The IRS Is Holding My Refund
The IRS can hold your refund and apply it to a past balance, or hold it pending review of your return.
The Problem
You filed your return expecting a refund, but the IRS is holding it. This can happen because you owe a balance from a prior year (the IRS offsets your refund against the old debt), your return is under review for identity verification, or specific credits or deductions triggered additional scrutiny.
The Solution
If the refund was offset against a prior balance, you need to address the underlying debt. If the return is under review, respond to whatever the IRS requests within the deadline. If the hold is related to identity verification, complete the verification process (usually by phone or in person at a Taxpayer Assistance Center).
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