Why Does the IRS Say “We Cannot Provide Any Information About Your Refund” in 2021?

Getting a tax refund is always an exciting time, as it typically means a nice chunk of change is coming your way. However, it can also be a frustrating time, especially when you check the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool and see a message stating “We cannot provide any information about your refund.” Many taxpayers are left wondering why this message is appearing and what it means for their refund. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this message and what steps you can take to get more information about your refund.

The IRS Processing Times Have Changed

One reason why the “We cannot provide any information about your refund” message may appear is because the IRS is experiencing longer processing times due to changes in tax laws and coronavirus pandemic-related issues. In fact, the IRS has already announced that it is expecting delays for the 2021 tax season. Additionally, the IRS has been impacted by staffing issues and a backlog of unprocessed returns from the 2020 tax season. All of these factors may contribute to longer processing times and delays for taxpayers waiting for their refunds.

Your Refund Might Be Under Review

Another reason why the “We cannot provide any information about your refund” message may appear is that your tax return and refund may be under review. This typically occurs if the IRS suspects there is something inaccurate or fraudulent about your return or supporting documents. In these cases, the IRS may need more time to review and verify the information provided, which can significantly delay the processing of your refund.

Steps You Can Take

If you have received the message “We cannot provide any information about your refund,” there are a few steps you can take to try and get more information:

• Check your return status again in a few days: Taxpayers should note that the “Where’s My Refund?” tool is only updated once every 24 hours, so it might be worth checking it again at a later time or day.
• Call the IRS: If you are concerned about your refund and have not received it after 21 days from the date of filing and you have not received any notice from the IRS, you can call the agency’s toll-free number: 1-800-829-1040.
• Review your return for errors: If the IRS identifies an error or discrepancy in your return, they will send a letter requesting additional information. Therefore, if you think that there might be a mistake in your return or supporting documents, it’s important to review everything carefully and make any necessary corrections.
• Be patient: As mentioned earlier, processing times for the IRS and refunds might take longer than usual this year. While it can be frustrating to see the “We cannot provide any information about your refund” message, try to stay patient and wait a little longer.

Conclusion

Overall, the “We cannot provide any information about your refund” message can be alarming for taxpayers waiting for their refunds. However, in most cases, it’s simply the result of longer processing times or a review of your tax return. As long as you filed your return accurately and honestly and have not received any notices from the IRS, there’s no reason to panic. If you are still concerned, you can take the steps outlined in this article to try and get more information about your refund status.

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