Causes for Delays in Refunds from the IRS

The following conditions may delay the refund and/or change the refund amount.

1. Taxpayer owes back taxes, either individual or business (refund offset).
2. Taxpayer owes delinquent child support (refund offset).
3. Taxpayer has certain delinquent federal debit, such as student loans, etc. (refund offset).
4. The last name and social security number of the primary taxpayer must be the same as on last year's return or the return will be delayed at least one week for re-matching. It is strongly suggested that you use the name as it appears on the mailing label of the tax package.
5. The Estimated Tax payments reported on the return do not match the Estimated Tax payments recorded on the IRS Master File. This generally occurs when:
   • The spouse made separate Estimated Tax payments and filed a joint return, or vice versa; or
   • The return was filed before the last Estimated Tax payment was credited to the account.
6. The taxpayer has a Schedule E claiming a deduction for a questionable tax shelter.
7. The taxpayer is claiming a blatantly unallowable deduction.
8. The taxpayer is considered to be a first-time filer. A first-time filer is defined as a taxpayer who has not filed a tax return as a primary or secondary taxpayer during the previous ten years.
9. Form 8379 Injured Spouse Allocation is attached.