Unexpected Employee Retention Credit Refund Delays

by | Dec 6, 2021

The IRS is experiencing continued delays

The IRS is currently backlogged with millions of unprocessed payroll tax returns due to the changes in COVID-19 safety protocols and the volume of Employee Retention Credit (ERC) refund requests.

As of November 17, 2021, the IRS posted that there are about 2.4 million unprocessed Forms 941 and approximately 400,000 unprocessed Forms 941-X. Additionally, the IRS advised that they will be processing all Forms 941 before they process the corresponding Forms 941-X. It is also rumored that the IRS may be processing 2020 payroll refunds before 2021 payroll refunds.

To check any new IRS status postings, visit: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations-during-covid-19-mission-critical-functions-continue and scroll down to “Filed a Tax Return”.

How long does it take to receive the ERC refund?

Previously it was expected that after the amended payroll reports have been filed, the IRS would issue refunds within six weeks to six months. We are now encouraging you to plan for a turnaround time of nine to twelve months.

How to check the status of your refund

To check the status of your refund, you can call the IRS at (877) 777-4778. Expect extended wait times. We recommend that the best course of action is to visit the IRS website. Unfortunately, we don’t expect there to be any new or additional information learned from a phone call conversation.

Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts: What’s the Difference?

Trusts are powerful estate planning tools, but not all trusts are created equal. In this video, we break down the key differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts, including control, tax treatment, creditor protection, and long-term planning implications. Whether you’re building a basic estate plan or preserving multigenerational wealth, understanding these two foundational trust structures is essential.

OBBBA: Middle-Market Business Changes

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is redefining tax planning for middle-market businesses. Discover the five key changes impacting decisions today and shaping strategies for the future.

OBBBA: Opportunity Zones

Understand how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act reshapes Opportunity Zone incentives and what it means for your investments.

Using POD and TOD Accounts in Your Estate Plan

Discover how Payable-on-Death (POD) and Transfer-on-Death (TOD) accounts streamline the inheritance process, enabling beneficiaries to bypass probate and access assets swiftly. While these tools offer speed and cost-effectiveness, they come with potential pitfalls that could disrupt your estate plan if not carefully coordinated. Explore their benefits and drawbacks to ensure seamless asset distribution among your loved ones.

The Strategic Power of Charitable Lead Trusts: How Families Can Transfer Assets While Making an Impact

Charitable lead trusts offer families a powerful strategy to dramatically reduce estate taxes while transferring appreciating assets to the next generation and supporting charitable causes simultaneously. By leveraging today’s low interest rate environment, a $10 million CLT could potentially transfer $3.7 million or more to family members while creating a taxable gift of only $528,700. However, families must carefully weigh the substantial benefits against significant risks, including asset underperformance, irrevocable structure, and complex administrative requirements.

Maximizing Your Itemized Deductions Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: A Strategic Guide for 2026

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has fundamentally reshaped the landscape of itemized deductions, creating both new opportunities and challenges for taxpayers who want to maximize their tax savings. While the SALT deduction cap increases to $40,000 and new charitable giving options emerge, taxpayers also face a new 0.5% AGI floor on charitable deductions and limitations that effectively cap itemized deduction benefits at 35% for high earners starting in 2026. Success under the new law requires strategic multi-year planning, including bunching deductions in alternating years and carefully timing major deductible expenses to avoid new limitations while maximizing available benefits.

Maximize Your Legacy While Minimizing Taxes: The Strategic Guide to Charitable Remainder Trusts

If you’re looking to support your favorite charitable causes while maintaining an income stream and achieving significant tax benefits, a charitable remainder trust (CRT) could be the perfect solution. This sophisticated estate planning tool allows you to convert appreciated assets into lifetime income while making a meaningful charitable impact—all while potentially saving thousands in taxes. Whether you hold highly appreciated stocks, real estate, or other valuable assets, a CRT offers a strategic way to diversify your holdings, reduce your tax burden, and create a lasting philanthropic legacy.