Avoid These Mistakes to Prevent Delayed Tax Refunds

As tax-filing season approaches, taxpayers may face delays in receiving their refunds due to common mistakes during the filing process. Tax professionals highlight that electronically filed returns are processed faster than paper returns, with potential waits of 21 days for e-filing compared to four weeks for filing by mail. Common errors, such as mathematical mistakes or missing forms, can also cause processing setbacks.

Identifying and preventing tax-related fraud is another concern for taxpayers, with advice to file early to reduce the risk of identity theft affecting refunds. Additionally, claiming certain tax credits can slow down the refund process due to precautionary reviews by the IRS. Understanding the factors affecting refunds can help taxpayers better navigate the tax season and manage their finances more effectively.