Early Filing Season Myths

Myth 1: All Refunds are Delayed

While more than nine out of 10 federal tax refunds are issued in less than 21 days. By law the IRS cannot issue refunds for tax returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) before mid-February.

Myth 2: Delayed Refunds, those Claiming EITC and/or ACTC, will be Delivered on Feb. 15

By law, IRS cannot issue EITC and ACTC refunds before mid-February. The earliest EITC/ACTC related refunds to be available in taxpayer bank accounts or debit cards starting Feb. 27, 2018. The IRS must hold the entire refund, not just the part related to these credits.

Myth 3: Ordering a Tax Transcript a “Secret Way” to get a Refund Date

Ordering a tax transcript will not help taxpayers find out when they will get their refund. While taxpayers can use a transcript to validate past income and tax filing status for mortgage, student and small business loan applications, use “Where’s My Refund?” to check the status of their refund.

Myth 4: Calling the IRS or a Tax Professional Will Provide a Better Refund Date

People mistakenly think that talking to the IRS or calling their tax professional is the best way to find out when they will get their refund. The best way to check is online through the “Where’s My Refund?” Tool at IRS.gov or via the IRS2Go mobile app. IRS updates the status of refunds once a day, usually overnight, so checking more than once a day will not produce new information.

Myth 5: Calling the IRS is the Most Convenient Way to Get Answers to Tax or Refund Questions

IRS encourages people to check IRS.gov before calling. Official website- IRS.gov- taxpayers can get answers to common questions such as eligibility for a tax benefit.

Myth 6: The IRS will Call or Email Taxpayers about Their Refund

The IRS doesn’t initiate contact with taxpayer by email, text messages, or social media to request personal or financial information.

The IRS will NEVER:

  • Call to demand immediate payment
  • Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law enforcement to have people arrested for not paying
  • Demand that taxes be paid without giving the taxpayer opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed
  • Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone