We have received many client phone calls and emails wondering about outdated notices from the IRS, missing refunds and missing stimulus payments. IRS Operations are now focused on keeping mission-critical functions going. They are open and processing mail, tax returns, payments, refunds and correspondence; however, COVID-19 continues to cause delays. Please expect delays in the following areas:
- Live phone support (including for tax practitioners at Ross & Moncure who may try to call to ask questions on your behalf).
- Processing tax returns filed by mail as opposed to by electronic submission.
- Answering mail from taxpayers (including notice replies prepared and submitted on your behalf by Ross & Moncure, Inc.).
- The review of more complex tax returns or transactions.
We predict the following client cases to be delayed:
- If the IRS wrote a follow-up notice to you about your 2019 tax return, it may take several months for this reply to be processed, resulting in delays to 2019 refunds and carryforwards.
- If you submitted a payment with your 2019 tax returns, it may take several months for this payment to be posted to your 2019 tax account.
- If you applied for a large refund in 2019, or an early refund of 2020 FIRPTA withholding, this will take extra time to process.
At this time, we are asking clients to be patient with us and with the IRS. It may take us longer to resolve issues than in the past by mail and by phone, and you may get several notices relating to issues that you thought were resolved.
You can find more information here: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations-during-covid-19-mission-critical-functions-continue.