IRS Tax Topic 152

Although 90% of tax refunds are issued within three weeks, many people find that their refund is delayed for too long and are advised to contact Tax Topic 152. If your tax refund is taking longer than you expect, this topic tells you what you can do to check the status of your refund, and tells you how to contact the IRS to ask about the status of your money.

What is IRS Tax Topic 152?

The IRS publishes answers to many common tax-related questions. Tax Service Topic 152 addresses the issue of late tax returns. In addition to publishing a tax topic on late tax returns, the “Where’s My Refund” tool allows filers to check the status of their refund just 24 hours after filing.

Possible reasons for IRS Tax Topic 152

If your tax return is delinquent, the IRS may refer you to Tax Topic 152 to find out what’s going on. There are several reasons why you may have received this referral, which depend on your situation and your annual return.

Does your refund include the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and/or Additional Child Tax Credit

If you claimed the EITC because your household income is low to moderate, or the Additional Child Tax Credit, there may be a delay in processing. The IRS expects to mail these returns by March 1, but there will be custom refund dates listed online.

You filed an amended return

Although the IRS typically issues refunds within 21 days, if you have filed an amended return, your refund may take up to 16-20 weeks.

You filed an injured spouse claim

People who are not liable for their partner’s IRS debts, but who file joint tax returns with their partner, can claim their share of the tax return separately from their partner’s. This is known as an injured spouse claim. Processing these claims may take longer, but it prevents the IRS from imposing additional burdens on a spouse who doesn’t owe money.

You filed a return using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Anyone filing tax returns must have the proper identification number on their documents. Most people use their social security number (SSN) as their identification number. Foreign permanent residents and non-permanent residents filing a tax return will need to use an ITIN on their return. This may result in additional processing time at the tax office.

• Non-resident foreigners filing an income tax return
• Non-resident aliens doing business in the US who file a 1040-NR form may have to wait up to six months to get their tax refund.

There is an error on your tax return

Your tax refund may be delayed due to an error on your tax return.

If this is the case, don’t feel bad. The IRS has a list of common mistakes people make when filing their individual tax return. Moving forward, double check your form to make sure everything is correct the first time.

What should I do?

If you have received a reference to the topic 152 from taxes, don’t panic! Read through the topic carefully and find out what situation applies to you. Make a list of questions for the tax office if you need further clarification.

Remember, if Tax Topic 152 is listed on your profile, the IRS doesn’t need anything from you right now. They are still processing your return.

When does this happen after Tax Topic 152 is processed?

After the IRS has finished processing your return, two things can happen. The best case scenario is that the IRS approves your return and sends you your refund.

Another possible outcome is that the IRS places your tax return under review. If this happens, a 151 tax topic will appear on your account. In this situation, you will receive a letter from the IRS explaining the changes to your return. These may include adjustments or collection activities.

If you are concerned about being audited, Tax Shark offers clients protection from tax audits. We represent clients facing IRS audits and handle all correspondence and communication during the process, allowing our clients’ peace of mind during the process.

How can I avoid future delays?

The best way to avoid delays with your IRS tax return is to file correctly the first time. During January and February, keep a file of your W2s, 1099s and other tax forms as they come in. Don’t guess about the numbers. Instead, review your documents carefully and consider hiring a tax professional to review and file your return.

People who file their tax returns electronically and choose direct deposit will get their refunds faster. This may be a good option to keep in mind to ensure you get your refund as early as possible.

How to contact the tax office

To ask questions about your refund and check the status of your tax return, here are some ways to contact the IRS and speak with an agent.

Call the IRS

If you can’t find the information you need online, you can call the IRS at 800-829-1954 for information about your tax refund or call 866-464-2050 to talk about an adjusted tax refund. When you call, have your personal information handy, as well as any notices you have received from the IRS.

Visit your local IRS office
You can make an appointment at your local IRS office to speak with a local IRS representative. They can give you additional information about the status of your refund. When you go, be sure to bring identification with you.

Taxpayer Advocate

You can also contact the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate. This is an independent agency within the IRS that acts as the voice of the taxpayer). If you have tried to contact the IRS and have been unsuccessful, you can contact your local taxpayer advocate. Each state has at least one taxpayer advocate who is separate from the local IRS office. They can help you determine the status of your refund.

What should I do if my tax refund is taking too long?

If your tax refund is taking too long, you can follow the recommendations in Tax Theme 152 by checking the status of your refund online. You can also call the IRS at 800-829-1954, or 866-464-2050 for an amended refund, to check the status of our paperwork.

Does Tax Topic 152 mean a refund is coming soon?

Receiving a notice to check Tax Topic 152 can be a sign that your refund is being delayed. If you receive this notice, you can use the IRS “where is my refund?” tool to check the status of your refund.

How long does it take Tax Topic 152 to process?

Generally, tax returns take 21 days to process and refunds issued. If you have an amended return, it can take up to 20 weeks to process your paperwork.