The IRS Status Page: What It Shows You and How It Can Help You

If you are a taxpayer (or tax preparer) in the United States, you may have some questions or concerns about your taxes, especially during these uncertain times. You may wonder how long it will take for the IRS to process a tax return or payment, when you will receive your refund or stimulus check, or what to do if you have a problem with your taxes. Fortunately, there is a handy tool that can help you with all these issues and more: IRS Operations: Status of Mission-Critical Functions (the "IRS Status Page").

The IRS Status Page is a web page that provides an overview of the changes related to IRS operations and guidance for taxpayers during the coronavirus pandemic. The page lists various actions that taxpayers may need to take, such as filing a tax return, answering a letter or notice, requesting an ITIN, or checking the status of a refund or payment. The page also gives information on how long the IRS is taking to process these actions and what taxpayers can expect. The page is updated periodically with the latest information on IRS operations and services.

The IRS Status Page can help you with your taxes in several ways. Here are some of the benefits of using the IRS Status Page:

• You can get an estimate of how long it will take for the IRS to process your action. The IRS Status Page shows you the average time it takes for the IRS to process various actions, such as filing a tax return, answering a letter or notice, requesting an ITIN, or checking the status of a refund or payment. The page also shows you the percentage of actions that have been processed within that time frame. For example, as of September 15, 2023, the IRS Status Page states, "We’ve processed all paper and electronic individual returns received prior to August 2023, and we’re opening mail within normal time frames. This means we’ve processed all returns we’ve received for tax year 2021 or earlier if those returns had no errors or didn’t require further review."
• You can find out what to do next after completing your action. The IRS Status Page gives you guidance on what steps you need to take after completing your action.
• You can learn how to avoid common errors and delays. The IRS Status Page provides tips and advice on how to avoid common errors and delays that may affect your tax situation.

The IRS Status Page is a useful resource for taxpayers (and tax preparers) who want to stay on top of their taxes and avoid any problems or delays. By using the IRS Status Page, you can get an estimate of how long it will take for the IRS to process your action, find out what to do next after completing your action, and learn how to avoid common errors and delays. The IRS Status Page can make your tax life easier and less stressful.