5 On Your Side asks IRS about refund delays

Still waiting for your IRS tax refund? You’re not alone.

5 On Your Side heard from many, so Monica Laliberte looked into the delays.

Yes, COVID-19 has impacted refunds, especially if you’re one of the millions who filed a paper return, like a Cary taxpayer who mailed her paper return in early April.

An IRS spokesman told 5 On Your Side that when IRS employees switched to working remotely, returns sent through regular mail were left sitting in storage and are not being processed.

So far, there’s no firm timeline on when staff will be back in offices and able to work through the backlog.

If you’re still waiting, the only thing you can do is be patient. The IRS says there is no reason to file again.

Overall, the number of processed returns is down 13% from last year, and there are delays with taxes filed electronically as well.

The Cary taxpayer is frustrated with the lack of answers from the IRS.

She says for next year, she’s adjusting her withholdings, so she doesn’t get a return.

And a reminder, this year’s tax deadline is July 15.

If you still need to file, the IRS says do it electronically.