If you are still waiting for a tax refund, here's why

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Tax day has come and gone, but looking back at this year's tax season, the IRS reported no significant delays, processing about 136 million returns and refunding roughly $245 billion since April 19.

"Nine out of 10 people get their refund in about three weeks," Chief Tax Information Officer for Jackson Hewitt, Mark Steber, said.

For those taxpayers, the average refund amount was around $3,011, according to the agency. But some central Ohioans said that more than 10 weeks later, they're still waiting for their money.

One viewer said she filed at the end of March and has yet to see her refund from the state. Another asked, "Will I even see my tax return this year?"

If you, too, are still waiting, Steber said there are a lot of possible reasons for a delay, like missing information or potential fraud.

"It can be as simple as, you know, birth certificate, and some school records for a dependent or something else very similar to prove you are you, because somebody else already filed your return," Steber said.

All of which require the agency to take a closer look, and take more time to process the return. The best way to find out for sure what's behind the slowdown, Steber said, is to visit the IRS website.

"You need to go check the Where's My Refund? tool, and then you'll see what it says, and it typically tells you the return's been processed, refund's been processed, and then the expected date of your refund," Steber said. "Or you may have an alert that says something else. 'Your refund has been delayed because of X. Contact the IRS.’"

To do that, you can call 800-829-1040.

And according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the IRS is providing better phone service now than in years past, answering more calls and cutting down on wait times.

Still, Steber said taxpayers need to be aware that the process will take time and require some patience. But, if you want your money, you have to act.

"So, you'll either be able to go check, and you'll find out it's on the way, or there's a snag or more information needed," Steber said. "And if more information is needed, you're going to have to take action and provide that information. But waiting is not a good answer if you're expecting your money."

When it comes to state taxes, Better Call 4 reached out to the Ohio Department of Taxation. A representative said there is no issue overall with refunds being delayed.