund processing time may take up to 6 months or the latest date on both forms.

What Are the Refund Types?

According to the IRS, eight in ten taxpayers prefer to receive their refund with e-file and direct deposit. This is the fastest method to receive your refund as well. However, your options are not limited to these. Here are all the refund types you can prefer:

• Direct Deposit – As we previously mentioned, this is the fastest way to get your refund. However, you can use this method only three times a year for an individual account or debit card to prevent any kind of fraud or identity theft. If you exceed this limit and still prefer this method, you will be notified and receive your payment via refund check, which may take up to ten weeks.
• TreasuryDirect – This is the online service of the United States Treasury. Your refund can be returned to your account, where you can buy marketable savings, bonds, and securities.
• IRA – You can deposit your refund to your SEP-IRA, Roth IRA, or traditional IRA as well. However, it is worth noting that SIMPLE IRA is not supported. If you would like to prefer this method, you need to open an account before you file for your refund and get your account number and routing number.
• Saving Bonds – This method can be used for your refunds up to $5,000 and you can purchase US Saving Bonds or Series.
• Paper Check – You will receive your refund as a paper check, which will be mailed to your address shared on your return.

These were the most commonly preferred methods. However, you can also get your refund by preferring any of the following methods as well:

• Coverdell Education Savings Account
• Archer MSA
• Health Savings Account

These are the general outlines of Tax Topic 152, which you might encounter while trying to check the status of your tax refund on the IRS website.