Can I do anything to speed up my tax refund?

Question

I did my original return, then my dad said I had to claim myself this year, so I did an ammended return. Also since I am claiming myself, he wouldnt be able to claim my school payments, and that I could claim them.

Ammended returns take 12 weeks to process. I waited the 12 and got a notice that they needed more information regarding my payments. The statement from the school did not have a copy for the IRS. So I made a copy, and sent the original. Waited 12 more, got a notice saying that "due to heavy workload, we have not yet completed our research to resolve your inquiry." It said they needed 45 more days. I waited the 45 and got another letter that said the same thing. Waited 45 more, and got another letter today saying they need 45 more days.

If there refunds were as fast and accurate as these letters coming I would have had my refund by now.

Is there anything I can do to speed this up? I don't know what "research" they are doing, I sent them everything they needed.

EXTRA STUFF: I filed extronically in January... it's been 32 weeks since the IRS received my ammended.

And school payments are refundable, up to $1000 is refunded 100%.

Answer 1

Hate to tell you this, but I have seen it take up to 6 months to resolve this kind of amendment. For that, you'll just have to wait. You're doing all you can, if you send them what they ask for as soon as you can.

However, if you originally filed with a tax preparer, contact that person. Most reputable companies will help you through this kind of mess at no additional charge (I know H&R Block does). So let them do their job if that's a possibility. Sometimes they can help clear things up since they know the terminology and have done this a time or two before.

Next, you need to know that your school payments are NOT "refundable". They may be deductible, which means you don't pay tax on that money. They may be able to be used as non-refundable credits, which lower your actual tax. But you will not be refunded the money you paid for school. This is a common error people make. Also, especially for this coming year, be aware that there are more than 4 ways to claim education expenses on a tax return, depending on your situation. Some of them may benefit you more than others, so you need to talk to someone or do some homework so that you pay the smallest tax legally possible.

If you need more help, let me know!

Answer 2

Most returns are automatically processed and the refunds get out faster. The earlier you submit a tax return, the faster you get a refund because most people wait until the last minute and then the IRS gets bogged down.

Amended returns are processed individually and get closer scrutiny, so it takes a lot longer, plus the fact that it sounds like you may have sent it in near the deadline, or near one of the deadlines for extensions. Luck of the draw, I guess.

Funny how fast they are to move when they want money, but giving it back is another story.

Answer 3

Yes. Call them on the IRS Help Line at 1-800-829-1040 to speak directly with an IRS agent. Ask them to resolve your amended return so that you can resolve your tax.

Important note: some agents are more helpful than others. If one agent cannot help you, call back and get a more helpful one.

(For instance in my case there was a problem with a return (the IRS had "lost" my return"). Agent #1 told me that they had "lost the return because I hadn't filed it." Obviously this wasn't helpful. Agent #2 located the "lost" return and corrected a problem I had with it over the phone. This was much easier to resolve over the phone with a live human being.)

Answer 4

File early and electonically.

BTW. I didn't know that school expenses are tax deductable. When did that happen. You'd better check with the IRS an that.

Is there a local IRS office? If so, drop in and have a friendly chat.

Answer 5

I additionally filed the final week in January, yet my refund date replaced into scheduled for 2/13 the WMR internet site is displaying won and processing for 2/17. i don't be attentive to all people who filed a similar week as me (I filed for 6 human beings on a similar time) who has won their refund yet. we are all hoping for the thirteenth so i will examine on Wednesday and desire for the wonderful.

Answer 6

NOPE its the IRS if you send them information before its requested chances are its going to get misplaced. And the people who need to see it wont .....Dont worry they will keep asking you for info. Chalk it up to a loss for the moment and dont spend it before you get it. It will come E v e n t u a l l y they can be S L O W

Answer 7

Not much. But you can try bugging them by phone.

1-800-829-1040

At least call them once or twice a week and ask about the "status" of your amended return.

Answer 8

You have no choice but wait now.
Next year file an electronic return and ask for direct deposit.

Answer 9

Next year, do everything online and your refund will be deposited directly into your checking account.

Answer 10

nope