1040-US ELF: Issues that cause a refund delay on an electronically filed return (FAQ)

Show expandable text

New (tax) year, new help!

Fixed Assets and UltraTax CS 2023 help is now on Help and Support. We're still moving articles, but you can find most content for the 2023 tax year there. Continue using the Help & How-To Center for tax years 2022 and older.

Question

What issues may cause a refund delay on an electronically filed return?

Answer

The following issues may delay refunds.

  • Delinquent taxes
  • Past-due child support
  • Delinquent federal debts, such as student loans, etc.
  • Last name and Social Security number of primary taxpayer does not match last year's return
  • Estimated taxes claimed on the return do not match master file
  • Schedule E with questionable tax shelter
  • Blatantly unallowable deductions
  • First-time filer
  • Form 1042-S, Foreign Person's U.S. Source Income Subject to Withholding, requesting a refund of tax withheld
  • Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation
  • Total tax is zero, withholding/excess FICA is greater than or equal to $10,000, and direct deposit is selected

Related topic: 1040-US ELF: Electronic filing FAQs

Was this article helpful?

Thank you for the feedback!